Barrhead rock fans, it’s almost time to dig in your heels and see how it feels … to raise a little Hell with Trooper.
On Friday night, the veteran Canadian rockers will be pounding out the hits at the Agrena.
The audience can expect to hear such rollicking songs as “3 Dressed Up as a 9”, “The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car”, “Janine” and “We’re Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time).
And, of course, “Raise a little Hell.”
“The crowd will get all the hits,” promised promoter Leigh Friesen last Thursday. “There may be one or two new songs, but I can assure people they will recognize almost 100 per cent of everything they hear.
“The group is in excellent form. I am certain they are all looking forward to playing in Barrhead. They will put on a heck of a show.”
It should be a triumphant return to Barrhead for Trooper, who performed at the Neighbourhood Inn about a decade ago.
Haven’t bought your ticket yet? Well, you had better hurry if you want a VIP table package. Tickets are available from the Co-op and Westlock’s The Flower Shoppe. They can also be bought at the door, costing $45.
Remember, that as well as a night of music the concert will also be a fundraiser for the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games, to be co-hosted by Barrhead and Westlock between July 25 and 28.
It is hoped the concert – complete with spectacular lighting and video screens – will raise more than $10,000, with the board getting 50 per cent of net bar sales. There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 draw.
The fact the event is going ahead is down to an accelerated burst of promotion and organization over the last five weeks that even amazes Friesen.
“Normally it takes about three months to put on a show,” he said.
He added two people in particular had been instrumental in bringing Trooper to town: Re/Max’s Roseanne Bain and Brandy Siegert, from the Town of Barrhead Recreation department.
“Without those two girls this wouldn’t be happening,” said Friesen. “The whole of Barrhead should thank them.”
Friesen is also thanking the pair, for he has been a big Trooper fan since listening to “Hot Shots” as a 16-year-old. Among his favourite tracks are “3 Dressed Up as 9” and “General Hand Grenade.”
Although such songs come from Trooper’s glorious past, they have become popular among new generations of rock fans – thanks to classic rock stations, said Friesen.
Replaying of olden goldies mean veteran rock acts like Trooper, Nazareth, April Wine and Harlequin are once again big crowd-pullers.
“These groups are back in vogue for big shows and selling out, whereas ten years ago they would be playing bars and halls,” said Friesen.
Proof of Trooper’s new popularity can be seen by their busy schedule. At the beginning of the month they played in Bonnyville, Drayton Valley and Edson. The day after the Barrhead concert, they will be performing in Spruce Grove.
On May 31, they will be in Windsor, Ontario, for Beaverfest 2013 and the next day they play at Music on Main Festival in Alliston, Ontario.
The opening acts for Trooper in Barrhead are Kimberly Horricks and The Electric Storm.
Horricks, a local singer, will play an acoustic set, while Electric Storm should thrill rock and roll enthusiasts.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The first act is at 8 p.m., the second at 9 p.m. Trooper will take the stage shortly after 10 p.m. and play for between 75 and 90 minutes.
So why not rock down to the Agrena?
If you don’t like what you got, Trooper can help you change it … and raise a little Hell.
Anyone who wants a table package should contact Friesen at 1-780-723-1539.
