NEWS RELEASE
RIVER RUN CENTRE
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GUELPH - After a long and illustrious career featuring radio hits, chart-topping records and performances around the world, the members of Lighthouse remain passionate about creating live music. The band's loyal fans couldn't be happier.
"We are very driven to continue performing because of our audiences," says Paul Hoffert, a founding member of the iconic Canadian group. "Audience members contribute to every performance and Lighthouse has been very fortunate to be able to connect with generations of fans over the years."
Guelph fans can see the band whose hit songs include One Fine Morning, Sunny Days and Pretty Lady when Lighthouse takes the stage at River Run Centre on Friday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. The Main Stage performance is presented as part of the Richardson GMP Music Series.
The seed for Lighthouse was planted when fellow founding member Skip Prokop told Hoffert about his vision of forming a rock orchestra consisting of three quartets: jazz horns, classical strings and a rock rhythm section. Hoffert, a jazz musician, composer and arranger at the time, told him: "If you're gonna do it… call me." Lighthouse made its debut at Toronto’s Rock Pile on May 14, 1969.
Since that first show, the band has become the sound of generations in Canada. It has also won fans around the world for its uplifting tunes and free-wheeling, high-spirited performances. A rigorous touring schedule has seen Lighthouse take the stage at iconic venues including Carnegie Hall, the Fillmore East and Fillmore West.
Lighthouse fans have certainly remained loyal to the band, Hoffert says, some travelling great distances - even across continents - to attend concerts. He notes the message behind Lighthouse's music is a reason fans keep coming back.
"Lighthouse’s lyrics are a big reason that many fans follow the band," Hoffert says. "It takes many types of stories to describe a culture and Lighthouse’s songs have focused more on uplifting themes than others. Listing the names of many of our songs reinforces this: One Fine Morning, Sunny Days, Pretty Lady, 1849 (overcoming the adversity of settling the west) and Good Day."
Hoffert says the internet has provided a unique connection between the band and its fans, who can share stories and interact with the band at www.lighthouserockson.com.
After a nearly 40-year career, Lighthouse has no plans of slowing down. The band has scheduled performances across Canada, plans for a U.S. music cruise with the Moody Blues and will release a new album on Universal Records in October. Certainly, more Sunny Days are ahead for Lighthouse.
Tickets to see Lighthouse cost $52 for adults and $50 for seniors and students. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. $5 eyeGO tickets are available to high school students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at River Run Centre box office, 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, by calling 519-763-3000, or online.
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