The final piece to the musical entertainment puzzle is in place for this year’s NIBROC Festival, and organizers are calling it one of the strongest lineups yet for the 59-year-old event.
The legendary Little River Band has been announced as the main stage entertainment for Friday, Aug. 12 of the 2011 NIBROC Festival in downtown Corbin.
With recognizable hits like "Lonesome Loser," "Reminiscing," "It’s a Long Way There," and "Lady," NIBROC organizer Bruce Carpenter says the The Little River Band will be one of those acts that will have people saying "I didn’t know they sang that" over and over again.
"A lot of their songs have been played heavily on the radio. People are going to know these songs when they hear them," said Carpenter, who serves as Executive Director for the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the main sponsor of the event.
"I think we’ve really pulled off something special for this year’s NIBROC," Carpenter added. "I try very hard to bring in musicians that are still at the top of their game. This band puts on a great show. They sing great songs. It’s a perfect addition to our festival."
The Little River Band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975. It was originally a blend of musicians who had enjoyed success in other Australian acts. Their new focus was to get airplay on American radio, and they achieved that goal with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the ’70s … and the ’80s.
Little River Band is considered to be one of Australia’s most significant bands. Worldwide album and CD sales now top 30 million. They also set a record for having Top 10 hits for six consecutive years … the first band to achieve that mark. And according to BMI, "Reminiscing" has garnered rare status with over five million airplays on America radio … and "Lady" is close behind with over four million airplays. The group was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame at the 18th Annual ARIA Music Awards of 2004.
Also added to the schedule as an opening act for famous rocker Eddie Money on Saturday night of the festival will be "Celebrate with Peter Rivera," the original singer of Rare Earth.
"I think anyone that grew up in the 1970s and 80s who was into music will remember Rare Earth," Carpenter said. "For an opening act, this is really something special. In one night people are going to be able to see two music legends on the stage for absolutely free. I don’t think you can see high-caliber entertainment like this, for free, anywhere around here except for NIBROC."
Rivera is the original drummer and lead vocalist behind all of Rare Earth’s hits which include: "Get Ready," "I’m Losing You," "Born to Wander," "Hey Big Brother," and "I Just Want to Celebrate." The band sold over 25 million records and recorded 17 albums with the group. The albums "Get Ready" and the two-record set "Rare Earth in Concert" won double platinum. "One World" and "The Ecology Album" went single platinum; "Willie Remembers" and "Ma" won gold.
Rivera has been called the premier rock drummer / vocalist of the ’70s. Peter’s vocals have been featured on countless radio and television commercials. His hit voice is heard in several movies and television shows. "A Knights Tale", "Three Kings", "Chicago Hope" and "Beverly Hills 90210" are but a few.
The two groups join an already stellar lineup.
Rock icon Eddie Money will be the headliner on the final night of the festival, Saturday, Aug. 13. Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke will perform on Thursday night of the festival.
NIBROC is held annually in downtown Corbin. This year’s festival is set for Aug. 11-13. It features a whole plethora of activities including a car show, vendors, live entertainment, games, sports tournaments, a singing competition, a beauty pageant and more.
