Little River Bane coming to Geneva in February

LITTLE RIVER BAND, who hit singles include “Lady” and “Reminiscing”, will perform live on stage at the Smith Opera House on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 7:30pm. The LITTLE RIVER BAND concert is sponsored by First Niagara Bank.Little River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer foreign markets from an Australian base. Little River Band was formed in Melbourne in 1975 and named after a road sign for the Victorian township of Little River, near Geelong, Australia.Within eight months of their birth, LRB had already scored three Australian Top 20 singles and two Top Ten albums. In 1976, after their self-titled debut album was released in the USA, the long grind of 13 US tours in eight years had begun.LITTLE RIVER BAND achieved six consecutive US top ten singles “Reminiscing” (#3, their biggest hit), “Lady” (#10), “Lonesome Loser” (#6), “Cool Change” (#10), “The Night Owls” (#6) and “Take It Easy on Me” (#10). During their career the band has sold more than 25 million records and has scored 13 American Top 40 hits.”Reminiscing” was recognized by BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) as one of the most frequently played songs in the history of American radio, with more than four million plays to its credit. “Lady” has also accumulated more than three million plays. According to Albert Goldman’s biography, John Lennon named “Reminiscing” as one of his favorite songs.Headlining their own major shows in America, and touring internationally with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp, America, and the Eagles was a huge learning curve that honed LRB into one of the finest live bands in the world.Record success ran alongside – total record sales around the world have eclipsed the 25 million mark. 16 hit singles by 1985, as well as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum album sales awards. All-told LRB have notched up eight top 10 singles in the US, where just two of their songs, Reminiscing and Lady, have more than 8 million radio plays between them.Through the years LRB has thrived as a highly respected and constantly in-demand outfit, going about their craft with a dedication to excellence and professionalism that few, if any, can match.The Little River Band is as strong as ever. There is a new fusion of spontaneity, rock and roll, and blues, anchored by American bass player Wayne Nelson, who began his LRB career in 1980. The following year Wayne debuted as lead vocalist on the top ten hits “The Night Owls” and “Take It Easy On Me”, and continues in that role today. Wayne has been part of LRB’s scrapbook for over 35 years, and relishes his link to the band’s history.Nelson remarks of the changes after 35 years, the prospect of breaking in new American musicians to be part of LRB was daunting. We all have the utmost respect for the history of the band, and for what Little River Band songs mean to our fans…but we always look for a way to bring something new to the stage. We’re having a lot of fun exploring new ways to deliver the songs – still recognizable and powerful, but with new twists that will delight those fans who like to listen deep and analyze.As we look forward to another year of touring, there is no doubt that new ideas for some of the band’s songs that aren’t as well known as the hits will come forward. And there are already new grooves happening at sound check which will eventually send us back to the studio. Capacity crowds across America and beyond continue to attest the enduring appeal of Little River Band…on CD and in concert. As we approach our 35th anniversary, each year promises to be a very special one for a band that really has withstood the test of time. To check videos and listen to Little River Band hits visit http://www.last.fm/music/Little+River+BandTickets are $30 general admission. More information can be obtained at www.thesmith.org or by calling (315) 781-5483. The Smith accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover. Box office hours are weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 pm. The Smith Opera House is located at 82 Seneca Street, Geneva, NY.