The Southwest Florida Event Center will get off to a rockin’ start when it relaunches March 25 in Bonita Springs with an ensemble concert called “It Was 50 Years Ago Today.”
Legendary rockers Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross and some members of top classic rock bands Badfinger, Chicago, The Moody Blues and Wings will perform their individual hits plus selected songs from the critically acclaimed albums “Revolver” and “Rubber Soul” as a tribute to The Beatles on the band’s 50th anniversary.
“We’re kind of excited,” said Jennifer Shanahan, who co-owns the Southwest Florida Event Center with her husband, Richard. “Four of them are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
In addition to Rundgren and Cross, next month’s inaugural show will feature Badfinger with Joey Molland; Jason Scheff, Chicago’s lead singer from 1985 to 2016; and Denny Laine, a founding member of both the Moody Blues and Wings.
A pioneering musical performer and producer, Rundgren’s solo hits include “Hello It’s Me,” “I Saw the Light” and “Can We Still Be Friends.” Grammy-winning Cross is best known for his hits, “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do).”
As proven with their first concert lineup in two years, the Shanahans vowed to return with bigger and better shows in their intimate venue on the southeast corner of Bonita Beach Road and Imperial Parkway. “We’re cutting back on 200 ticket sales (per event for social distancing), but getting bigger talent,” Jennifer Shanahan said.
The couple reluctantly closed the event center in March 2020 after the pandemic lockdown triggered postponement and cancellation of public events. Two months later, they thought the local venue was permanently closed. But a little time and distance have proven that was not meant to be.
The Southwest Florida Event Center is rocking back by popular demand, of course. “In the past two years after shutting down I have been getting emails every day,” Shanahan said. “We are ready to embrace our loyal patrons who have encouraged us to bring the music back to life in Southwest Florida.”
Tickets for the 7 p.m. show on March 25 will be available to the general public at Ticketmaster beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Pricing for the show was not available.
