March 19, 2024

Classic Newton band reuniting for benefit concert

Rock ‘n’ Roll and rollerskates will come together for the “Rock the Rink” benefit concert, 7 p.m., Oct. 25, at the recently reopened West Gate skating facility, 1611 First Ave. W.

Proceeds from the concert will go toward three musical scholarships and building a new Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame Museum, and the man behind the festivities is Newton resident Dennis Farland.

“We’ve been doing the ‘Winter Dance Party Music Scholarships’ for 15 years now, and we’ve given over $50,000 to students going to school for either music education or music performance,” Farland said.

Farland is hoping this show is the catalyst for an even bigger central Iowa musical fundraising tour, but for now he’s focused on getting the rink to rock. He’s pulled out all the stops and has got his former band, The Eight Track Bank, to reunite for the event.

The band was together for more than 20 years and developed a reputation for quality performances in the region, Farland said. Eight Track broke up a three years ago, and their last performance at Sugar Grove Vineyard and Gathering Place was attended by 1,000 to 1,200 people he estimated.

Farland attributes the band’s lingering popularity due to the wide range of talent in its line-ups — 14 members played the last performance — and the good memories they stir up in people by playing classic ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s hits.

“The thing that’s most unique about our group is, most bands are lucky to have one great singer … I’m spoiled with this group, because there’s so many vocal skills and so many songs that we can do. That’s what makes us popular and what makes people want to hear us,” Farland said.

While nostalgia is powerful tool, Farland didn’t rest on that alone when he was building this show’s line-up and he called in a lot of favors to ensure concertgoers would get their money’s worth.

Additional acts include Des Moines group,  Richie Lee & the Fabulous ‘50s, and Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame nominee the Harvest Band. In addition, former “American Idol” contestant Dani Heikkila, Connie Valens — sister of rock legend Ritchie Valens — and Kevin King, of Hot Rod-Chevy King, will all make guest set appearances.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and adult beverages will be provided by the First Avenue Speakeasy. Tickets are $12 in advance and $16 at the door, and can be purchased at Mattingly’s Music, the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, Barney’s Wrecker Service and many other locations across Newton.

For more information, contact Farland at (641) 792-8220.

Contact Senior Staff Writer Ty Rushing at (641) 7920-3121 Ext. 6532 or trushing@newtondailynews.com