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For the first time, two Northeastern Pennsylvania entertainment venues will join forces to give fans a “night to remember” on June 13.

The SMG-managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township and The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre are teaming up to present Bryan Adams in concert.

Brian Sipe, SMG general manager at Mohegan Sun Arena, and Will Beekman, executive director of The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, announced Friday that their venues have partnered to present the “Bryan Adams Get Up Tour” at the Mohegan Sun Arena at 8 p.m on June 13.

“Wilkes-Barre has proven itself a top market for tours and shows and both Will Beekman and myself got together and decided that a rising tide lifts all boats — so let’s do some shows together to keep our momentum going,” Sipe said. “If a show should play our market and it makes sense for us to get together to make it happen, then it’s a no-brainer.”

Sipe said he would pit both his staff and Beekman’s staff against any in a major market.

“Together, I’m convinced we’ll make a … dare I say … night to remember on this Bryan Adams concert,” Sipe said.

Sipe and Beekman would not release terms of any financial deal between the arena and the Kirby Center.

“Brian (Sipe) and I have worked out a fair deal that makes sense for both organizations,” Beekman said. “That was the easy part. Now we’re just focused on selling tickets.”

Since this is the first joint venture of its type between the two venues, Beekman was asked if there will be more to come.

“This is certainly a unique situation, so I wouldn’t expect it to become a regular occurrence,” Beekman said. “That being said, Brian and I both like to be creative in how we program our respective venues, so if this kind of opportunity presents itself somewhere down the road, we will happily work together again.”

Beekman said it’s been quite a while since Adams has toured with his full band.

“His last few visits to our market have been of the solo variety, and they have all taken place on the Kirby Center stage,” Beekman said. “But this tour calls for more seats and a bigger stage. Our friends up the road were able to secure the date, and, given our history with Mr. Adams in the market, they were kind enough to include us in the event.”

Beekman said the joint effort is “definitely outside of the box,” but he said he and Sipe love being outside of the box.

“We appreciate our relationship with him and his team,” Beekman said. “It’s going to be a great night.”

Tickets for the June 13 concert go on sale March 3 at 10 a.m. at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Kirby Center Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Special membership pre-ales for both venues will take place starting March 1 at 10 a.m.

According to information provided by the Arena and the Kirby Center, Adams’ 13th studio album — Get Up (UMe) — produced by famed ELO front-man Jeff Lynne and co-written with his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, features nine new songs.

Along with cuts from his new release, the concert on June 13 will include songs from Adams’ vast collection of hits including, “Summer of 69,” “Heaven,” “Everything I Do (I Do It For You),” “Cuts Like A Knife” and “Please Forgive Me” to mention a very few.

As Canada’s best-known ambassador, Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold upward of 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. He has been awarded the Order of Canada, has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Adams has also been nominated for — and won —several Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy Awards. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into Wembley’s Square of Fame.

Bryan Adams will be in concert June 13 for a joint venture of Mohegan Sun Arena and the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_zzzzmzmz-3.jpg.optimal.jpgBryan Adams will be in concert June 13 for a joint venture of Mohegan Sun Arena and the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.