Red Deer College’s annual fundraiser for the arts and music departments is landing a helping hand from former Eagles member Don Felder.
‘Affairs of the Arts – An evening at the Hotel California with Don Felder’ is set for March 3. This year marks the 15th anniversary for Affairs of the Arts.
Felder, the Grammy award-winning former lead guitarist of the Eagles, will perform a collection of hits he has performed over the last 27 years on the Arts Centre Mainstage.
Event organizers chose a new format to celebrate the 15th year of the event, which is also taking place during the Art Centre’s 25th anniversary year.
“We wanted to do something different,” says John Young, co-chair of Affairs of the Arts committee. “Not only is Felder going to put on a great live performance, but he is also eager and willing to do a masters class with RDC students while here.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for students in the music program to get a unique, inside look into the industry.”
Credited for giving the Eagles their rock and roll edge, Felder has embarked on a solo career. His set list includes a host of hits such as Hotel California, Life in the Fast lane, One of These Nights and Heartache Tonight.
Felder was one of the five members and former lead guitarist of the rock group the Eagles for 27 years.
Felder and the Eagles also hold the honour of having the first Platinum album certified by the RIAA. That record, The Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits 1971- 1975, has reached more than 26 million copies.
In the years the band was apart, Felder wrote music for films and television including songs in Sluggers Wife by Neil Simon, Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Heavy Metal, Secret Admirer, Nice Dreams and Galaxy High.
Having mastered instruments like keyboards, mandolin, pedal steel, and banjo, Felder has also performed and recorded with a diverse slate of musicians from the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper to David Foster, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Vince Gill, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand.
He also hosted a television show for children called FTV, and continues his work with kids through various charities around the world.
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since Felder, Don is now writing and recording songs for an upcoming solo project and touring worldwide. He has become a New York Times bestselling author with his autobiography Heaven and Hell about his life with the Eagles.
Meanwhile, proceeds from Affairs of the Arts support visual and performing arts programs, enabling RDC to enhance learning and provide scholarships and awards. Last year’s event raised over $60,000.
“The Arts Centre is a forward-looking facility with forward-looking instructors,” said Young. “This event helps to ensure that the College continues to have state-of-the-art equipment and resources so students have the best education and opportunities available.”
Businesses looking to support this year’s Affairs of the Arts can get involved as sponsors up until Jan. 31.
Anyone interested should contact Sharon Sutherland at 403-357-3691 or by email at Sharon.Sutherland@rdc.ab.ca.
Tickets are available through the Black Knight Ticket Centre by calling 403-755-6626 or by going online at www.bkticketcentre.ca.
editor@reddeerexpress.com
