Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Peter Cetera will perform live in Lebanon on Friday evening, May 19 at the Fantasy Gala, sponsored by the St. John’s-Lebanon Heritage Foundation.

 The not-for-profit community health care organization will use the performer’s appearance to enhance the foundation’s fundraising efforts for its current campaign for a new cancer care center in Lebanon as well as enhancing its community health projects.

 “Peter Cetera’s music will be recognized by many people who have listened to his great hits throughout that past decades or seen such movies as Pretty Woman and Karate Kid II,” says St. John’s-Lebanon Heritage Foundation Director Karen Simpson. “The foundation’s fantasy gala was a huge success last year and having Peter and a 42-piece orchestra playing this year will provide a most elegant, enjoyable evening for everyone.”

St. John’s Hospital-Lebanon President Tim Johnsen says the foundation worked for several months to secure Cetera to perform at the foundation’s second gala. “Definitely the foundation was looking for a distinctive talent. Cetera is certainly a class act. His eloquent performance accompanied by an outstanding orchestra will once again make this gala a memorable experience. Peter Cetera’s music, both from his solo career and as a part of a well-known musical group, backed by a wonderful orchestra will set the stage for a very special evening.”

Cetera has succeeded with two profound musical careers. As a distinguished solo artist since 1986, his notable hits have included the #1 Single and Academy Award Nominated song “The Glory of Love” from the hit movie The Karate Kid II, “The Next Time I Fall” with Amy Grant, “Feels Like Heaven” with Chaka Khan, and “After All” with Cher and from the motion picture Chances Are, and “No Explanation” from the mega hit film Pretty Woman.

Most recently he has released the DVD from his recorded PBS special, which features an eloquent performance of his greatest hits in collaboration with a symphony orchestra. This past Christmas he just recorded his first ever holiday album, “You Just Gotta Love Christmas”, featuring charming duets with his daughter, Claire Cetera, & Grammy Award winning recording artist Alison Krauss.

Prior to his prominent solo career, he was the legendary voice, songwriter, & bass player for the Multi-Platinum group, Chicago. His world-wide success with the Grammy Award winning band include the hits “If You Leave Me Now”, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”, “Baby What a Big Surprise”, “You’re the Inspiration”, “Stay the Night”, “Love Me Tomorrow”, “Happy Man”, “Hard Habit to Break”, “Feeling Stronger Every Day”, & “Along Comes a Woman”.


Hosts for the evening are Craig and Tracy Curry. “Tracy and I are very excited to have Peter Cetera here in Lebanon,” says Craig Curry. “We’re fans of Peter as a singer and as a songwriter, as many folks our age are, and we are really pleased to be associated with this fundraising event.”

The foundation’s black-tie optional Fantasy Gala kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center with a social hour. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. with the exclusive concert by Peter Cetera and a 42-piece orchestra after dinner. “People can plan to truly enjoy the evening,” says Johnsen. “The Fantasy Gala will once again be a unique event for Lebanon. People can enjoy a good, fun evening featuring talent that most likely wouldn’t be coming to Lebanon if it weren’t for the foundation. We want those attending to enjoy and feel appreciated for their support of the foundation.”

After the Peter Cetera concert, a post-party concert features St. Louis performers Arvell and Company who will perform a tribute show to Earth, Wind & Fire as well as other dance hits.

Tickets for the entire evening, including social hour, dinner, both concerts, valet parking and a commemorative gift are $250 each or an entire table for eight may be reserved with a $2000 contribution to the foundation. Other sponsorships are available which include advertisement, recognition and promotion for the sponsor as well as tickets.

Recipients of the foundations 2005 Heritage and Health scholarships will be announced at the gala.

For more information about tickets and sponsorships, contact the foundation office at 417-532-3495, go online at www.stjohnslebanon.com or stop by the foundation office at 281 S. Jefferson, Suite F, Lebanon.

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION, CONTACT ST. JOHN’S MEDIA RELATIONS AT 417-820-2426 OR CSCOTT@SPRG.MERCY.NET or Linda Ankrom in Lebanon at 417-327-4542 or lwankrom@alltel.net.

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