Response to the upcoming ZZ Top concert on June 8 was so strong, a second show on June 9 has been announced.

“That decision rests with the promoter and the band. They made that call, the facility was available and demand was so strong for the first show that they felt that there was enough in the market that it would take a second show,” said Chris New, leisure development manager for the City. “Partially because out of their Calgary office they had been getting a number of e-mails and phone calls from the States and West Kootenays (about the concert).”

A handful of tickets have also been released for the first show, although New said they are being scooped up quickly.

“There’s not a lot left in the first show. There are singles scattered here and there, some standing room, there’s not much to choose from that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s going to be jam packed.”

About 3,900 people will attend the first concert.

Tickets sales for the second show began Monday, May 3 and New said although there were a few people lined up at 5 a.m. for tickets, the response does not compare to the ticket sales for the first show.

“We certainly didn’t see the big line ups from the first show because we got all those locals buying tickets to the first show,” he said. “So it’s been more the phone system. It’s been a steady pace today. Most of the advertising starts over the next few days to start pushing it.”

New said those attending the concert should expect everyone to be standing throughout the entire event.

“The production people were in and their thought was that if it’s anything like a lot of the other shows, the entire place is standing for the whole show, whether you’re up in the bowl or have seats on the floor, that’s been the response at a lot of venues,” he said.

New recommends concert goers arrive early for the shows.

“We encourage people to get there early for the show because it is a full pat down, no bags allowed, purses will be searched, all that kind of stuff will be in place,” he said.

Small snapshot cameras will be permitted but no professional-type cameras or audio and video recording devices will be allowed.

For more information on the ZZ Top concert and ticket info visit www.cranbrookrecplex.ca.

The Rec Plex recently played host to Randy Travis and New said everything he’s heard about the concert has been good.

“I’ve had nothing but positive response. I’ve had a number of people tell me sound was great, the views was great, he performed really well. I’ve heard nothing but really positive feedback,” he said. “We were quite happy here too because it was basically within a few of a sell out. I don’t think we had 30 seats left to the public.”