WEBSTER CITY - The Webster City RAGBRAI Entertainment Committee revealed that Three Dog Night would headline at Webster City's RAGBRAI overnight stop July 24.
Chairman Kent Bailey said speculation had been flying in the past few weeks about who the band might be.
"Some people were right and others were wrong," he said. "On a forum yesterday on RAGBRAI's site, we found something posted that was fun."
A forum contributor, "Steve," wrote: "Mama told me not to come, but Eli's coming. I've never been to Spain, but I've been out in the country, and sure as I'm sitting here the show must go on. It's easy to be hard, but try a little tenderness and celebrate with Joy to the world. Man I hope I hope I hope."
Bailey said he was happy to confirm "Steve's" guesswork.
The band is in its fourth decade of performing.
"There are so many hits and they have performed to sell-out crowds in many countries around the world," Bailey said. "We sort of gave it away when we were here a couple of weeks ago for a Hotel/Motel Tax grant meeting. That is the fact that they have had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including three No. 1 singles, 11 Top Tens and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs.
Three Dog Night will perform hits such as "Joy to the World," "Mama Told Me Not To Come," "Black and White," "Shambala," "One," "Liar," and "Celebrate."
The entertainment committee has been getting together for months, trying to figure out what the best thing to do for Webster City in regards to entertainment.
"And that is what it all came down to," Bailey said. "Not our personal preferences in music or what other people might think, but what is best for Webster City. Of course, you have to take into consideration what is best for RAGBRAI. With thousands of people coming here on July 24, we certainly want them to be happy, entertained and feeling good about Webster City. Maybe they will come back and visit us again sometime."
Bailey said that all of those items went into the group's decision making.
The afternoon of the overnight stop, an opening band with a local connection will play at 4 p.m.
At 6 p.m., a regional tribute band will play. Three Dog Night plans to take the stage at 9 p.m.
Tickets will be $10 and available in the near future. RAGBRAI registered riders will get in free, and people wearing the official Webster City RAGBRAI T-shirts to the concert will also get in for free.
Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjournal.net or 832-4350