Little Feat, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based band known for blending rock, funk, folk, jazz and New Orleans swamp boogie, will headline the 29th annual IYRS Summer Gala on Saturday, July 11.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at the IYRS School of Technology & Trades campus, 449 Thames St. The performance will be part of the band’s highly anticipated farewell tour.
“Having Little Feat as our musical guest is beyond exciting,” said Liz Isdale, IYRS vice president of advancement. “Their energy, their legacy, their incredible sound — it’s the perfect heartbeat for this gala.”
Hinckley Yachts is the event’s title sponsor, and Safe Harbor Marinas returns as the presenting sponsor, hosting the evening’s signature cocktail hour.
The annual gala is a major fundraiser for the school and its students. Last year’s event featured a performance by The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin and drew an expected crowd of 650 guests. That event included cocktails on the IYRS wharf, a seated dinner, auctions and live music.
IYRS is a nonprofit, post-secondary experiential learning institution and the premier marine trades and advanced manufacturing school in the country. The school teaches students skills in boatbuilding, marine systems, advanced manufacturing and composites technology, along with project management, time management, work ethic and collaboration. In 2024, 90 percent of students had a job at graduation.
“We are excited to welcome our community back to campus and to open our doors to new faces discovering IYRS for the first time,” said IYRS President Kern Maass. “Our unique marine trade and advanced technology programs are built around hands-on learning — giving students real-world skills, real confidence, and real pathways forward.”
Graduates go on to careers in the marine industry, motorsport, aerospace, defense, sporting goods and other fields.
Nearly 80 percent of IYRS students receive financial assistance. Information about scholarship opportunities is available at iyrs.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships-grants.
Ticket sales for this year’s gala will open soon. Those interested in attending can visit iyrs.edu/gala for more information. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Isdale at lisdale@iyrs.edu or 401-465-3089. To contribute to the IYRS student experience, visit iyrs.edu/events/2026gala.
Founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School, IYRS offers four full-time, ACCSC-accredited programs. More information is available at iyrs.edu.