X-Rock 103.9 is hosting the “Rock the Region” local music showcase at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The event presents three amazing, diverse, local bands – Steepwater Band, Salamander Drake, and Chester Brown. A portion of the proceeds will support Humane Indiana. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ironworkers Local 395 is the presenting sponsor.
Formed in Chicago in the late 1990s, The Steepwater Band built their reputation the old-fashioned way, through relentless touring and a deep commitment to their craft. Drawing inspiration from classic rock, blues, and Americana, the band quickly carved out a loyal following across the U.S. and Europe. Over the years, they have shared stages with legendary acts such as Gov’t Mule, Blackberry Smoke, ZZ Top, and earned praise for their electrifying live performances, often highlighted by extended improvisation and a powerful connection with audiences. Their catalog of eight previous studio albums showcases a steady evolution, blending rootsy authenticity with modern rock sensibilities. Known for their independence and DIY ethos, The Steepwater Band has remained true to its artistic vision, cultivating a career defined not by trends but by passion, persistence, and a genuine love for rock ‘n’ roll. In addition to its being the band’s debut at Hard Rock, the show will serve as the Northwest Indiana album release party for the (yet untitled) upcoming new record being released that weekend.
Salamander Drake is a rock band from Northwest Indiana. They compose, record, and perform their brand of progressive hard rock in NWI and Illinois. Their most recent album “Ghosts in the Blood” (2025) features Region favorites “Amelia and The Electric Eels”, “Giving Up the Ghost” and “Lurker in the Wildwood”. Salamander Drake’s lineup is Allen Fraley, Daryl Grady, Eric Kuiper and Robert Wray.
Chester Brown is a five-piece band who heralds a slew of original compositions and an array of covers. From Chesterton Indiana, they have been performing live for more than 25 years, with over 1,800 shows under their belt. Pulling from a seemingly endless musical library, they draw on elements of Rock, Funk, Country, Blues, RnB, and Jazz. While they are not your typical Jam-Band, they can and do indeed jam! Members of Chester Brown include Nate Vanderlin on keyboards and vocals, Tim Vanderlin on guitars and vocals, Dominic Puglisi on Bass and vocals, Mike Kneeland on Guitar, and Tony Dellumo on Drums. They can be seen all around the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas. Never a dull time and always an original experience, Chester Brown delights old fans and new fans alike, with some of the Region’s best music.
Tickets for X-Rock “Rock the Region” start at $21.30 This show is all reserved seating. Ages 21 and up. The Hard Rock Live box office is open every Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on show days starting at 12 p.m. Visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050064A82E75DCA4
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, IN, directly adjacent to the I80/94 Burr Street Interchange. For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana:
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination opened to the public on May 14, 2021. Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1800 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions. In addition to the Hard Rock Live performance venue, Hard Rock Casino’s five dining options include Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest, and Constant Grind Coffee Shop, and also features a retail shop. For more information, contact https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
About Hard Rock Live:
The Hard Rock Live performance venue is outfitted with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The sound equipment features an L-Acoustics K2 line array system with KS28 subwoofers and KIVA-II front fill. Hard Rock Live has excellent sightlines. Hard Rock Live can seat up to 1,894 with an overall capacity of 2,700 including standing room only.