Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Live Music Performances
- Council Oak Bar and Hard Rock Café performances are FREE.
- Hard Rock Live performances are ticketed.
- All shows 21 and up!
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana * 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, IN, 46406 * 219-228-2383 + https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/
January 2023
Friday, 01/27/2023
Breezy Rodio – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
After 11 years with Chicago Blues Legend Linsey "The Hoochie Man" Alexander, Breezy Rodio started his own band. He signed with legendary Chicago record label “Delmark Records” and released two albums which received rave reviews all over the world. In 2018 Breezy was nominated for the Blues Blast Music Awards in the category of "Rising Star of The Year" His blend of both old and new school blues, soul music, R&B, swing and jazz creates a unique sound and vibes that will get you moving all night long. Breezy is about to release his new album “Underground Blues” recorded in Austin Texas in February 2022 and produced by Texas living legend Anson Funderburgh.
Stealin’ the Farm - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Stealin the Farm is a jam band with a side of pop whose loyal following has had them jamming since 2009. The lineup includes the singer Marcus Safirt on keys and lead vocals who writes many of the songs with former band-mate Jon Smith. Pat Conway adds the funky bottom on bass and more vocals to the mix. Longtime guitar duo Mike Kneeland and Tim Vanderlin (of Chester Brown) help bring an array of guitars to the mix, seemingly playing together as one guitar. Justin Belcher holds it all down on the drums and percussion as the band explores songwriting and covers alike. Everything from vocal country ballads to bluesy experimental jams there is plenty to dance and listen to when seeing a Stealin’ the Farm show!
Saturday, 01/28/2023
Mike Wheeler Band - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Modern Day Romeos - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
The spring of 2022 marked the 20th anniversary for the Modern Day Romeos. With over a thousand shows for all these years, every weekend, MDR has remained a top drawing party band with impressive numbers in any venue or festival and entertaining many at weddings and corporate events. All six of its members have come together from different musical backgrounds to create one of the most fun, unique and high-energy shows that you can experience locally.
February 2023
Friday, 02/03/2023
February 3rd, Country Star Chris Young, Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Multi-platinum RCA Records Nashville global entertainer Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, over 5 Billion on-demand streams, 13 Million singles sold, 13 career No. 1 singles, 24 R.I.A.A. Gold/Platinum/Multi-Platinum certified projects and numerous ACM, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations, as well as wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards. Hard Rock Casino, 5400 West 29th Ave. (I 80-94@Burr), Gary. 21 and older. Tickets start at $79.00. FYI www.ticketmaster.com.
Sharon Lewis – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Since May 1993 Sharon Lewis has delivered her powerful brand of Blues to audiences around the world. Beginning with the band Under The Gun, she has opened for and performed with some of the top acts in the genre, including Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Robben Ford, Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, Mumford & Sons and the incredible Mavis Staple. She has since gone on to travel and record with her own band, Texas Fire. For many years she has been the featured DIVA for Dave Specter & The Bluebirds (USA), Jan Korinek and Groove (Czech Republic), and the Luca Giordano Band (Italy) as well as many other bands in the countries of Georgia, Armenia and Russia.
Van Halen Nation – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Van Halen Nation (VHN) is the premier 80s Van Halen tribute to the David Lee Roth era of VH. Based in South Jersey, VHN has been rocking audiences and growing a loyal fan base for the past ten years. Comprised of four of the tri state areas top musicians VHN is both visually and sonically the closest tribute to the classic Van Halen.
Saturday, 02/04/2023
Mississippi Heat– Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues with a Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas.
Nate Venturelli – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Country Singer Songwriter Nate Venturelli is from Northwest Indiana. Nate’s new single "Union Man'' a song written about the story of his grandfather's life growing up to becoming a Union Steelworker has gotten recognition from Union’s around the country, rave reviews, support from fans, and Country Radio. Nate can be heard on Country Radio 105.5 FM from Chicago to South Bend, WIVR Country 101.3 FM, iHeart 98.3 FM, Y Country 97.5 FM, Q Country 102.9 FM, 89.1 FM, AMI Jukebox worldwide, and all streaming platforms. Nate’s performances include Nashville’s strip, Chicago’s top venues, Festivals, Fairs, Casinos, Concerts throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He has been featured in The Entertainer, The Times, The Tribune, NWI Life, and on NBC news.
Friday, 02/10/2023
Ivy Ford – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Ivy Ford, is a singer, musician, and entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at 26 she is quite the up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self-taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity. Ford has since managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January,2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland.
Mike Wheeler Band – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Saturday, 02/11/2023
Head Honchos Band- Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
American music from its heart and soul, the Head Honchos Band brings to both the live music scene and recording experience, music based on intense body moving rhythms and emotionally charged guitar expressions. Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk the Head Honchos Band launches every tune with an irresistible invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically enjoy! Rocco Calipari's Detroit schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy. the Head Honchos Band covers some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience roots-inspired new songs.
Joanna Connor - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Renowned blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanna Connor has played with Buddy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Sammy Lawhorn, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Magic Slim, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, just to name a few. Two 15 plus year residencies at the House of Blues and The Kingston Mines, honed Joanna’s considerable guitar and vocal chops. While working continuously in Chicago, a handful of videos of her incendiary slide guitar solos went viral creating quite a sensation and garnering attention from media and established musicians alike. Joe Bonamassa sought her out and offered to produce the kind of record he felt Joanna had always had in her and should deliver to the world.
Ronnie Baker Brooks – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9:30 p.m.
Ronnie Baker Brooks is a Chicago Blues and Soul staple. Brooks has been declared "blues royalty", as his style honors the true torch bearers of this unique sound which includes Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Luther Allison as well as his father - Lonnie Brooks.
Friday, 02/17/2023
Skillet/Theory of a Deadman – Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 6 p.m.
Skillet is one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century. The two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, Pandora Billionaires Club members, and multi-platinum rockers have an undying spirit that has humbly asserted and affirmed them as one of this generation's most successful rock acts. With sky-high hooks, riffs as thick as a 2x4, rumbling grooves, and a razor-sharp sense of humor, Theory of a Deadman have quietly persisted as an unapologetic, unbreakable, and undeniable hard rock force with major multi-platinum hits and countless sold out shows in each of the past two decades. Tickets are $39.50 and up. Ticketmaster.com
Smiley Tillmon Band Featuring Kate Moss – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
One of the busiest blues outfits in Chicagoland, the Smiley Tillmon Band is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There’s an obvious reason why the veteran guitarist’s booking schedule is so jam-packed: Smiley knows how to have a good time and makes sure his audience does too. After 55 years on the local blues scene, Tillmon serves up the blues and soul standards that people never seem to stop craving, his rich vocals and fluid guitar backed by a band that keeps his grooves tight and right. He joined forces with bassist Tom Rezetko, and they’ve been inseparable onstage ever since. Kate Moss shares guitar duties with Tillmon. Drummer George Baumann completes one of the Windy City’s toughest blues combos, one that’ll keep you smiling from ear to ear.
NAWTY - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
NAWTY is a Band that will rock your socks off while you dance the night away. With a continually changing setlist of over 150 songs ranging from Motown on up to current chart toppers and everything in between, Nawty can Easily accommodate your night out with a Fun Energetic Vibe!
Saturday, 02/18/2023
Vino Louden – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Vino Louden is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee born in the small town of Hayti, Missouri. Since fronting his own band, Vino Louden Band has played venues locally and abroad, including Buddy Guys Legends, Hollywood Bowl, Windy City Live, House of Blues, Chicago Theater, and in Brazil, France, and Japan. He has recorded with Jimmy Johnson, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Otis Clay, Martin Scorsese Film and his own CD Vino Louden Live. Vino also acts as the bandleader of the “the Queen of the Blues” Koko Taylor. Also, he has worked with acts such as John Lee Hooker, B,B, King, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, Led Zeppelin, Jim Belushi and the Blues Brothers. Vino is currently preparing an acoustic/electric project.
Mr. Funnyman- Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Mr. Funnyman is the ultimate variety band in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland performing a wide range of different cover music including but not limited to Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, Chicago, ABBA, Bruno Mars, The Beatles, Elton John, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Leonard Skynyrd, Steely Dan, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, The Who and dozens of other artists that would make this list too long. With a full horn section, male and female vocalists, drums, bass, guitar, and two keyboardists, no detail is missed when it comes to recreating the perfect sound.
Friday, 02/24/2023
Laura Rain & The Caesars – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Laura Rain is a hard driving soul singer who uses the power and finesse of her own voice to inspire and electrify your spirit. Born and raised in Detroit, she delivers her original music with fearless emotion and excitement. Along with her creative partner George Friend, the pair have released four albums, and six singles with a unique blend of contemporary funky soul, blues and r&b worthy of Detroit’s rich history of musical innovators.
Keith Jackson and The Triple Dose Band – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Northwest Indiana is known for a stomping ground for many highly acclaimed artists and "The Triple Dose Band" keeps that list going. Making their debut in 2001, these highly talented musicians met doing a jam session in Hammond, Indiana. As a very versatile group, their performances lean towards the genre of variety music allowing them to satisfy the desires of all their listeners. The founder of "The Triple Dose Band", Keith Jackson, first cousin to Michael Jackson, was greatly inspired by legendary artists such as: Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, The Winans Family, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Jackson 5, and Marvin Gaye. Such inspiration led to the song choice for the demo that was recorded live in a studio. Each member of the band has his own claim to fame.
Saturday, 02/25/2023
Joe – Hard Rock Live – Doors at 7 p.m.
Joe is an accomplished vocalist of smooth and sultry R&B productions with occasional hip-hop beats, and his extensive background in gospel music has allowed him to produce his albums as well as sing on them. A native of Georgia, Joe later moved to Opelika, Alabama; since he was the son of two preachers, he spent much time in church singing, playing guitar, and even directing the choir. Influenced early on by gospel stars like the Winans, Commissioned, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Joe grew to love soul legends Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye plus contemporary stars Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat. Tickets are $49.50 and up. www.Ticketmaster.com
Corey Dennison - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Formed in 2013, The Corey Dennison Band is a favorite attraction at Chicago blues venues, including five years of twice-weekly appearances at Kingston Mines. The current rhythm section includes veteran groovemeister Rick King and the infalliably funky Aaron Whittier on bass. The strength of the band’s repertoire is matched only by the charisma of the stage show; it’s not uncommon to see Corey belting out the blues, unamplified, in the heart of the audience while the band steps in time to the groove. It’s not novelty for these musicians and entertainers, however, it’s exactly where they want to be.
Mike Wheeler Band – Hard Rock Café Stage – 8 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Eric Gales – Hard Rock Café Stage – 10:30 p.m.
Eric Gales is a blues firebrand. Over 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for the music and his boundless desire to keep it vital has never waned, even when his own light dimmed due to his substance struggles. Throughout it all, he continued to reinvigorate the art form with personal revelation in his lyrics and bold stylistic twists in his guitar playing and songwriting.
March 2023
Friday, 03/03/2023
Ivy Ford – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Ivy Ford, is a singer, musician, and entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at 26 she is quite the up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self-taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity. Ford has since managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January,2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland.
Wayne Baker Brooks – Hard Rock Café Stage – 8 p.m.
Wayne Baker Brooks is considered one of today’s top guitarists whose signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage yet effortlessly expands the boundaries of the genre. Chicago Blues laid the foundation to Wayne's innovative style. Growing up Brooks was a regular visitor to such historic places as Chess Studios, Checkerboard Lounge, Wisefools, and many other blues landmarks at which he witnessed many live performances by blues masters like Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Luther Allison, KoKo Taylor, the great Muddy Waters, & his father. The youngest son of blues master Lonnie Brooks - Wayne Brooks was literally born into the blues! Wayne Baker Brooks and this Band continue to play the world over with WBB's signature top shelf brand of guitar playing and a live show that should not be missed.
Saturday, 03/04/2023
Libido Funk Circus – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
From their inception in 1996, one thing that has always remained the same about Libido Funk Circus is their love for a "good show." LFC not only loves to perform music, but to entertain... to provide an audience a high-energy, feel-good show to make them smile and forget about their troubles. With their signature show "bits," charismatic personalities, fun stage costumes and the ability to switch styles and genres at the drop of a dime.... you can rest assured that LFC can entertain any audience! Some artists you can expect to hear covered at an LFC show... The BeeGees, Bruno Mars, AC/DC, Michael Jackson, Journey, Katy Perry, Madonna, Luke Bryan. Come on out and join The Circus!
Duke Tomatoe and the Power Trio - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Friday, 03/10/2023
Omar Coleman - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Born & Raised on the Westside of Chicago, Omar Coleman is the real deal. A recent nominee for "Most Outstanding Musician" by Living Blues Magazine, his soulful vocals and fiery harmonica skills have entertained audiences from the Windy City to San Francisco, France to Brazil and beyond. Confident in his abilities as a singer, harmonica player and songwriter. Omar is steeped in the classic blues sounds of his home city yet unafraid to take them in a more contemporary direction. Omar Coleman, and his band, Westside Soul, are guaranteed to get your toes tapping and dancing about, as they bring the very best in Chicago's Blues and Soul music!
Ultra Beat – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Saturday, 03/11/2023
Dave Specter – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Dave Specter has earned an international reputation as one of the premier talents on the Chicago music scene. Since 1985 Specter has performed regularly at top Chicago venues in addition to clubs, festivals and concert halls throughout the USA, as well as countless venues globally. Dave was inducted into The Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2018.
ARRA – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
ARRA is one of the best and largest drawing classic rock cover bands in the Chicagoland area, and has been for the past 2 decades! We were also voted Best Classic Rock Band in the Nitelife Best of the Burbs Contest for the 5th year in a row! By performing the biggest hits by the biggest bands of all time, with precision and excellence... it has been, and continues to be, the secret to our success. Our unparalleled vocal harmonies and incredible musicianship is also what has brought us to being one of the most sought-after club and festival bands in the Chicago area markets.
Friday, 03/17/2023
Kenny Wayne Shepherd with Samantha Fish– Hard Rock Live– Doors 7 p.m.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is over two decades into a recording career that began when he was just 16. He has sold millions of albums worldwide and, in addition to his five GRAMMY® nominations, he has won two Billboard Music Awards, a pair of Orville H. Gibson awards, the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive award and two Blues Music awards. He’s had nine #1 blues albums and a string of #1 mainstream rock singles. Anyone who has ever heard Samantha Fish’s previous albums knows that she has earned a place in the top rank of contemporary blues guitarists and that her voice can wring the soul out of a ballad and belt out a rocker with roof-shaking force. Over the course of her career as an award-winning artist, singer/songwriter and guitarist, Fish has brought extraordinary power to her self-expression, capturing her inner world in combustible riffs, visceral rhythms and spine-tingling vocal work. Tickets are $50 and up. www.Ticketmaster.com
Nate Venturelli – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Country Singer Songwriter Nate Venturelli is from Northwest Indiana. Nate’s new single "Union Man'' a song written about the story of his grandfather's life growing up to becoming a Union Steelworker has gotten recognition from Union’s around the country, rave reviews, support from fans, and Country Radio. Nate can be heard on Country Radio 105.5 FM from Chicago to South Bend, WIVR Country 101.3 FM, iHeart 98.3 FM, Y Country 97.5 FM, Q Country 102.9 FM, 89.1 FM, AMI Jukebox worldwide, and all streaming platforms. Nate’s performances include Nashville’s strip, Chicago’s top venues, Festivals, Fairs, Casinos, Concerts throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He has been featured in The Entertainer, The Times, The Tribune, NWI Life, and on NBC news.
Saturday, 03/18/2023
Fletcher Rockwell – Hard Rock Café Stage – 8 p.m.
With classic Americana-tinged rock & roll steeped in the blue-collar charm of their hometown, Chicago’s Fletcher Rockwell has been building a loyal fanbase throughout the Midwest since 2009. While widely known for their original songs, the group is also revered for clever versions of the most popular cover music, spanning everything from vintage Tom Petty, Paul Simon and Talking Heads to contemporary roots revivalists Chris Stapleton, Dawes and Mumford & Sons.
The Tossers - – Hard Rock Café Stage – 10 p.m.
One of the first and most enduring bands on the Celtic punk underground, Chicago’s the Tossers mix the attitude and swagger of punk rock with a muscular but respectful approximation of Irish traditional folk music. Formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1993 by Anthony “T.” Duggins, the group’s lead singer and mandolin player, the Tossers developed a reputation for their storming live show and busy touring schedule, and they influenced similarly minded bands such as the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.
Friday, 03/24/2023
Larry Taylor & Soul Blues Healers – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Larry Taylor—West Side Chicago blues singer, songwriter, producer, drummer was born in Chicago in 1955, oldest of the musical children of Mississippi singer Vera Taylor and guitarist Eddie “Playboy” Taylor Sr. He brings fans to the dance floor with a huge trove of songs in the blues tradition of his parents and the R&B, funk and soul of his West Side neighborhood. Musical influences include Howlin’ Wolf, Magic Sam, Elmore James, ZZ Hill, Johnnie Taylor and James Brown.
Kashmir - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Kashmir is a very entertaining show bringing only the best of Led Zeppelin to their fans. KASHMIR seeks to re-create the experience of a 70's Zeppelin show utilizing authentic vintage stage gear, costumes, and special effects, with great attention to detail in a non-pretentious way. But most importantly, KASHMIR does not take liberties on improving the music. Led Zeppelin should be played as it was using only the equipment of the era and should be reproduced dead on with great respect and admiration. "It's not about us, it's about Led Zeppelin".
Saturday, 03/25/2023
RuPaul’s Drag Race - Fantastic Five of 14 Tour – Hard Rock Live– Doors 7 p.m.
Have no fear... The FANTASTIC FIVE are here! The Fantastic Five of 14 is coming to North America in 2023, to save us from the impending doom of Season 15. Join The top 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14: Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Bosco, Daya Betty, Lady Camden and your reigning queen Willow Pill as they take on Gary, Indiana in North America. Must be 21 or over. www.ticketmaster
Breakfast Club - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
The Breakfast Club is the longest running, most recognized 80s tribute band in the United States. Formed in 1993, the group was the first of its kind. The mission was simple: create an entertainment group that embodied the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the original MTV generation of the 1980’s. That mission remains today.
Friday, 03/31/2023
Mackenzie O’Brien Band– Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Mackenzie O'Brien is a singer songwriter and band leader from the northern Illinois / southern Wisconsin area. Mackenzie has headlined at various venues in Chicago, Madison and Nashville and also performed in the cities of Denver, Los Angeles, Dallas, Milwaukee, and Austin. Mackenzie has landed over 25 original songs on small market radio in the USA and Europe and seeks to expand her reach and brand!
April 2023
Saturday, 04/01/2023
Snarky Puppy – Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
After over a decade of relentless touring and recording in all but complete obscurity, the Texas-bred quasi-collective suddenly found itself held up by the press and public as one of the major figures in the jazz world. But as the category names for all four of the band’s Grammy® awards would indicate (Best R&B Performance in 2014, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016, 2017, and 2021), Snarky Puppy isn’t exactly a jazz band. It’s not a fusion band, and it’s definitely not a jam band. It’s probably best to take Nate Chinen of the New York Times’ advice, as stated in an online discussion about the group, to “take them for what they are, rather than judge them for what they’re not.” Tickets start at $44.50. www.Ticketmaster.com
Yates McKendree – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Born in Nashville and raised in a recording studio, multi-instrumentalist Yates McKendree grew up hearing and playing with many great musicians. Self taught from the age 3, music came to him naturally. Although just 21 years old, his experience as a professional musician goes back 10+ years. That early experience includes playing regularly in some of Nashville’s most notable venues (The Bluebird Cafe, The Ryman Auditorium, 3rd & Lindsley). It also includes North American and European tours and multiple appearances on national television (Imus In The Morning, CBS Mornings).
Jose Ramirez - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
At 34 years old, Jose Ramirez is Latin America’s #1 blues artist and has played with some of the biggest names in the blues industry. These artists include Buddy Guy, Kingfish, Janiva Magness, James Armstrong and Anson Funderburgh, to name a few.
Friday, 04/07/2023
Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Tom Holland & the Shuffle Kings have been playing the blues worldwide for over 25 years, regularly appearing at clubs and festivals worldwide. Years on the road with blues legends such as John Primer, Eddy Clearwater, and most recently James Cotton have made Tom Holland one of the most in demand blues artists on the scene today!
Fletcher Rockwell – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
With classic Americana-tinged rock & roll steeped in the blue-collar charm of their hometown, Chicago’s Fletcher Rockwell has been building a loyal fanbase throughout the Midwest since 2009. While widely known for their original songs, the group is also revered for clever versions of the most popular cover music, spanning everything from vintage Tom Petty, Paul Simon and Talking Heads to contemporary roots revivalists Chris Stapleton, Dawes and Mumford & Sons.
Saturday, 04/08/2023
Nate Venturelli – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Country Singer Songwriter Nate Venturelli is from Northwest Indiana. Nate’s new single "Union Man'' a song written about the story of his grandfather's life growing up to becoming a Union Steelworker has gotten recognition from Union’s around the country, rave reviews, support from fans, and Country Radio. Nate can be heard on Country Radio 105.5 FM from Chicago to South Bend, WIVR Country 101.3 FM, iHeart 98.3 FM, Y Country 97.5 FM, Q Country 102.9 FM, 89.1 FM, AMI Jukebox worldwide, and all streaming platforms. Nate’s performances include Nashville’s strip, Chicago’s top venues, Festivals, Fairs, Casinos, Concerts throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He has been featured in The Entertainer, The Times, The Tribune, NWI Life, and on NBC news.
Friday, 04/14/2023
Ivy Ford – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Ivy Ford, is a singer, musician, and entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at 26 she is quite the up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self-taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity. Ford has since managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January,2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland.
PS Dump Your Boyfriend– Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Saturday, 04/15/2023
Mr. Blotto – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Mr. Blotto is Chicago’s Original Jam Band. In their 30th year as a non-stop touring band with over a dozen albums and nearly 4000 concerts under their belt, Mr. Blotto is at this point, a force of nature to be experienced. Generational audiences are engaged and surprised constantly as the band breaks down norms and expectations by playing surprise albums in their entirety, or voyaging on complex musical odysseys. Always fun, always high-quality sound and always fresh, Mr. Blotto made it through the rough and tumble music world as survivors that now share their unparalleled professional experience and unbridled creativity in every show.
Friday, 04/21/2023
Infinity - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
"Classic to Current: The Ultimate Rock Experience" Formed in 1985, Infinity grew from being not only a Journey Tribute band, but one of the top drawing cover - bands in the Midwest. Two-plus decades rocking the hundreds of local music festivals lighting up the Chicago suburbs each summer have put Infinity in front of hundreds of thousands of fans.
Saturday, 04/22/2023
The Indigos - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
The Indigos are a high energy 6-12 piece funk rock band featuring multiple vocalists, horn players, shredding guitars, a rock solid rhythm section, and a keytar. Taking influences from a multitude of artists over many different genres. Their eclectic sound will have you dancing off, getting down, and rocking out harder than ever before. After 8 years of back to back shows touring from coast to coast The Indigos have featured and performed with over 4 dozen artists. While also playing notable venues in their home state of Indiana including: The Mousetrap, The Vogue, The Hifi, Old National, The Palladium, The Viper Room in LA and many more. The name The Indigos comes from the idea of being an Indigo child, or those from a generation who are more in touch with their higher selves. They can identify their dreams and desires, pursue them, and then help others do the same. We always strive to spread the joy of music and love wherever we go and include all of those who want to be a part of this amazing experience. Pick up an instrument, come on stage, be a part of this musical experience, and join us as our fellow Indigo.
Friday, 04/28/2023
Smokey Robinson – Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 7 p.m.
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is a legendary singer-songwriter, record producer, record executive and co-founder of Motown Records. Robinson was one of the major songwriters and producers for Motown, penning several hit singles such as, “Who’s Loving You” "My Guy,” "The Way You Do The Things You Do", "My Girl", "Get Ready" and "Ain't That Peculiar". Robinson has been Inducted into the Kennedy Center, awarded an individual star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a second star with The Miracles. He was awarded a medal at the National Medal of Arts, A Heritage Award at the Soul Train Music Awards and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. Howard University conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music as did the Berklee College of Music. Tickets are $79.50 and up. www.Ticketmaster.com
R-Gang – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
R-Gang is considered one of the best R&B dance bands in the Chicago area. Specializing in R&B, funk & soul from the Motown era into the 21st Century, R-Gang is comprised of the most highly respected members of Chicagoland’s musical community, with backgrounds as diverse as the band members. From playing with national acts like Survivor or Mavis Staples, to writing and recording for groups like Doobie Brothers or Buddy Guy, to performing as on-field band for the Chicago Bears and pre-game entertainment for the Chicago Bulls, the musicians in R-Gang hold years of experience. You can rest assured you’ll get high-quality, professional musicianship to make your event a smashing success.
Saturday, 04/29/2023
7th Heaven – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
7th heaven is an experience you just have to see and hear! 7th heaven has charted #1 on the Midwest Billboard Charts three times in the past three years. The band has been heard on over 7 radio stations in Chicagoland with their hits: “Beautiful Life”, “This Is Where The Party’s At”, Stoplight”, "Better This Way" and "Sing". Also known for the famous "30 Songs in 30 Minutes" medley of songs from the 70's and 80's, 7th heaven has been an entertainment staple for 36 years. Playing around 200 shows a year, with an average of 100 outdoor events, 7th heaven has earned the right to say ... "We've seen a million faces and rocked them all!"