Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College announced the line-up of entertainment for the 2015 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series, a series of free concerts scheduled for the college’s outdoor-indoor amphitheater. The popular performances are open to the public and will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Thursday evening for four weeks beginning on July 9 and concluding on July 30. All concerts will be held rain or shine under the dome of the spectacular amphitheater.
“This is our 17th summer that we will have presented free concerts at the college” said Tom Urbanski, director of public information at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. “What started as a small idea has become hugely popular among area residents and visitors, many who keep coming back every summer to hear great music in a wonderful setting. It’s tough to find something more fun than free music with friends and family on a nice summer evening.”
The 2015 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series features two new acts to the concert series and three crowd favorites from past seasons.
The series opening act on July 9 is Lehto & Wright, featuring former Esko resident Steve Lehto on guitar and a fresh approach to Celtic folk-rock music. On July 16, Tim Houlihan & Friends will take the stage, performing energetic and groove-filled songs carved from real life. July 23 brings Nashville-based Alice Peacock and touring favorite Dennis Warner together in a special event and night of inspired music. The July 30 concert presents Rock-a-Billy Revue featuring leader Don Buck.
“I hear it over and over, people tell us that they look forward to the concerts each summer,” said Urbanski. “They know we provide high-quality performers each week.”
In addition to the Thursday evening concerts, the college will host three Monday evening concerts by the Cloquet Community Band. These hour-long concerts are also free and begin at 7:00 p.m. each week on July 13, 20, and 27.
Each entertaining evening of music is designed for family fun and for people of all ages. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, or seat cushions to sit on. Beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m. each Thursday concert evening, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College graduate Gordon Loree will be selling food from his brand new hot dog cart. Scheduled to appear during the Hot Summer Nights Concert Series 2015 are:
Thursday, July 9: Lehto & Wright
Former Esko resident Steve Lehto performs a rare local gig to showcase his outstanding guitar talent. As Lehto & Wright, the trio takes cues from Irish, English and American folk traditions and interprets them with contemporary, guitar-based arrangements. The result is a fresh approach to the world of Celtic folk-rock music. Hear them use modern tools to achieve the effect of a six-piece band while using only three musicians.
Thursday, July 16: Tim Houlihan & Friends
Minneapolis-based Tim Houlihan is a singer songwriter whose songs are carved from real life with articulate enthusiasm, strong grooves and sophisticated playing. Tim has traversed the United States and Europe and his performances draw listeners in through intimate stories and warm anecdotes. Tim’s library of Americana music continues to grow across a never-ending horizon of Midwestern attitudes and perspectives.
Thursday, July 23: Alice Peacock & Dennis Warner
Featuring two of the most talented and likeable vocalists you will ever hear, this concert reunites two longtime friends in a special concert you will not see anywhere else! Nashville-and-Chicago-based recording artist Alice Peacock has released five albums as a major label and independent artist. Her self-titled album Alice Peacock featured the hit “Bliss,” a duet with John Mayer. Many of Peacock’s songs have appeared in feature films and TV shows and commercials. In addition to touring extensively as a solo artist and with other artists including John Mellencamp, Aimee Mann, and Heart, Peacock has made many TV and radio appearances including on A Prairie Home Companion.
Performing in over 100 cities each year, Dennis Warner captivates audiences with his smooth vocals and six and twelve string guitars. For his songwriting talents, Dennis was honored with an invitation to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and he has appeared multiple times at Nashville’s famed club, The Bluebird Café. Besides being a gifted musician, Dennis is also an outstanding entertainer, cleverly blending ballads, up-tempo songs, audience participation and humor into a memorable event. His warm stage presence and ability to connect with his audience always leaves a lasting impression.
Thursday, July 30: Rock-a-Billy Revue
This enduring group from Duluth is noted for providing popular hit music and crowd-pleasing fun. With the always-entertaining Don Buck leading the way, the show is full of surprises and good humor–and the group loves to perform here. This is their 17th consecutive summer concert performance at the college.
Mondays, July 13, July 20, July 27: Cloquet Community Band
Cloquet-area neighbors and friends play classic Sousa marches, Broadway show tunes, and familiar concert band music. They perform a different song list every week.
The Hot Summer Nights Concert Series 2015 is sponsored by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. For more information, call 218-879-0800.