Join us for the 2023 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series starting July 13!
The annual Hot Summer Nights Concert Series is a series of free concerts performed in the college’s outdoor-indoor amphitheater.
The 2023 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series will kick off July 13, 2023.
- Thursday, July 13 – Lehto & Wright
- Thursday, July 20 – Side String Band
- Thursday, July 27 – Dennis Warner
- Monday, July 31 – Cloquet Community Band
- Thursday, August 3 – Rock-A-Billy Revue
Lehto & Wright is a MN-based Folk-Rock and Progressive Rock band whose first live performance was in 1999 and has continued, non-stop, to this day. Lehto & Wright have a sound that is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. By taking cues from the British Isles and American folk traditions and interpreting them with contemporary guitar-based arrangements, Lehto & Wright have taken a unique approach to the world of Folk, Folk Rock and Progressive Rock.
Side String Band formed out of a desire to make pure music true to the soul. Consisting of sidemen from various acoustic bands in the Midwest, Side String Band yearns to bring back the sound of old time bluegrass with progressive folk undertones. The band has collectively been influenced by this authentic American music over many collective years of performance. Each member contributes their craft and as a result, the sound is diverse and unified in its goal.
Side String Band is Harrison Olk (Tin Can Gin, Kind Country, Cascade Crescendo) on banjo and vocals; Nate Hynum (Black River Revue) on mandolin and vocals; Clancy Ward (Sugar on the Roof, Dickel Brothers) on fiddle and vocals; and Adam Staupe (Feeding Leroy) on the double bass and guitar. Often, as is tradition in the bluegrass and old-time music scene, Side String Band invites fellow musicians to join them on stage as they enjoy performing amongst a large community of musicians from all over the country. Side String Band is dedicated to making working people’s music; whether raw and fast or slow and sweet, the music tells the story and the members of Side String Band are the messengers. From toe tapping fiddle tunes to instant classic originals their roots are evident throughout each unique performance.
Dennis Warner’s musical journey has brought him to all 50 states and beyond, earning him global recognition and a reputation for being an elite entertainer in the singer-songwriter genre.
Along with his original music, Warner is widely admired for his moving interpretations of songs written by others. Audience favorites include Don’t Laugh at Me, The Garden Song (Inch by Inch) and Homegrown Tomatoes. Many also know Dennis for his viral YouTube video I’m My Own Grandpa with over 862,000 hits.
Most importantly perhaps, Warner is an outstanding entertainer. Serious topics and ballads are cleverly blended with up-tempo songs, audience participation and engaging humorous stories. A warm stage presence and ability to connect with his audience is the trademark of a Dennis Warner concert.
The Cloquet Community Band is a group of music loving folks with a wide variety of musical skills.
Rock-A-Billy Revue provides popular hit music and crowd-pleasing fun. With the always-entertaining Don Buck leading the way, the band’s shows are full of surprises and good humor. Rock-A-Billy Revue provides popular hit music and crowd-pleasing fun. With the always-entertaining Don Buck leading the way, the band’s shows are full of surprises and good humor.
The Hot Summer Nights Concert Series has been presented by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College every summer since 1998. The series is very popular among families and individuals, many who keep coming back every summer to hear great music in a wonderful setting. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family on a nice summer evening.
The free performances are open to the public and are held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. All concerts are held rain or shine under the dome of the spectacular amphitheater. In the case of poor weather, the concerts are held indoors.
Known for providing high-quality professional performers each week, the concert series features a range of musical styles and acts, from solo acts to small groups to bands. Each entertaining evening of music is designed for family fun and for people of all ages. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, or seat cushions to sit on.