ZZ Top, Blondie, Jethro Tull, and more coming to Lewiston this summer
By: Chloe Steinig
LEWISTON, N.Y.- On April 5, Artpark announced the remaining concerts in their outdoor concert series. The new acts in the Coors Light Wednesdays series include Volbeat, Randy Bachman, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot, 311, George Thorogood and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The KeyBank Tuesdays in the Park series was announced in late February which includes big names like ZZ Top, Blondie, and Jethro Tull. Established in 1974, Artpark is one of U.S. News’ Top Nine U.S. Outdoor Music Venues.
Presented by WEDG 103.3, Volbeat will start the series off on May 20. Supporting for Metallica on their WorldWired tour this summer, the Danish heavy metal band has received platinum records abroad and is starting to make waves in the U.S.
ZZ Top will perform on June 6. With over 50 million album sales worldwide and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the blues rock band has been together with the same lineup since 1969. Known for their signature beards, “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man” are their most recognized songs.
On June 20, Randy Bachman will perform. Known for founding ‘60s rock group The Guess Who, Bachman finds himself in the Canadian Hall of Fame. The Guess Who are known for their song “American Woman,” which has been famously covered by Lenny Kravitz.
In addition, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot will play June 27. Setzer first got his start in the rockabilly group Stray Cats. When they disbanded in 1984, Setzer formed The Brain Setzer Orchestra/Rockabilly Riot. Rockabilly Riot plays with swing and blues music.
On July 10, 311 will hit the stage. Forming in 1988, the ska influenced rock band has sold over 8.5 million records in the U.S. alone. The band, fronted by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, called the band 311 to reference the police code for indecent in exposure, after the original guitarist of the band was arrested for streaking.
On July 25, Blondie and Garbage will bring their Rage and Rapture tour to the outdoor venue. Fronted by icon Debbie Harry, Blondie are pioneers of American new wave and have sold over 40 million records worldwide. They are set to release a new album titled “Pollinator” on May 5, with singles “Fun” and “Monster” available now. Garbage are similar to Blondie with their own strong female vocalist Shirley Manson. They will be promoting their latest release: 2016’s “Strange Little Birds.”
Legendary blues player George Thorogood will play Aug. 1. After opening for The Rolling Stones in 1981, the singer has been touring ever since. He has released over 20 albums with his band, the Delaware Destroyers.
Following that, Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform Aug. 15, making up for their cancelled date at the outdoor venue last year when band member Gary Rossington experienced chest pains during a show in Atlanta before the ArtPark show, which led to multiple dates on their tour being rescheduled.
Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson will close off the series on Aug. 22. Anderson was the lead vocalist and flutist of the band, who stopped touring in 2011. Today, he plays the band’s as well as his own songs from his solo career. The British progressive rock band have not released any music since 2003, but are well known for “Aqualung,”off the album of the same name released in 1971.
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