Rocky Wall Productions is changing its name—but not its tune. Now a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, the organization is now Rocky Wall Entertainment and plans to “continue and build upon the successes of Rocky Wall Productions.” And there have been plenty of successes.
Since launching in 2021, the group has hosted 29 free Friday night concerts at City Center Park in downtown Silver Bay, drawing more than 12,800 attendees. Add in six cozy Rocky Wall Benefit House Concerts—small, intimate shows where artists donate their time— and that number climbs even higher.
This summer’s Friday night lineup might be the most ambitious yet, featuring a mix of returning favorites and fresh new faces.
In a press release, Rocky Wall Entertainment’s President Nelson French said, “We are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of musical talent for this summer’s concert season. We will be welcoming a variety of artists who will be coming to Silver Bay from New York City, Los Angeles, and points between to represent the best of Americana Music.”
The series kicks off on July 18 with local favorite Charlie Parr, a familiar face at Silver Bay’s Music in the Park concerts. He drew a crowd of 1,000 for the 2023 season opener and also performed in 2022.
Parr, who has released 12 albums, recently took top honors at the 21st Annual International Music Awards for his song “Boombox.” He also earned the award for Best Folk/ Americana/Roots.
On July 25, Jeff Slate and Friends, a rock and Americana band, will hit the stage. Slate, a New York-based musician, is not only a talented songwriter but also a seasoned journalist who has interviewed rock legends like Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney. The band recently toured with The Wallflowers.
“Jeff is a real class act,” said French. “He’s a great musician and has great connections. He’s thrilled to be coming out here.”
Jeff Slate and Friends will also join the Rocky Wall Benefit House Concert series, sticking around an extra day to soak in the sights of Silver Bay before performing on July 26.
On August 1, the New Primitives will bring their funky R&B and reggae vibes to the Bay. Their first two albums, New Primitives and American Nomads, received national airplay and top chart positions in both the U.S. and Canada. They’ll also perform at a benefit house concert on August 2.
“They’re a great band and they’re going to be a lot of fun,” said French.
Martin Zeller & the Hardways will take the stage at City Center Park on August 8. The band visited last year and had a blast, but according to French, “He really wants to come with good weather and play outside. He liked the Reunion Hall, but he’s hoping for an outdoor show this time.”
Fair enough—and here’s hoping for great weather so they can play one of the best hockey songs ever written, “I Want to Drive the Zamboni.” The band will also perform a house concert the night before, on August 7.
Next up is Chase & Ovation, who will dish up a royal treat on August 15. The Prince tribute band is based in Minneapolis and has been per-forming for over 17 years. Hope-fully the only rain that evening will be purple.
New Primitives drummer, singer, and songwriter Stanley Kipper. https://www.newprimitives.com/media (Photo by Neil Schloner)
On August 22, Sherwin and Pam Linton & the Cotton Kings will bring their classic Minnesota country sound to Silver Bay. Known for their roots in Nashville’s golden era, the band promises an unforgettable performance.
“They’re Minnesota’s classic country band,” said French. A member of the South Dakota and Minnesota Rock & Country Halls of Fame, Linton toured with legends like Johnny Cash and is still going strong in his mid-80s. The group will also perform a benefit house concert on Thursday, August 21.
Tina and the B-Sides close out the regular Friday night lineup on August 29 with high-energy rock, indie, and pop vibes.
“They are an amazing band,” said French. “Tina lives in California, and the band is meeting up with her in Minnesota. They’ve toured extensively across the country, and they have kind of a cult following.”
Tina and the B-Sides have won numerous music awards, and their songs have appeared in major motion pictures. Their house concert will be Saturday, August 30.
Rocky Wall is also bringing back a crowd favorite for a bonus performance on September 5: Scarlet Rivera, Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking violinist, will share the stage with blues musician and actor Chris Mulkey.
“She actually shaped the sound of Bob’s bands in the ’75 and ’76 era,” said French. Of Mulkey he added, “Although he’s an actor—that’s how he’s made his living—his true passion is play-ing blues. He’s really good.”
The duo’s house concert will wrap up the season on Saturday, September 6.
The Friday night concerts remain free to attend, thanks to generous support from more than 20 corporate sponsors, over 50 individual donors, and two foundations. The Minnesota State Arts Board, Lo-vin’ Lake County, Best of the North Shore, and the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation lead the way in helping the music play on.
And speaking of local flavor, Zoe’s Pizza is helping out with a special menu item: the Rocky Wall Pizza, based on a family porchetta recipe. On concert Fridays, 10% of the pizza’s sales go directly to Rocky Wall.
Whether you’re showing up for Parr, Prince, or a Zamboni singalong, one thing’s clear—Silver Bay is turning up the volume.
As board member Lisa Berg said, “I hope we attract more than 5,000 people to these concerts and that everyone has a ton of fun. There’s going to be some excellent music rocking Silver Bay!”
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Rocky Wall Benefit House concerts, visit: rockywallentertainment.org.
