Hard Rock Casino in Gary Tuning Up for Free Concerts

Chicago blues, a Beatles soundalike and a couple of 80s tribute bands will play as Gary's Hard Rock Casino doubles down on entertainment with free concerts.

The $300M Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana had its guitar-smashing grand opening ceremony in July of 2021. Two of the Jackson 5 were there, along with Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath. The memorabilia collection that Hard Rock is known for includes an Eddie Van Halen guitar, a salute to Indiana wall featuring John Mellencamp, Axl Rose and others, plus the jacket Michael Jackson wore in the "Beat It" video. It's definitely worth a quick detour off I-94 on your next trip to Chicago.

You don't often see the words "casino" and "free" in the same sentence. Although the house always wins, the Hard Rock is comping your ticket for live music throughout the summer. As they are less than 40 miles form the Windy City, you will hear a lot of Chicago blues. A Beatles tribute band is booked, a couple of '80s acts will be featured and other nights, you'll get great music to dance to while taking a break from the slots and the tables. Here are the highlights:

Friday 7/16

Dueling Pianos- Do you miss Monaco Bay? Don't miss this

Spazmatics- Missed their Gilmore Car Museum show? See the ultimate '80s new wave tribute act on the Hard Rock Cafe stage

Saturday 7/17

Ronnie Baker Brooks- The son of legendary Chicago bluesman Lonnie Brooks. Father and son toured and performed with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor before going solo at age 32 in 1998.

Friday 7/23

Mike Wheeler Band- A Chicago Blues Hall of Famer, Wheeler has traveled the world as an ambassador for Chicago blues music.

Friday 7/30

American English- A Beatles tribute band from Chicago, American English was voted “number one” by thousands of Beatles fans as winners of sound alike contests at Beatlefest for three consecutive years.

Friday 8/6

Trippin' Billies- THE Dave Matthews tribute band. They've been doing this for 25 years.

Friday 8/27

The Breakfast Club- The Breakfast Club is the longest running, most recognized 80s tribute band in the United States

Get the full musical performance schedule here and find out more about Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on their Facebook page.

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