WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Rockin' The River returns for its sixth season, the soundtrack of the summer along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre.
"It's a Friday night, it's the middle of the summer, and it's real chill," said organizer Alan Stout.
The music series started in 2019 and has heavily featured tribute bands over the years.
"It's a series that really hit the ground running. We had a great turnout the first, and then it's just gotten better and better every year."
This year is no different. They're kicking things off with a tribute to U2, a cover of the Eagles, and a new Nashville star.
"We like to do, on the final Friday, a national touring original artist. And this year, we have a great, fast-rising country star out of Nashville, Lanie Gardner," Will Beekman said.
The series is a summer staple with crowds reaching up to 6,000 people.
"This is one of the most beautiful parts of Luzerne County, the River Common, with the mountains and bridge and the river behind you. You put the right type of music in front of that, and it's absolutely perfect," Stout added.
The concerts will take place near Millennium Circle on the River Common in Wilkes-Barre.
- July 12 – The Unforgettable Fire: A Tribute to U2, with opening act The TRiBE.
- July 19 – Winslow: An Evening with The Eagles, with opening act, The Traveling Wilkes-Barreans.
- July 26 – Lanie Gardner, with opening act, The Broke Pines.
The Rockin’ the River shows are free for all ages. Gates open at 5 p.m., and music runs from 6-9 p.m. There will be food vendors and beverages from the Susquehanna Brewing Company and Bank & Vine. They are presented by Visit Luzerne County and the Riverfront Parks Committee. Major sponsors are Geisinger, Lewith & Freeman, DiscoverNEPA, Mountain Productions, PSC (Petroleum Service Company), and the City of Wilkes-Barre.