Back at It Again
I believe it was Martha and the Vandellas who pointed out “Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets.”
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is taking those lyrics to heart as it hosts the second year of its popular Outdoor Concert Series.
The season – and the subsequent dancing - begins Friday, May 31 as country artist Nate Smith comes to town to kick off the series.
The Hard Rock outdoor venue can host 4,000 general admission spectators, and there are VIP upgrades available at each concert. Tickets start at just $25.
Hard Rock has made it a point to pull from many genres, in keeping with its motto, “Love All - Serve All.” On the summer horizon: country, R&B, alternative, classic rock, reggae, metal, 90s throwbacks and more. Here’s what to expect:
Nate Smith, May 31
Smith, a country music star on the rise, is originally from Paradise, California, and after spending time in Nashville, he returned to his hometown, only to have his home burn down in the Butte County Camp Fire. The tragedy inspired him to write his breakout song, “One of These Days,” which created enough attention to encourage Smith to return to Nashville.
His major label debut was “Raised Up,” followed by “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven.” Smith made the 2022 Artists to Watch list by Country Now, Country Lifestyle Network, and PopWrapped. Singles “Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire” reached #1 on the U.S. Country Airplay in 2022 and 2023, respectively. His studio album Nate Smith, released in 2023, reached #6 on the U.S. Country charts.
Aaron Lewis, June 15
Aaron Lewis, founding member of the alternative metal band Staind, released seven studio albums with the band before pursuing a solo career. His debut EP, Town Line, was released in 2011 and his first full-length solo album, The Road, was released in 2012.
In 2019, Lewis released his third solo album, State I’m In, and his fourth album, Frayed at Both Ends, was released in 2022. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was the top selling country album in America upon release.
Boyz II Men, June 22
The stars, who provided the R&B soundtrack to the 90s, started in Philadelphia keep true to their musical roots. They had international success in 1991 with singles such as Motownphilly and It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday. Their number one single, End of the Road, set a record on the Billboard Hot 100, staying in the top spot for 13 weeks.
Boyz II Men broke their own Billboard record with I’ll Make Love to You at the top of the charts for 14 weeks and One Sweet Day at Number One for 16 weeks. The group has four Grammy awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They also have been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the R&B Music Hall of Fame.
311 + Awolnation + Neon Trees, July 20
Three bands for the price of one! Reggae rockers 311 are originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and have released 13 studio albums, two live albums, four compilation albums and four DVDs. Their self-titled album reached triple platinum behind the singles “Down” and “All Mixed Up.”
Awolnation’s first single, “Sail,” went platinum in the US and double platinum in Canada. The indie rock band most recently released an album of cover songs by such artists as Scorpions, Midnight Oil and Madonna.
Rock band Neon Trees is probably best known for its single, “Everybody Talks,” released in late 2011. Their first album, Habits, featured the singles “Animal” and “Your Surrender.”
I Love the 90s with Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan and Rob Base, August 9
90s fashion is back, so we might as well celebrate ‘90s music. The “I Love the 90s” tour is a three-prong musical punch sure to bring back those side ponytails and parachute pants.
Vanilla Ice is synonymous with ‘90s hits, as his single, “Ice, Ice Baby” was the first rap single to reach #1 on the Billboard singles charts. His album, To The Extreme, reached #1 on Billboard’s album charts. He also reached cult status with “Ninja Rap,” from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II.
Montell Jordan is best known for his first single, “This is How We Do It,” which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven straight weeks. His debut album of the same name went platinum, selling more than a million copies.
Rob Base burst onto the American hip-hop scene with the debut album, It Takes Two, which reached platinum status and #4 on the Billboard R&B albums chart. The album spawned three hits, including the title track “It Takes Two,” along with “Get on the Dance Floor” and “Joy and Pain.” The second album, The Incredible Base, was a top 20 Billboard R&B album and was certified gold.
Brad Paisley, Sept. 7
Country superstar Brad Paisley brings his chart toppers to the outdoor venue just after Labor Day. Paisley’s 1999 debut album Who Needs Pictures started a string of 12 studio albums and a Christmas album that all were certified gold. He has had 35 singles hit the Billboard Country Top 10, with 20 of those reaching No. 1.
He has sold more than 11 million albums and has won three Grammy awards, 14 Academy of Country Music awards, 14 Country Music Association awards and two American Music awards. Paisley has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001.
Three Dog Night, Sept. 20
Classic rockers Three Dog Night, has been rolling out hits since 1967, including 21 consecutive Billboard Top 40 songs, three Number 1 singles, 11 Top 10s and seven singles selling at least a million. Their hits include “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” “Joy to the World” and “Never Been to Spain.”
Hard Rock brass also says to be on the lookout for a couple more artist announcements to come. Tickets are available for each of the concerts here.