Free Concerts Begin on July 15
Every July, Rockin’ the River transforms Wilkes-Barre’s River Common into an outdoor concert hall. The crowds come early, staking out their spots on the grassy slopes of the levee. Before long, the park is dotted with folding chairs and blankets. The sun dips behind the stone arches of the Market Street Bridge, casting a soft glow across the glistening water. That golden hour is the cue for the fun to begin.
The opening act strikes up the first song, jamming out as the Susquehanna glides by in the background. Kids (and adults) can’t help but dance, and curious kayakers even paddle up to catch a few songs.
These free, family-oriented concerts kick off on July 15 and continue every Friday through July 29. From national touring bands to local talent, this outdoor concert series offers awesome shows with an unbeatable view.
Celebrating Four Years of Community Concerts
Rockin’ the River began in 2019 and almost instantly became a NEPA summertime staple.
“The shows—and I went to the very first one—were very successful right out of the gate,” said Alan K. Stout, Executive Director of Visit Luzerne County. “Thousands of people started coming right away. They [the event committee] kind of knew by the second show back in 2019 that they had done something that the community responded to and that they really enjoyed.”
The inaugural concerts were so successful that organizers decided to make Rockin’ the River an annual event. But of course, things didn’t go as planned during the summer of 2020. Instead, the committee reimagined the event as Rockin’ the County, a mobile concert series that brought the show to the fans. The bands rode through local communities on the back of a flatbed truck, allowing people to enjoy the music from the safety of their yards and porches.
By summer 2021, Rockin’ the River was back in full force at River Common. This year’s shows will follow the traditional format, featuring live music and local vendors at Millennium Circle.
Live Music for All Ages
Each night will showcase three bands. As always, Rockin’ the River will feature popular tribute bands to play everyone’s favorite hits. Classic rock fans won’t want to miss Danny V’s 52nd Street Band (the world’s longest running tribute to Billy Joel) and The Taxmen (a Beatles tribute band with NEPA roots).
As of last year, Rockin’ the River also started adding original bands to the lineup. This summer’s major headliner is Cabinet, a nationally touring roots-rock band with strong ties to NEPA. The band has previously headlined at local venues like the Sherman Theater and the F.M. Kirby Center. They also founded the former Susquehanna Breakdown music festival at Montage Mountain.
“Even though they’re from here, they might only play here a couple of times a year,” explained Stout. “One of their shows this year will be at Rockin’ the River, so that’s a nice homecoming show for a very successful band.”
The full lineup includes:
July 15
Teddy Young & The Rugged Individuals
The Idol Kings
Danny V’s 52nd Street Band
July 22
Tori V & The Karma
Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen
The Taxmen
July 29
Southside Five
Mike Miz & The Northeast Extension
Cabinet
In between sets, visitors can grab a bite to eat from the food trucks and enjoy local beer from Susquehanna Brewing Company.
See You at the River
Most of all, Rockin’ the River inspires people to get outside, explore downtown Wilkes-Barre and discover the beauty of River Common.
“It is my favorite place to go in the Valley. I go there all the time. I ride my bike there. I walk there,” said Stout. “It’s this great little jewel in our community that I think Rockin’ the River really helped put back on the map.”
Concerts begin on July 15 and continue every Friday through July 29. Food trucks will open at 5 p.m., and the music begins at 6 p.m.
The concerts take place at Millennium Circle at River Common, which is located between the Market Street Bridge and the Luzerne County Courthouse.
For more information and a parking map, check out Visit Luzerne County.
