Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has an amazing night of free music planned to ring in 2023. For the main event, nineties alternative rockers Everclear will perform a free concert on Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Cafe stage on December 31.
Considering Everclear has written and recorded some truly iconic ’90s alt-rock hits, it would be all too easy these days for the band to be a victim of its past successes, relegated to performing as a glorified jukebox, existing to satisfy the nostalgic cravings of Gen Xers everywhere. But singer-guitarist Art Alexakis isn’t about to start phoning it in now.
Everclear continues to tour extensively, and while it’s a virtual surety that no Everclear gig is complete without a rendition of “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine,” lately the band has found that exploring the full range of past material—especially the “deep cuts”—not only gives fans a rare treat, it also injects new life into the band’s live dynamic.
“By mixing it up and digging into the catalogue, it still makes it fun and relevant for us, and I think for the fans as well,” says Alexakis. “It’s still important to play the hits, but by playing those other songs as well, it makes it all seem more vibrant and real. Even though I recorded some of those songs 20 years ago, I haven’t played them in a long time, so it’s like reinventing the wheel. I’m having more fun now than I have in years. I think all of us are.”
Formed by Alexakis in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career spanning 11 studio releases, numerous videos, thousands of shows and accolades that include a 1998 Grammy nomination. Like a true survivor, Alexakis has soldiered on through multiple lineup changes over the years: During the “classic” era, the band also included Craig Montoya on Bass and Greg Eklund on drums; the current touring lineup features longtime members Davey French (guitar) and Freddy Herrera (bass), as well as drummer Brian Nolan (also with American Hi-Fi), who has performed with Everclear on multiple past tours.
Nerdvana, performing sounds of the nineties, will open for Everclear.
Blues lovers will be in their glory as two legendary brothers grace the Council Oak stage. Sons of the late great Lonnie Brooks, Wayne Baker Brooks and Ronnie Baker Brooks are legends in their own right. To start things off, Wayne Baker Brooks will take the stage. Wayne is considered one of today’s top guitarists, whose signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage while effortlessly expanding the boundaries of the genre. Born and raised in Chicago, IL amongst the most prolific blues legends and blues masters in the world, Wayne Baker Brooks’ blues roots may run deeper and wider than the Great Lakes themselves.
Following Wayne Baker Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks will perform on the Council Oak stage. Ronnie is a Chicago Blues and Soul staple. Brooks has been declared "blues royalty", as his style honors the true torch bearers of this unique sound which includes Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Luther Allison, as well as his father.
New Year’s Eve Entertainment on both stages will kick off at 9:00 p.m. All shows are free to guests. All guests must be 21 years or older.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, IN, directly adjacent to the I80/94 Burr Street Interchange. For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana:
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination opened to the public on May 14, 2021. Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1600 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions. In addition to the new Hard Rock Live performance venue, Hard Rock Casino’s five dining options include Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest and Constant Grind Coffee Shop and also features a retail shop. For more information, contact https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.