Trippin’ Billies Performance at Gabis Arboretum
Established in the mid-1990s, Trippin’ Billies has become one of the most popular and enduring Dave Matthews Band tribute acts in the U.S. They are set to perform at 6 p.m. on Friday as part of the Acorn Concert Series at Gabis Arboretum, located at 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso. Purdue Northwest hosts the event. Tickets are priced starting at $23 and are accessible by calling 219-462-0025 or visiting www.pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum for more details. The concert series, which started on July 16, runs regardless of weather conditions. Children 12 and under can attend for free with an accompanying adult, and parking has no charge.
Griffith’s Annual Rock ‘n’ Rail Festival
Griffith stages its 17th Annual Rock ‘n’ Rail Festival, stretching over two city blocks. This family-friendly event kicked off on Thursday, presenting live music, vendor booths, food, and games along Broad Street from 2 p.m. to midnight, concluding on Sunday night. Over 40 vendors are participating, offering free stage entertainment from acts such as Jim Bulanda, Rumours Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, and Kasmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute, amongst over two dozen free concert offerings. Visitors can gather more information by visiting www.griffith.in.gov or by calling 219-924-7500.
Hesston Steam Museum’s Annual Show
The Hesston Steam Museum, operated by the LaPorte County Historical Steam Society, is situated at 1201 E. 1000 N. in LaPorte. It is hosting the 65th Annual Labor Day Weekend Steam and Power Show, running from Friday through Monday. Attractions include “Doc’s Soda Shop,” antique farm machinery exhibitions, and train rides across three vintage railroad track spans. Entry costs $10, with additional charges for train rides. Children under 13 enter free. The festival starts at 9 a.m. each day and concludes at 5 p.m. For further details, visit www.hesston.org or call 219-778-2783.
Whiting Symphony Orchestra Lakefront Concert
The Whiting Summer with the Symphony concert series continues to be a part of the city’s cultural landscape, initiated in 1994 by Marty Dybel. The Whiting Park Festival Orchestra, founded by Dybel and Maestro Robert Vodnoy, will offer a free concert from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Lakefront Park in Whiting, followed by a fireworks display. Parking is available for $10. This annual concert draws attendees from Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, supported by sponsors, subscribers, and public donations. The event showcases featured guest soloists, young artists, and thematic performances from Hollywood film scores to patriotic tunes. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and a passion for music. Additional information is available at www.whitingparkfestivalorchestra.com.
For further insights and stories by Philip Potempa, who is a journalist, published author, and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM, he can be contacted at [email protected].