Riverside Music Series lineup announced; Everclear and Vanessa Carlton to perform

May 23—ROCHESTER — Everclear, 1990s alt-rock royalty, opens the 2024 Riverside Music Series.

Art Alexakis, Everclear lead singer and songwriter, promised via song in 1997 to buy listeners a garden, a new car, new house and new life in general. That offer was likely artistic license or at the very least expired. However, the Pacific Northwest Band, which ruled radio play in the 1990s to 2000s, promises to bring a good time to Mayo Park on Sunday, July 14.

This year is the 32nd season of the free downtown outdoor concert series. It features five weeks of live music ranging from legendary acts like Everclear, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, to new talent and regional favorites.

"These free concerts are a highlight of the summer and are for everyone," said Avital Rabinowitz, Rochester Public Music Director.

The Riverside Music Series, formerly Down by the Riverside, has undergone a slight rebranding for 2024. In the last couple years, the event has opened to more local food and beverage vendors which will continue.

Although Everclear is known for its early hits, the band and Alexakis have continued making new music. Sobriety and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis have changed Alexakis' outlook and output. However, the group doesn't refrain from playing their familiar platinum selling hits live.

Minneapolis rocker Cindy Lawson, of the Clams, opens the show. Her 2023 single "Don't Come Crying To Me" was song of the day on Minnesota Public Radio's The Current January 12, 2024 and her EP release was named the Twin Cities' best local release in 2023.

Elvie Shane headlines a night of country music July 21. The Kentucky-born country artist blends country sounds with rock and hip-hop energy. Stewartville native Aaron Simmons, who now calls Nashville home, opens that show.

Singer-songwriter and pianist Vanessa Carlton plays July 28. Her debut single, "A Thousand Miles" made a splash spending 41 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 earning her three grammy nominations. Adam Bohanan, of Minneapolis, who plays a blend of jazz, soul, funk and R&B opens for Carlton.

Genre defying Nat Myers, a Korean-American blues poet from Kentucky, plays Aug. 4. His latest album, "Yellow Peril," blends his poetry and American blues traditions to describe what it's like to be a Korean-American living in the U.S.

Minnesota-based singer-songwriter Molly Brandt, who was named Americana Artist of the Year at the 2023 Midwest Country Music Awards, starts the evening of music. Brandt was one of the headlining performers at this year's Big Turn Music Festival in Red Wing February this year.

The series wraps up with a festival favorite and music legend, Max Weinberg's Jukebox. Weinberg is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and bandleader for Conan O'Brien's late night ensemble. His "jukebox" project has become a legendary live performance experience. Weinberg interacts with the crowd to curate an unexpected setlist done with enough energy to get even the most reserved Minnesotans on their feet.

The Riverside Music Series is sponsored by Think Bank. Local food vendors and local breweries will be at the park along with volunteers helping artists sell their music and merchandise.

July 14 — Everclear with Cindy Lawson

July 21 — Elvie Shane with Aaron Simmons

July 28 — Vanessa Carlton with Adam Bohanan

August 4 — Nat Myers with Molly Brandt

August 11 — Max Weinberg's Jukebox with The Orange Goodness