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2024 Entertainment Schedule:

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May 30 ~ Bonus Thursday Night Concert

Jazz On The Green

Ripon Middle School Jazz Band
Ripon High School Jazz Band
~ Sponsor:   Available

Jun 7

The Glam Band
~ Sponsor: AFK Corporation

Jun 14

Cherry Pie
~ Sponsor: Alliance Laundry

July 21

Star Six Nine
~ Sponsor: Available

Jun 28

Bad Habitz
~ Sponsor: Walsworth

July 5

Copper Box
~ Co-Sponsor: Knuth Brewing Company
~ Co-Sponsor: Diedrich Jewelers

July 12

Jay Stulo Band
~ Sponsor: Steve's Quality Painting

July 19

FallBack
~ Sponsor: Ray's Sanitation

July 26

Road Trip
~ Sponsor: Silver Creek Dentistry

Aug 2

Dancing Queen
~ Sponsor: BHGRE Special Properties

Aug 9

Madison County
~ Sponsor: Condon Companies

Aug 16

Boogie and the Yo-yoz
~ Sponsor: Atomic Plumbing

Aug 23

Ask Your Mother
~ Sponsor: Available

Aug 30

Chicken Wire Empire
~ Sponsor: Available

Sept 6

TBA
~ Sponsor: Available

7:00-8:30 Opening Band - TBA
9:00-10:30 National Recording Artist - TBA

Sept 13

Rising Phoenix
~ Sponsor: Available

Sept 20

Smart Mouth
~ Sponsor: Available

News Release

March 6, 2024

Ripon Summer Concert Series announces 30th Season Line-up

June 7th through September 20th

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the Ripon Summer Concert Series is gearing up for its 30th season! Each summer, the heart of downtown Ripon, Wisconsin resonates with pleasant melodies, creating an inviting atmosphere for families and friends to relish the beauty of Wisconsin summer evenings together. Week after week, the series treats us to an exceptional lineup of Blues, Rock, Country, and other music styles in a charming outdoor setting.

The concert series features another remarkable lineup, with community favorites such as The Glam Band, Star Six Nine, Cherry Pie, Road Trip, Madison County, and Boogie and the Yo-yoz returning to the line-up. The sereis also welcomes several newcomers to the Village Green Bandstand including FallBack, Dancing Queen, Rising Phoenix, and Smart Mouth. 

We are also in talks with agents to bring in another nationally acclaimed recording artist and hope to make an announcment in the coming days. Stay Tuned!

The events and activities organized by Main Street enhance the image of our community, making Ripon a desirable place to live, work and play. We encourage you to join us in 2024 as an Entertainer Sponsor or as a Friend of the Green. We are currently at 44% of our fund raising entertainment goal, and donations of any amount will help ensure a successful season. Ripon Main Street is a 501c3 not-for-profit tax-exempt organization. All proceeds go to support the ongoing revitalization efforts of Ripon’s historic central business district.

Ripon Main Street, Inc. invites you to enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover what makes our community so special. Follow us @downtownripon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

A special Thank You goes out to following businesses and individuals for sponsoring the summer concert series. Let them know you appreciate the financial commitment they have made to our community.

Band Sponsors: AFK Foundry, Alliance Laundry Systems, Atomic Plumbing, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Condon Companies, Diedrich Jewelers, Guaranty Closing & Title Services, Knuth Brewing Company, Pericles Financial Services, Ray's Sanitation, Ripon College, Peter & Emily Sensenbrenner, Silver Creek Dentistry, Steve's Quality Painting, Walsworth

Friends of the Village Green: Anonymous Donations, Bright Orthodontics, Bill & Judy Neill, Thin Ice Productions

Beverage Sponsors: Miller Lite/General Beverage-NE, Knuth Brewing Company

News Release

December 14, 2023

Ripon Summer Concert Series set to return for 30th Season

June 7nd through September 20th

We are excited to announce that the Ripon Summer Concert Series is set to return for its 30th Season! In just a little over six months, we will once again be gathering in the heart of our community on Friday evenings throughout the summer to experience the power of music. The 2024 series is guaranteed to feature another fantastic lineup.

Several community favorites have already been signed including The Glam Band, Star Six Nine, Cherry Pie, Road Trip, Madison County, and Boogie and the Yo-yoz. In addition, we are working with agents to bring in another national recording artist.

The events and activities organized by Main Street enhance the image of our community, making Ripon a desirable place to live, work and play. Ripon Main Street is a 501c3 not-for-profit tax-exempt organization.

We encourage you to join us in 2024 as an Entertainer Sponsor or as a Friend of the Green. Donations of any amount will help this event continue. All proceeds go to support the ongoing revitalization efforts of Ripon’s historic central business district.

Ripon Main Street, Inc. invites you to enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover what makes our community so special. Follow us @downtownripon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

News Release

November 24, 2023

2023 SEASON WAS ONE OF OUR BEST EVER!

Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series Update...THANK YOU for helping make the 2023 season a tremendous success. The previous year was so successful, especially considering that the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID, we simply thought that the thresholds attained in 2021 would last forever. But, we did it (actually blew the doors off that previous record) which is a testament to our generous sponsors and patrons!

And the crowd that turned out to see national recording artist Hinder ... OMG! Our biggest single night turnout EVER, so THANK You for supporting the series and our community!

Now, it's time to build off that success. Planning for the upcoming season is underway. We hope to have the 2024 schedule finalized by the end of February. Stay Tuned!

In addition, if you would like to be considered as a potential performer for the series, please submit a press kit to Ripon Main Street, Inc. via craig@riponmainst.com that can be shared with the entertainment committee. Submissions must include a set list, band biography, links to the band website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages, along with compensation requirements.

Title Sponsor: Horicon Bank

Band Sponsors: AFK Foundry, Aither State Farm Insurance, Alliance Laundry Systems, Atomic Plumbing, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Special Properties, Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Condon Companies, Guaranty Closing & Title Services, axle & Jean Hinkley, Knuth Brewing Company, Pericles Financial Services, Ripon College, Peter & Emily Sensenbrenner, Silver Creek Dentistry, Walsworth

Friends of the Village Green: Anonymous Donations, Backstage Studio, Bright Orthodontics, Henry & Debbie Hilscher, Bill & Judy Neill, Thin Ice Productions

Beverage Sponsors: Miller Lite/General Beverage-NE, Knuth Brewing Company

News Release

January 28, 2022

Planning underway for 2022 Horicon Bank Summer Concert Series

June 3rd through September 2nd

Planning is once again under way for the Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series. Organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc., the free outdoor concerts take place on Friday evenings at the Village Green in downtown Ripon. "The 2021 season was our best ever, and we are building on that momentum by creating a lineup that features a greater variety of music than ever before" stated Craig Tebon, Execuitive Director of Ripon Main Street.

Several community favorites are set to return to the lineup including Star Six Nine, Road Trip, Cherry Pie and Madison County. New groups have also been added to the schedule including Chicken Wire Empire, Old Soul Society, The 308s, and The Glam Band. In addition, we are networking with agents to secure a national recording artist to conclude the 2022 season on September 2 and hope to make an announcement in the coming weeks. This is shaping up to be another great season!

The concerts take place from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at The Village Green located at the corner of Watson and Seward Street (101 W. Seward Street). Concerts typically occur on Friday evenings, June through August, but occasionally bonus concerts are added or events rescheduled due to weather issues. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

NO CARRY-INs are allowed in the park because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses. Free music isn’t really free.

A special Thank You to the local businesses that sponsor the music series. Let them know you appreciate the financial commitment they have made to our community. Without their support, there would not be a concert series. Additional donations are needed to fully fund this year’s concert series. Donations of any amount are welcome and may be sent to: Ripon Main Street, Inc., P.O. Box 365, Ripon, WI  54971.

Ripon Main Street, Inc. invites you to enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover what makes our community so special.

Title Sponsor: Horicon Bank

Band Sponsors: Alliance Laundry Systems, American Family Insurance, Condon Companies, Diedrich Jewelers, Jean, and axle Hinkley, Knuth Brewing Company, Nevitt Law Office, Pericles Financial Services, Ripon Rotary Club, Silver Creek Dentistry, von Briesen & Roper, s.c., Walsworth

Friends of the Village Green: Anonymous Donations, Backstage Studio, Bright Orthodontics, Dairyland Aviation, Diedrich Agency, Hillside Dental Associates, Henry & Debbie Hilscher, Homan Ford & GM, Andy & Jeanne Lyke, Bill & Judy Neill, Thin Ice Productions

Beverage Sponsors: Miller Lite/General Beverage, NE, Knuth Brewing Company

Media Sponsors: 102.3 The Bug, 93.1 FM The Wave, 96-1 The Rock, Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express

News Release

November 16, 2021

Concert Series bounces back...2021 season is BEST EVER!

Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series Update...THANK YOU for helping make the 2021 season a tremendous success. We could not have accomplished this without our generous sponsors and patrons!

We are building on the success and have already begun planning for the upcoming season. We hope to have the 2022 schedule finalized by the end of February. Stay Tuned!

Title Sponsor: Horicon Bank

Band Sponsors: Aither State Farm Ins., Alliance Laundry Systems, Condon Companies, Culver's of Ripon, Diedrich Agency, Diedrich Jewelers, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative, Nevitt Law Office, Silver Creek Dentistry/Knuth Brewing Company, von Briesen & Roper, s.c., Walsworth

Friends of the Village Green: Anonymous Donations, AFK Corp, Backstage Studio, Bright Orthodontics, Camera Casino, Jere & Nancy Chapin, Hillside Dental Assoc., Debbie & Henry Hilscher, Steve Axle Hinkley, Andy & Jeanne Lyke, Bill & Judy Neill, Emily & Peter Sensenbrenner, Thin Ice Productions

Media Sponsors: 102.3 The Bug, 93.1 FM The Wave, 96-1 The Rock, Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express

News Release

August 26, 2021

Horicon Bank Ripon Concert Series concludes with Tantric

National recording artist Tantric will conclude the 2021 Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series on Friday, August 27th with a special season ending performance. The FREE concert, which is sponsored by Horicon Bank, takes place at the Village Green from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. The opening performer is Avalanche Lilly.

Tantric is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky. The group was founded in 1999 by Hugo Ferreira. Tantric is often categorized as post-grunge and is known for its emphasis on acoustic guitar, distorted electric guitar riffs, and multi-layered vocal harmonies. In their early career, Tantric was frequently compared to grunge forerunners Alice in Chains.

The band has endured a 20+ year career. Their musical approach has evolved into the sensational rock band that they are today. Tantric has released seven studio albums and one EP. Their self-titled debut is their most successful release to date. The album spawned the highly acclaimed singles "Breakdown", "Astounded" and "Mourning" and has been certified gold, selling over 600,000 copies. Tantric is working on their upcoming eighth studio album “The Sum of All Things” and will be releasing a video to their first single “Living Here Without You” in the next few weeks.

Tantric's line-up consists of founder, Hugo Ferriera (Vox/Acoustic Guitar), Jaron Gulino (Vox, Bass), Sebastian LaBar (Lead Guitar, Vox) and Ian Corabi (Drums).

The concert series, which is organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc., takes place at The Village Green located at the corner of Watson and Seward Street in historic downtown Ripon. A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. NO CARRY-INs are allowed in the park because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover the charm of small town hospitality. Visit the Ripon Summer Concert website for the complete lineup which includes links to band websites, music samples and more. Or, follow us on @downtownripon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

2021 Summer Concert Sponsors

A special Thank You goes out to following businesses and individuals for sponsoring the summer concert series. Let them know you appreciate the financial commitment they have made to our community. Additional donations are still needed to fully fund this year’s concert series. Donations of any amount may be given and can be sent to: Ripon Main Street, Inc., P.O. Box 365, Ripon, WI  54971.

Title Sponsor: Horicon Bank

Band Sponsors: Aither State Farm Ins., Alliance Laundry Systems, Condon Companies, Culver's of Ripon, Diedrich Agency, Diedrich Jewelers, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative, Nevitt Law Office, Silver Creek Dentistry/Knuth Brewing Company, von Briesen & Roper, s.c., Walsworth

Friends of the Village Green: Anonymous Donations, AFK Corp, Backstage Studio, Bright Orthodontics, Camera Casino, Jere & Nancy Chapin, Hillside Dental Assoc., Debbie & Henry Hilscher, Steve Axle Hinkley, Andy & Jeannie Lyke, Bill & Judy Neill, Emily & Peter Sensenbrenner, Thin Ice Productions

Media Sponsors: 102.3 The Bug, 93.1 FM The Wave, 96-1 The Rock

Hospitality Sponsors: Cobblestone Suites

News Release

COVID-19 Forces Cancellation of 2020 Summer Concert Season

Plans for the 28th annual Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert season were completed long before COVID-19 became a world-wide health crisis. Unfortunately, the event has been cancelled due to concerns related to hosting large events. We have tentatively rebooked most of the 2020 lineup for next season.

The health and well-being of the fans, musicians, volunteers and the public is our top priority. On behalf of our sponsors and the downtown business community, we sincerely appreciate your patience and continued support during this trying time. In addition, the cooperative spirit displayed by the bands we work with is remarkable. Please support local musicians by visiting their websites and purchasing their CDs and merchandise.

Your patience and continued support is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you when safety permits. Follow us @downtownripon on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

News Release

September 4, 2019

National Recording Artist TRAPT to close out Ripon Summer Concert Season

National recording artist TRAPT will conclude the 2019 Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series this Friday, September 6th with a special season ending bonus performance. Opening band Stone Crow will kick off the concert at 7:00 pm. We saved the best for last, so don't miss this spectacular event!

The FREE concert, which is co-sponsored by Signarama and Horicon Bank, takes place from 7:00 to 10:30 pm at the Village Green in historic downtown Ripon. 96.9 The Fox is the media sponsor for this performance.

TRAPT is an American rock band that formed in Los Gatos, California, in 1995. The band is best known for its chart-topping 2002 single "Headstrong" from their self-titled album, with the video receiving over 42 million views on Youtube.

Members of the band met in middle school in the mid-'90s, and were in an early cover band. Shortly thereafter, the band reformed, bringing on lead vocalist Chris Taylor Brown, guitarist Simon Ormandy, bassist Peter "Pete" Charell, and David Stege on drums. Brown and Charell have guided the band ever since, with guitarist Brendan Hengle and drummer Adam Prentice coming on board to replace Ormandy and Stege.

The band's first few rehearsals were in Ormandy's guesthouse, which had a party-like atmosphere with its loft overlooking the living room. They began playing at local venues in 1997 before any members had graduated high school. The band received a great response and a positive buzz soon started to grow. In 1998, still before graduation, they were already opening for up-and-coming fellow acts like Papa Roach.

They recorded and released their first CD, Amalgamation in 1999, which they sold at their live shows. Between the strength of these releases and the successes in touring, they were able to garner major record label attention. They have released seven studio albums to date, and recently released a new single titled “Come Together” which features rapper An0maly. Throughout the summer and fall, the band has been taking part in the Mudfest tour featuring Saliva, Saving Abel, Tantric and Puddle of Mudd.

The series is organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc. and takes place at the Village Green located at the corner of Watson and Seward Street in historic downtown Ripon. A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Please, NO CARRY-INs because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses. All performances are free and open to the public.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover the charm of small town hospitality. Follow us on Facebook to catch all the latest updates regarding the concert series.

News Release

August 27, 2019

National Recording Artist Keith Anderson to perform at Summer Concert Series

Keith Anderson returns to the Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series this Friday, Aug. 30, bringing his I'll Bring the Music Tour back to Ripon for the second consecutive year. Opening band Dexter Road will kick off the concert at 7:00 pm. This is one concert you certainly won't want to miss!

The FREE concert, which is co-sponsored by Condon Oil Company and Ultimart, takes place from 7:00 to 10:30 pm at the Village Green in historic downtown Ripon. NASH FM 99.5 is the media sponsor for this performance.

Singer/Songwriter Keith Anderson’s latest hit song “I’ll Bring The Music” sums up Anderson to a T. That is one thing that you can always say about Anderson who grew up in the small town of Miami, OK. He always excelled at anything he has put his mind to, and he WILL bring the Music.

His 2005 debut CD, “Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll”, was certified Gold and garnered two Top 10 hits (accompanied by two No. 1 music videos), “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” and “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” along with two Top 30 hits “XXL” and “Podunk”. This success prompted music trades Billboard and Radio & Records to name him country music’s No. 1 New Male Artist of 2005 and the top new solo country artist of the year. Anderson’s sophomore CD in 2008 garnered the biggest hit of his career, “I Still Miss You”, which peaked at #2 and another Top 25 hit, “Sunday Morning In America”.

Although he has co-written hits for other artists, most notably “Lost In This Moment”, the No. 1 smash for Big & Rich which garnered him a CMA and ACM Song of the Year nomination, Anderson does not write with other artists in mind. “I think I’ll always write about what I know and feel–and typically with myself in mind. However, I write a lot and I keep the songs that are really speaking to me when I’m recording, and pitch everything else to other artists”, says Anderson. Anderson also co-wrote the Grammy-nominated, “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)” for Garth Brooks and George Jones, “The Bed” for Gretchen Wilson and “Barn Burner” for Jason Michael Carroll.

Taking the lead with other gold and platinum artists, Anderson decided to take hold of the reigns this time by launching his music his own way and letting the fans help drive his music and passion. Since 2010, Anderson has recorded and released a few tracks, via his fan club on his official website. Those songs include "Wild Girls" and the underground hit "Your Town for Now". In May 2014, Anderson released the single "I'll Bring the Music" which received airplay on Country stations across the US. Anderson released a full-length album of the same name later that year which is available on his website and at his live performances.

Anderson co-wrote on each of the album's tracks, and the song “I’ll Bring the Music” has had a huge resonance with the fans. “As I tour all over the country, that is the song that gets the crowd on their feet, and it’s the song they are still singing as they head out the door. It reminds me of how “Pickin’ Wildflowers moved them,” stated Anderson.

The tour to promote Anderson’s comeback resumed this summer with shows across the U.S. “We are delighted to have Keith returning to the Ripon Summer Concert Series,” said Craig Tebon, Ripon’s Downtown Manager. “He put on a fantastic show for us last year and we can’t wait to see him again.”

The series is organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc. and takes place at the Village Green located at the corner of Watson and Seward Street in historic downtown Ripon. A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Please, NO CARRY-INs because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses. All performances are free and open to the public.

The concert series usually takes place through the end of August, but is extending into the first week of September (9/6) this season with a special bonus concert featuring national recording artist TRAP along with opening band Stone Crow.

News Release

May 15, 2019

Horicon Bank named official title sponsor for Ripon Summer Concert Series

When the Ripon Summer Concert Series returns to the Village Green for its 27th season Thursday, May 30, it will be under a new name. Long-time concert supporter, Horicon Bank, has assumed naming rights for the popular series through 2021, during which time it will be known as the Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series.

Horicon Bank is the first-ever title sponsor of the series, organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc., and will be joined by several other area businesses, organizations and individuals who have contributed to the series as Friends of the Village Green or as sponsors of individual bands and performers.

“We are excited to take the concert series to the next level with the support of Horicon Bank, a trusted community partner with a history of helping to grow Ripon and small communities throughout Wisconsin,” said Tom Moniz, president of Ripon Main Street, Inc. “Horicon Bank’s title sponsorship is not only helping us attract new visitors during concert nights, it’s helping us continue to make an impact throughout the downtown district, whether by planting trees, hanging light pole banners, adding park benches, fixing facades, attracting new entrepreneurs and so much more.”

Horicon Bank operates 15 branches across the state of Wisconsin. They opened their first Ripon location in 1998, and added a second location inside Webster’s Marketplace in 2009. They maintain additional locations in Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Beaver Dam, Appleton, West Bend, Mayville, Iron Ridge and Neosho, in addition to its central branch in Horicon, Wisconsin. In February, Horicon Bank announced plans to acquire Markesan State Bank with branches in Markesan, Waupun and Randolph.

“Horicon Bank is proud to accelerate its support of this family-friendly concert series and continue to help propel the ongoing revitalization of downtown Ripon,” said Jeff Liddicoat, senior vice president of Horicon Bank. “We are committed to improving the communities in which we operate, including through providing access to quality cultural and artistic opportunities like this series. We look forward to sharing in the success of the upcoming season.”

Organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc., the free outdoor concerts take place on the Village Green on Main Street every Friday from 7-10 p.m. throughout the summer. The season kicks off Thursday, May 30, with “Jazz on the Green,” featuring the Ripon Middle and High School jazz bands. Wisconsin’s premier 80’s rock cover band, Stephen Cooper & Nobody Famous leads off the series on Friday, June 7.

"We have assembled a roster of high caliber entertainers for the 2019 season, including the highly anticipated return of national country music recording artist Keith Anderson on Aug. 30, and the debut of TRAPT, a national recording and touring rock band Sept. 7,” said Craig Tebon, executive director of Ripon Main Street, Inc. “These events would not be possible without the generous support of donors and volunteers. We appreciate the significant contributions made by Horicon Bank and all of our sponsors.”

A mixture of new bands and old favorites are returning to the lineup for the 2019 season, including Star Six Nine (Jun. 28), Road Trip (July 26), and Cherry Pie (Aug 9). In addition, five new groups--The Now, Kyle Megna & The Monsoons, Feed the Dog, Altered Five Blues Band, and TRAPT--make their debut this summer. View the full 2019 lineup of bands along with links to their websites at https://tinyurl.com/y5dlro9e.

A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. NO CARRY-INs are allowed in the park, beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses. Additional donations to support the concert series may be made to: Ripon Main Street, Inc., P.O. Box 365, Ripon, WI 54971.

The events and activities organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc. enhance the image of our community, making Ripon a desirable place to live, work and play. Whether through hosting engaging events like the concert series or WineWalks, attracting and retaining businesses, providing consulting services, facade grants and other beautification efforts, Ripon Main Street, Inc. is constantly working to preserve and enhance Ripon central downtown historic business district.

Ripon Main Street, Inc. invites you to enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover the charm of small town hospitality. Follow us on Facebook to catch all the latest updates regarding the concert series.

Title Sponsor: Horicon Bank

View our full calendar of events