Whalen and the Willows (Opening Act) - Whalen and the Willows are an Alternative Country band out of Austin, Minnesota. From dark and brooding to comforting and hopeful Whalen and the Willows create a theatrical landscape that will take you away. Their first full length record Peaceful released January 2020. Peaceful has been given tremendous praise from WATW fans. The record has received exposure from Mark Wheat of The Current, KFAI Minneapolis, and Jearlyn Steele of WCCO. With a focus on lyrics Joshua writes tales pulled from life experience and observation. Pain, suffering, hope, and love are common motives looking to strike an authentic balance of the struggles and joys of life. The band uses melody, rhythm, and harmony to conjure an experience that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Whalen and the Willows are a master class on soul and authenticity

Rochester Civic Music is pleased to present the 2022 - 30th Anniversary Season of the "Think Bank Down by the Riverside" FREE outdoor concert series. The series takes place over six Sundays in July and August (July 10 through August 14) in one of the most beautiful green spaces in the area, Mayo Park (behind the Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Art Center) along the banks of the Zumbro River. This is an open-to-the-public City park, so lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome. On-site concessions, including mobile food vendors, will also be available. All events to feature local Southeastern Minnesota bands as opening acts starting at 7:00 p.m., with headliners taking the stage at 8:00 p.m.

Video: Experience the Think Bank Down by the Riverside

This summer will mark the 30th year the City of Rochester Music Department Rochester Civic Music has produced the popular outdoor concert series. Highlights over the last 30 years include performances from Eric Church, The Chicks, Josh Turner, Eric Paslay, Polica, Cloud Cult, The Revolution, Jefferson Starship, Margo Price, Jamey Johnson, The Suburbs, Gin Blossoms, Dessa, Living Colour, Soul Asylum, Jon Pardi, Lucius, The Wailers, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Los Lonely Boys, Grand Funk Railroad, Cracker, Three Dog Night, Foghat, George Thorogood, Herman's Hermits, Frankie Ballard, Uriah Heep, Collective Soul, Johnny Winter, The Guess Who, Kansas, The Smithereens, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Heiruspecs, Tommy James & the Shondells, 38 Special, Eddie Money, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Little River Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Blue Oyster Cult, Martin Zellar, and so many more!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support Grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.