Gazebo Nights kick off tonight with Cougars headlining

Merrill’s Gazebo Nights kicks off its 14th season tonight at Normal Park, opening a summer concert series that nearly featured a shortened lineup after organizers hit funding challenges this year.
Thorogood, a division of Weinbrenner Shoe Company, headlines as the season’s main sponsor, joined by this week’s weekly sponsors The Pizza Shop, Park City Credit Union, Park City Realty, and Edward Jones-Katie Helmstadter.
Organizers said tonight’s opening act, the Cougars, is the biggest name yet to open the series.
The Cougars, a six-piece rock band from Green Bay, are fronted by three lead female vocalists known for high-energy songs and layered harmonies. The band’s set list spans decades and genres, from Journey and Lady Gaga to ‘80s hits and country crossover, aimed at keeping the dance floor full throughout the night.
Each show opens with a warmup act at 5 p.m., followed by the main performance at 6 p.m. Tonight’s opening act is Evan Garski, sponsored by Chips.

Luther Memorial Church will handle the concession stand this evening.

When fundraising challenges arose, the community stepped up
Earlier this summer, Michael “Gus” Caylor, one of the event’s organizers, said raising the roughly $16,000 needed to book the full season was harder than usual, and he wasn’t certain the group would have enough funding to book shows for the whole season.
When fans learned of the shortfall through the Gazebo Nights Facebook page, several came forward asking how they could help, prompting organizers to set up a donation account at Crossbridge Community Bank.
“In response to a music fan’s question, you can drop off donations for the music at Crossbridge Community Bank in downtown Merrill,” Caylor said. “Please inform them it is for Gazebo Nights, and any checks must be made out to Gazebo Nights. We are humbled by your support.”

Some new businesses also came forward, Caylor announced on the Facebook page. “Kevin Blake and Dennis Hummer from First Weber reached out. They have made a substantial donation, as have a few others, including Mayor Hass,” Caylor said.
And new, first-time sponsor Lincoln Wood Products, which made a substantial donation, helped fund one of the major acts for Aug. 13, Road Trip.
With the additional support, organizers were able to confirm a full lineup of seven shows for the summer.
2026 Gazebo Nights season lineup
With funding in place, the 2026

Gazebo Nights season lineup for headlining acts includes:
• July 9 (tonight) — Cougars
• July 16 — The Dweebs
• July 23 — Jay Stulo Band
• July 30 — Rising Star

• Aug. 6 — No concert - enjoy the music at the Lincoln County Fair
• Aug. 13 — Road Trip
• Aug. 20 — Blindside
• Aug. 27 — Red Higgins
Donations to the account at Crossbridge are still being accepted and will help fund future seasons to ensure Gazebo Nights can continue each summer.