Gazebo Nights return to Normal Park with star-studded summer lineup

Merrill music lovers, mark your calendars. Gazebo Nights 2025 at Normal Park will be back this summer with eight weeks of free concerts that promise to bring neighbors and community together for amazing evenings of live entertainment, food and refreshments, and an opportunity to enjoy Merrill’s beautiful outdoor gathering space.
Gazebo Nights kick off July 10 and run through Aug. 28, the Thursday before Labor Day, with performances from 7-9 p.m. each Thursday evening at the Gazebo on N. Center Ave., with a break during Merrill’s Lincoln County Fair week when live entertainment will be showcased at the Merrill Fair Grounds.
The weekly summer concert series provides a lot more than just toe-tapping entertainment. During the course of last summer’s concerts, 16 non-profit groups participated and provided concessions and fundraisers during the concerts, generating more than $17,000 that flowed right back into the community.
The Gazebo Nights 2025 lineup kicks off with Hip Pocket opening the season on July 10, featuring their signature blend of top 40, R&B, jazz, pop, modern, Latin-infusion, and classic rock hits. A powerful band known for striking lead and harmony vocals, a blazing four-piece horn section, and a rockin’ rhythm section that will keep you in the groove, Hip Pocket will have everyone dancing in their seats.

Country music takes center stage July 17 when Nashville recording artist Jerry Schmitt returns with his band. Known as one of the premier country artists/bands in the United States, the Jerry Schmitt Band blends modern and traditional country music with a rockabilly influence for their own original sound. Their performances appeal to both young and old, and their dedication to traditional country music makes each show a unique experience for their fans.
Blues fans won’t want to miss Rev Raven & the Chain Smoking Alter Boys with Westside Andy on July 24. Born and raised in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s south side, the Reverend started playing blues in 1971 after seeing Freddy King play at the Kinetic Theatre in Chicago. After 16-year hitch in the Navy, Chief Raven moved to Milwaukee where he began a long friendship and collaboration with Madison Slim, long time harmonica player for Jimmy Rogers. Since 1990 he has opened for B.B King, Gatemouth Brown, Pinetop Perkins, Koko Taylor Band, Junior Wells, Billy Branch, Magic Slim, Elvin Bishop, Sugar Blue, Lonnie Brooks, William Clarke, Lefty Dizz, Rod Piazza, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Duke Robillard, Jeff Healy, Trampled Underfoot, Mike Zito, Nick Moss, Tommy Castro, and numerous others at festivals and at Buddy Guy’s Legends where he has been on rotation as a headliner for 20 years.
The Dweebs will perform on July 31. This family band, featuring Michael Blue with his two sons and daughter, delivers an interactive, unique, and adaptable show suitable for events from free stages, beer gardens, and main stages to weddings and corporate events. Expect colorful costumes, crazy stage antics, crowd participation, and favorite hits from the 60s to today. With over 35 years in the music industry, The Dweebs bring the party wherever they go.
On Aug. 14, Rising Phoenix takes the stage. Known as Wisconsin’s favorite 80’s Party Rock Band, Rising Phoenix delivers a fun, professional, high-energy show filled with the biggest rock hits from the 70s and 80s.
49 Deluxe returns on Aug. 21. They stepped in last year to save the night when Rev Raven lost his tour bus, and the Gazebo crowd insisted they be brought back. 49 Deluxe performs classic rock and outlaw country music that will leave you wanting the night to last far longer.
The season wraps up Aug. 28 with Duluth Transit Authority. Since performing their very first show together in early spring of 2004, Transit Authority has become known throughout the US as the premier tribute band to the iconic group, Chicago. Based out of St. Paul, Minn., this eight-piece member ensemble creates an accurate musical salute to the greatest horn-driven rock band to ever hit the stage. Transit Authority’s mission is to recreate the excitement of the original Chicago’s sound with each and every performance—minus the crack and pops of the vinyl—and they never disappoint.