The Dweebs bring family entertainment to Gazebo Nights

A Merrill fan favorite at the Gazebo Nights free summer concert series, The Dweebs brought their family band to Normal Park last Thursday evening, July 16, 2026, for an evening of family-friendly entertainment, despite the still-somewhat-smoky air. It still wasn’t as smoky as the nights of going out to hear a band when smoking was still allowed in taverns and clubs. And the overcast haze actually made the heat more tolerable than the previous Thursday night, without the direct sun beating down on those relaxing in their lawn chairs in the park.
Mark Robl kicked off the evening’s music as the opening act and, judging by the applause, was a welcome new addition to the concert series. Chips sponsors the opening act each week.
Then the family act took the stage, with “Papa Dweeb,” his three grown kids, and now a grandson joining the vocal lineup — and also serving as the band’s sound technician. Known for their fun and funky costumes and attire and interaction with the crowd, The Dweebs drew a large crowd despite the smoky overcast skies.
Kids still played on the playground with the soundtrack of several decades providing background music. The Masons still popped popcorn, and the Merrill Area Concert Association still came out to provide information about their organization. And area non-profits still turned up to sell concessions, baked goods, and 50/50 raffle tickets, with members of the Merrill Lions Club on hand to grill up hot dogs and burgers to feed the crowd.
The Dweebs had the crowd singing along to “Take Me Home Country Roads” and jamming out to covers of popular songs from the ‘60s through the ‘90s, and they went out into the crowd to get some audience participation on some of the vocals from surprised but willing concert goers. Then there were a few of the bashful sort that weren’t risking their reputations or future America’s Got Talent auditions whose lips were sealed. But overall, the crowd got into the spirit of the fun, including some of Merrill’s own past and future Solid Gold Dancers and air guitarists who even came up on stage or danced in front of the stage when they could no longer stand to just sit in their seats.

Michael, Cindy, Willie, Ozzy, and other notables — or at least their lookalikes — “showed up” in costume to share some of their most popular songs (with a few notable fun changes to the lyrics for some of the songs, but you’ll get that sometimes, especially with those posthumous appearances).
This Thursday, July 23, Evan Garski will open for the Jay Stulo Band. Chips is sponsoring the opening act, Thorogood is the Gazebo Nights sponsor, and Visionary Home Ventures, Eagles Club, Merrill Sheet Metal, and Hugo’s Pizza are sponsoring the headliner. The band describes itself as “Blues and then some. Influenced by multiple genres. Jay is not a traditional blues artist, and this is not your grandfather’s blues.”
Performances featuring “versatile, high energy guitar pyrotechnics, rock-tinged hooks, and gut-bucket vocals make for a show to remember,” according to the band’s website.
Of course, concessions, popcorn, and the 50/50 raffle are all expected to add to the community atmosphere at the park, providing a great accompaniment to the band’s performance.
Mark your calendar for the remaining concerts in this 2026 summer Gazebo Nights series so you don’t miss free live music in the park.
• 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 Community Bank are still being accepted and will help fund future seasons to ensure Gazebo Nights can continue each summer.