By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – This year’s Music on the River (MOR) lineup features both returning favorites and new acts.
The free weekly concerts will be held on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Tomahawk.
“Concert attendees are invited to come by car, foot or boat and bring lawn chairs, picnic suppers, coolers, family, neighbors and friends,” MOR stated.
In the event of rain, concerts will be held at the SARA Park indoor arena.
The 16th iteration of the summer concert series is slated to kick off on June 21 with Unity the Band, a Wisconsin-based, award-winning original roots reggae group with their own unique sound, fronted with island-smooth energetic confidence.
The act, returning to the MOR stage, “(treats) fans to old roots, rock and reggae favorites, along with original music blending into their own unique sound,” MOR said. “Unity promises to provide a style of music like no other, giving entertainment like no other.”
On June 28, Miss Myra and the Moonshiners will take the MOR stage.
MOR said Miss Myra and the Moonshiners are “a formidable five-piece swing band bringing a fresh female-driven perspective to traditional New Orleans and hot club jazz, playing a broad repertoire of classic tunes from the ‘20s and ‘30s and inspired originals.”
“With powerful vocals, a smoking horn section and sweet rhythm, they are guaranteed to lift spirits and fill the dance floor,” MOR stated.
Longtime MOR favorites Hip Pocket will bring their striking leads and four-part harmony vocals back to the MOR stage on July 5.
MOR said the nine-member band “will be playing your favorite top 40, R&B, Latin-infusion, jazz, pop, modern and classic rock hits, from nine months to 90 years and every age in between.”
Billy Bronsted and The Loot, a progressive Americana trio from central Wisconsin, are slated to perform on July 12.
The group “(leans) on the crack bass chops of Darian Woller and Billy’s fervent songwriting,” according to MOR.
“Billy and percussionist John Kneipp were both born and raised in Tomahawk, where their love for music was thought of as unique and distinctive,” MOR stated. “Their sound reflects this upbringing, allowing their playing styles to pull listeners back through time.”
Ember, a group that took first place at the 2023 Hodag Northern Wisconsin Regional Country Band Pick-Off, will perform on July 19.
“Ember has quickly established themselves as a crowd favorite, performing everywhere from local venues, resorts, and casinos to warming up the stage for national acts,” MOR said, adding that the band “brings a fun party atmosphere with their dance-driven renditions of popular rock and country hits.”
The Jerry Schmit Band will wrap up the concert series on July 26.
MOR noted that Schmit, a Nashville recording artist, and his band have become “one of the premier country artists/bands in the United States” and the group features “a blend of modern and traditional country music with a rockabilly influence.”
“Their sound appeals to young and old alike, and their love of performing and dedication to preserving traditional country music makes each of their shows a unique experience for their fans,” MOR said.
For more information on the summer concert series, contact Jessica Dittmer at 715-612-1299, email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/TomahawkMusicOnTheRiver/.