Self-described as “retro revivalists,” Chicago-based rock band Rosie and The Rivets perform the best of both worlds for music, from favorite rock and soul smash hits from the 1960s along with contemporary music with a vintage twist. The group plays center stage for a free concert starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, as the headliners at Live at Rocks Lounge in the lobby pavilion of Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive in Michigan City. Audiences have a hard time staying in their seats and concerts often turn into dance parties with music salutes to early rock, rockabilly, girl groups and surf featuring chart hits from “Please, Mr. Postman” to “Stray Cats Strut.” For more information, visit www.bluechip.boydgaming.com or call 219-879-7711.
Free music fun
DJ Dave C is in command of the music starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Council Oak Bar at Hard Rock Northern Indiana in Gary for free tunes with every sip and savor in the cocktail lounge area. DJ Dave C was born and raised in the Bucktown and Humboldt Park areas in Chicago. He started his love affair with music and the underground culture in the early 80s as a young break dancer. In 1985, he met one of his best friends and fellow DJ Gabriel “Rock the House,” who showed him the secret to spinning success. At 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, on the Hard Rock Café free music stage it’s Chicagoland band LP Vinyl fronted by Chicago legend Pete Greco of Arra and the Lounge Puppets. This amazing five-piece band has more than 20 years of industry experience. Pete is joined by Lenny Vertucci, Gino Buonamici, JET and Mike Gerbitz, all recognized area names who collectively have performed all over the Midwest in various groups like 7th Heaven, Hi Infidelity, Anthem and HairBangers Ball. Their stage reputation pays detail to the world’s greatest classic rock songs by Toto, Kansas, Foreigner, Styx, Journey, Billy Squire, Aerosmith, Queen, Survivor, Loverboy and others. All music shows are 21 and older for entry into the casino, which offers not only gaming but also more than 170 pieces of music memorabilia on display in the complex at 5400 W. 29th Ave. on the Hard Rock Live main stage. 219-228-2383; hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/entertainment.
Something funny
The Veterans of Comedy tour comes to The Hobart Art Theater, 230 Main St. in Hobart, for one show only at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Starring funny headliner Jose Sarduy and featuring the stand-up comedy talents Jay Hunter, and Robert Day and hosted by Alex Oritz, the three-hour funny fest helps to raise money with proceeds benefiting Charlie Bravo, a non-profit with a mission to help veterans against suicide and homelessness. Featuring a full bar, ages 21 and older are eligible for VIP seating. Gathering material from a wealth of life experiences, comic Jose Sarduy was born in Cuba and deported because of his father’s political prisoner status. He came to the U.S. at a young age, his family taught him to work hard for his dreams, and not forget how to laugh at life and himself. After high school, he was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and became an officer in the Air Force. An accomplished aviator and a veteran having served in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, he’s been all over the world. Today, he uses his topical and observational comedy to help charity causes. Tickets are $25 at www.brickartlive.com or 219-942-1670.
Free Beatnik preview
Beatniks’ 17th Anniversary and Preview Donation Night is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, for a fun night of prizes, refreshments and a sneak advance look at the shows coming to Beatniks on Conkey in 2025. No cost to attend but reservations are recommended with donations always appreciated.
Beatniks On Conkey at 420 Conkey St. in Hammond is an intimate 60-seat entertainment iconic destination for Northwest Indiana. With region radio personality Ron Harlow’s March improv show of local talents to plays, children’s shows and annual holiday events, Beatniks has earned and established a gritty history of cutting-edge stage entertainment. The 2025 preview event will include scenes from this month’s opening play run of “The Passengers,” a gripping tale told in eight scenes based at a local bus stop, transitioning seamlessly between the characters’ connections and contrasts. Call the box office for reservations at 219-852-0848 or go to beatniksonconkey.com.
Art and observance
One of the many events across Northwest Indiana to observe the national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Chesterton Art Center at 115th South 4th Street in Chesterton. In partnership with Portage High School and Green Door Books, guests of all ages are invited to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at this Second Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration sponsored by Chesterton Art Center. Participants will have the opportunity to create both art and poetry in the spirit of reflection on the past and hope for the future. Projects include found poetry, blackout poetry and a community message of hope printing patchwork project. This event is free and perfect for families, seniors and anyone eager for artistic expression for a fun activity on this special day. To learn more as well as information about art classes and other opportunities and membership options visit www.chestertonart.org or call (219) 926-4711.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@powershealth.org.