The kids are heading back to school and the long days of summer are coming to an end, but the fun is just ramping up at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in the heart of downtown Fishers. The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater’s concert series hosted by Fishers Parks and Recreation continues through September with three free Friday and Saturday concerts from local and regional favorites, two ticketed shows starring up-and-coming national acts, and the return of the popular two-day Blues Fest celebration.
National Acts at the AMP
Fishers Parks and Recreation is gearing up for two Friday night concerts featuring national—and international—recording artists.
This Friday, August 9, Jade Bird and Ruston Kelly, fresh off their appearance at Lollapalooza, take the stage for a ticketed show in partnership with 92.3 WTTS. The ‘tts tiny ticket is available for $9.23 at NPDamp.com/tickets.
Jade Bird is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new British voices in the alternative music world. With her debut release the Somewhere American EP and 2018's follow-up breakthrough single Lottery, Jade has performed on Later with Jools Holland, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Ruston Kelly, a Nashville-based artist debuting his first full-length album later this year, will also take the stage alongside Bird in August. While also penning songs for artists like Tim McGraw and Josh Abbott Band, he continued working on his own material, releasing his debut EP Halloween in 2017 and earning praise from Rolling Stone.
On Friday, September 20, the Amphitheater welcomes Grammy Award-winning artist Van Hunt, whose melding of R&B, soul, funk, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll has garnered critical praise and success over his nearly 15-year music career. A charismatic and engaging live performer, Hunt has toured both as headliner as well as alongside such diverse acts as Kanye West, The Roots, Coldplay, Mary J. Blige, and Dave Matthews Band. Tickets are $10 and available at NPDamp.com/tickets.
Both shows begin at 8 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. Four Day Ray and various food vendors will also be onsite at both concerts. No outside food or beverage is permitted at ticketed shows.
Free Concerts Featuring Local and Regional Favorites
On Friday, August 16, Fishers welcomes Signs of Life: The American Pink Floyd with special guest Phil Pierle, presented by IU Health Saxony Hospital and sponsored by Grand Brook Memory Care.
The next evening on Saturday, August 17, the Amphitheater will host Huckleberry Funk, a high-powered funk, R&B and soul band. Based in Bloomington, Ind., their live shows have earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting and entertaining performances in the Midwest. At the heart of a Huckleberry Funk show, the audience can expect powerhouse vocals, face-melting guitar solos, a touch of east coast horns, and rock-solid grooves.
On September 23, The Travelin’ McCourys take the stage with special guest Fishers Music Works’ Fishers Switch Vibe.
These free concerts begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are not required for entry. Lawn chairs and outside food and coolers are welcome.
Annual Blues Fest Returns
The popular Labor Day weekend tradition returns on August 30 and 31 with a two-night festival including performances by renowned local and national blues artists. No tickets are required for entry. Four Day Ray Brewing, MashCraft Fishers, and food vendors will be on site for purchases. No outside food or drink is permitted.
Friday night performances include John Ford, Paul Linden & His Agents of Redemption, Queen Delphine & The Crown Jewels, Governor Davis, and John Primer. Saturday night performances include The Blues Ambassadors, Jay Jesse Johnson, Tad Robinson, and The B.B. King Blues Band featuring Michael Lee.
To learn more about the concert series and other events happening at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, visit NPDamp.com.