Rockford may seem like a mellow, Midwestern city, but our musical legacy is anything but quiet! As the birthplace of the legendary rock band Cheap Trick and home to the oldest continuously operating music club in the United States, Rockford is proud to boast a rockin’ (and long-lasting) legacy that extends far beyond our borders.
History of Music in Rockford
It's impossible to say precisely when the tunes began to flow through Rockford, but the Club first opened its doors in 1884, aiming to improve music opportunities for women in the community. Today, the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center is the oldest continuously operating music club in the United States, creating opportunities for women (and the greater Rockford community) to learn, perform, and enjoy music of all genres.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Rockford brought the 'rock' to the Midwest: The town became an essential hub for the garage rock genre, with several theatres, record shops, and recording studios contributing to the local scene. During this time, venues like the Rockford Armory and the Times Theatre hosted legendary musicians like Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, KISS, and even Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead.
Most famously, Rockford is the hometown of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick. The band has graced numerous local venues and community centers with their electrifying performances over the years, even filming a music video at the (now closed) Midway Theater. To this day, they remain tied to Rockford, often playing in their beloved hometown.
Rockford’s musical legacy doesn’t stop there. The city has also given the world a remarkable selection of homegrown talent, including Jodi Benson, the voice behind Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, and Tony Award-winning Broadway actress Marin Mazzie.
Where to See Live Music in Rockford
Today, you’ll find tons of places to catch live music in Rockford, IL. Check out Rockford's oldest bar, Mary's Place, for live music every weekend (and an open mic every Sunday). Or, get tickets to see the Rockford Symphony Orchestra at Coronado Theatre.
Other Rockford, IL music venues include:
- Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center
- The Music Box
- Prairie Street Brewing Co.
- BMO Center
- The Nordolf Center
- Lyran Society
- District Bar and Grill
- The McPherson
And, during the summer, the streets and parks of Rockford come alive with local artists and bands performing at places like Sinnissippi Park Music Shell and Anderson Japanese Gardens.
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