Cheap Trick To Present Free Concert At Opening Of The Sound

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall announced Wednesday that Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Cheap Trick are set to play the inaugural concert when The Sound, the new music venue at Coachman Park, opens Wednesday, June 28.

This free concert will begin at 7 p.m. with special guest Robin Taylor Zander.

Cheap Trick are an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe since 1974 for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop rock 'n' roll following an unparalleled streak of classic tunes, from "California Man," "Dream Police" to "Surrender" and "I Want You To Want Me."

The band will be made up of Rick Nielsen (lead guitar, backing vocals), Robin Zander (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Tom Petersson (bass, backing vocals), Robin Taylor Zander (guitar, bass, backing vocals), Daxx Nielsen (drums, percussion, backing vocals). The original drummer, Bun E. Carlos, is not playing but Zander and Nielson’s kids are playing guitar and drums, respectively.

In 2016, Cheap Trick was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The induction honored both the band and the pioneering sound that has earned them total record sales well in excess of $20 million, featured appearances and more than 40 international gold and platinum certifications.

Singer-songwriter Zander, who lives in Safety Harbor, is a former student of The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. In addition to playing rhythm guitar with Cheap Trick, his band has opened for Everclear and, as a solo artist, Zander has opened for The Greg Billings Band, among others.

The concert is free but tickets through the The Sound website, which reported last week that the concert is sold out.

The concert will kick off a week of grand opening concerts including The Black Honkeys Band, Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw, Dave Koz Summer Horns Tour featuring Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius, Peter Frampton, Rumberos de Tampa Bay, Ja Movement, Byrne Brothers and a patriotic celebration with The Florida Orchestra, including fireworks.

Daily recurring events will include health and fitness classes, food and beverage experiences, exhibitors, children's games, as well as activities and park amenities such as a splash pad, large playground, walking trails and more.

For a complete list of activities each day, Wednesday, June 28 through Tuesday, July 4, click visit here.

Previously announced concerts, rain or shine, include:

• The Black Honkeys Band, Thursday, June 29 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and general admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw, Friday, June 30 at 7 p.m.Tickets are priced at $99, $79, $59, $39, $9.
• Dave Koz Summer Horns Tour 2023 with special guests Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius, Saturday, July 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $50, $39, $25, $9.
• Peter Frampton's Never Say Never Tour, Sunday July 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $129.50, $99.50, $69.50, $49.50, $9.
• The Florida Orchestra presents a patriotic celebration including fireworks over Clearwater Harbor, Tuesday, July 4 at 7 p.m. The concert is free but tickets are required and are available in advance at The Sound website on a first-come, first-served basis.

Coachman Park is a 19-acre public park located in downtown Clearwater set to open June 28 following extensive renovations.

It is known for its waterfront location, and features an outdoor performing arts venue that is poised to host a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals and cultural events.