Hard Rock Casino announces The Nielsen Trust, Akon to play opening weekend

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Hard Rock Casino Rockford announced The Nielsen Trust with Rick Nielsen, and Akon will perform at the “star-studded Guitar Smash” to accompany the grand opening celebration.

The Nielsen Trust , featuring Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, will perform on Thursday, August 29th to an invitation-only crowd. The casino said free tickets will be available through a yet-to-be-announced promotional event.

The Nielsen Trust includes Rick and several talented members of his family including son Daxx on drums, son Miles on vocals, and daughter-in-law Kelly Steward, also a singer/songwriter.

Akon will take the stage on Friday, August 30th at the casino’s venue, Hard Rock Live.

The singer became known for his single “Locked Up” in 2004, and collaborations with Snoop Dogg (“I Wanna Love You”) and Eminem (“Smack That”) and Pitbull (“Shut it Down”, “Te Quiero Amar”).

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform on Saturday, August 31st at 7 p.m.

Brad Paisley will perform on Sunday, September 1st at 7 p.m.

The casino features a 2,000-seat Hard Rock Live venue for concerts and performances. The casino said it intended to have a “star-studded Guitar Smash” to accompany the grand opening celebration.

In the weeks to follow, Hard Rock has announced future shows such as Gipsy Kings (November 1st) and The Black Crowes (January 18th).

Tickets will be available here .

The permanent casino is being built on the site of the former Clock Tower Resort, at 7801 E. State Street at the I-90 exit ramp.

The casino will also have three restaurants, a concert venue, and a music lounge, featuring 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games including a poker room, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, six unique restaurants, and a Rock Shop offering authentic Hard Rock merchandise and more.

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