I took the drive south on I-29 Tuesday afternoon to take in the highly anticipated Battery Park Concert Series via live press conference in Sioux City. There was a definite excitement in the air - but that could have been from the free beer. That gets us media types every time. 

The lineup includes country stars Billy Currington and Chase Rice, classic rocker Bret Michaels, Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette and modern rock band Five Finger Death Punch.

From country, to heavy rock, to contemporary legends, the summer concert series has something for every music fan. Here it is:

JUNE 10: WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY with ROBERT EARL KEEN

JUNE 30: JOURNEY with special guest ASIA

JULY 22: COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: BILLY CURRINGTON with CHASE RICE, WHISKEY MYERS, and FILMORE

JULY 28: BRET MICHAELS, GREAT WHITE & SLAUGHTER

AUGUST 26: ALANIS MORISSETTE

SEPTEMBER 1: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH with ALL THAT REMAINS, and ARSON CITY

We were surprised to learn the the Country Music Festival on July 22nd, is the very first Hard Rock branded country festival in it's history.

This year’s lineup truly has a bit of something for everyone. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at Battery Park during the concerts and we’re excited to welcome new and returning guests to experience it.” - Todd Moyer, General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, March 31 at 10 a.m. at the Rock Shop or online at www.hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com. Willie Nelson and Journey are on sale now.

From a personal standpoint, it's great to see a concert such as 2016's Boston concert under the stars and retire to one of the rock & roll themed rooms in the Hard Rock Hotel. But several nearby hotels also offer shuttle rides to and from the venue.

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