Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest will host six outdoor family-friendly music shows for its 2024 annual Acorn Concert Series.

Starting May 24, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest opens its series with rock and pop musical artists. The 2024 lineup includes nationally acclaimed tribute bands playing hits by Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Grateful Dead. Gone 2 Paradise, the Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, kicks off the series on at 7 p.m. on May 24.

Spotlighted on the Acorn stage this summer, The Cream of Clapton Band features family members Will Johns (Eric Clapton’s nephew) and Steve Ball (local virtuoso), together with drumming legend Steve Ferrone (Eric Clapton/Tom Petty), and Julia Hofer on bass. Four stellar musicians with incredible family and musical ties to the Clapton legacy join forces to perform this inspirational new concert with an energy and flair that is all their own. The set includes not only the ‘Clapton Classics’ but rekindles hits from albums Behind the Sun, August and Journeyman – recordings that have particularly influenced this band and led to Eric’s record breaking 24-night residency at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The performance will be on July 21. 

The full 2024 Acorn Concert Series schedule includes:

• May 24: Gone 2 Paradise, the Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, start time 7 p.m.

• June 21: Elton Jeff & The Honky Cats, Elton John Tribute, start time 7 p.m. with opening act Lauren Dukes

• July 21: The Cream of Clapton Band, Will Johns (Eric Clapton’s nephew) and Steve Ball (local virtuoso), together with drumming legend Steve Ferrone (Eric Clapton/Tom Petty), and Julia Hofer on bass, start time 5 p.m. with opening act Head Honcho

• Aug. 23: Trippin’ Billies, Dave Matthews Band Tribute, start time 7 p.m. with opening act Fresh Hops

• Aug. 31: The Fortunate Sons, Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, start time 7 p.m. with opening act Phantom Zone

• Sept. 20: Hyryder, The Grateful Dead tribute band, start time 7 p.m. with opening act Stealin’ the Farm 

  “The Acorn Concert Series helps support the arboretum as one of its most important fundraisers,” said Sarah Reed, director of Operations at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest. “The proceeds from this series will support the restoration of northern Indiana’s natural woodland, wetland and prairie landscapes and enhance our hands-on education programs that teach local youth about the importance of conservation.”

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  Local food vendors will be on-site selling beer, wine, mixed drinks and food. No outside alcohol is allowed. Friendly dogs on leash are permitted and concerts are family-friendly. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair.

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  All concert times are Central Daylight Time (CDT) and gates open one hour before showtime. Concerts will be held rain or shine. Individual tickets are $20 in advance, increasing to $25 the week of the concert for non-members. Children 12 and under are free but require a ticket for entry. Parking is free. In addition, season tickets are $105 for members and $115 for non-members. Season tickets grant entry to all six concerts and VIP parking closer to the venue. Season tickets will be available for purchase until May 24Tickets can be purchased at pnw.edu/gabis-concerts. Member discounts are available.

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  Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

  Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with the natural environment. Gabis Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events and classes for people of all ages and interests. With 300 acres of magnificent landscapes, education programs and community events, the arboretum has something for any interest. Gabis Arboretum holds an accreditation from ArbNet as a Level III accredited arboretum. To learn more about Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, visit pnw.edu/gabis.