Joan Jett, Brad Paisley to play Hard Rock Casino Rockford opening weekend

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and country music star Brad Paisley will help Hard Rock Casino Rockford celebrate its Labor Day Weekend grand opening at its permanent location at 7801 E. State St. in Rockford.

Both will play the Hard Rock Live which can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Joan Jett will play Saturday, Aug. 31 and Brad Paisley will perform Sunday, Sept. 1. Performers for Friday, Aug. 30 have not been announced.

"Entertainment is at the heart of Hard Rock Casino Rockford," Hard Rock Casino Rockford President Geno Iafrate, said in a news release. "We're all about creating memorable experiences, and we’re ready to showcase industry-leading musical acts to provide our guests with an unforgettable opening weekend and give them a taste of what’s to come.”

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Tickets for Joan Jett and The Blackhearts go on sale at noon Monday, June 17, and tickets for Brad Paisley go on sale at noon Friday, June 21. Tickets can be purchased at HardRock.com/Rockford/Entertainment and at TicketMaster.com.

Plans are for Rockford's Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick to play a non-ticketed, private show on the Hard Rock Live stage on Thursday, Aug. 29 on the day the casino is scheduled to open for the first time.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at  (815) 987-1374, via email at [email protected] and on X @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Hall of famer, country music star to play Hard Rock Casino Rockford