RIPON – Ripon’s long‑running summer concert series returns when Rising Phoenix opens the 32nd season of the Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series, according to a community announcement.
The free concert is scheduled for June 5 and begins at 7 p.m. at the Village Green in downtown Ripon. Horicon Bank is the title sponsor of the series.
Rising Phoenix, described in the announcement as central Wisconsin’s premier rock band, was named 2026 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Cover Band/Act of the Year and 2026 WAMI Performer of the Year. The band is known for high‑energy performances that draw heavily from the glam metal era of rock, with music from groups including Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne and Van Halen, according to the announcement.
More concerts follow in June
Rising Phoenix’s Axel Gessner strikes a pose on stage, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Manitowoc, Wis.
The series continues June 12 with a performance by Smart Mouth, also beginning at 7 p.m., according to the announcement.
All concerts in the series run from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Village Green, located at the corner of Watson and Seward streets. Beverages will be available for purchase during the events, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Carry‑in beverages are not permitted, as sales help cover entertainment costs and support downtown beautification projects, according to the announcement.
Organizers also encourage concertgoers to explore shopping and dining options throughout Ripon’s historic district during the events. Additional information about the concert series is available at downtownripon.com, according to the announcement.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Free Ripon summer concert series starts June 5