Houses of the Holy: A True Led Zeppelin Experience takes the stage for the second time at Memorial Opera House for one concert at 8 p.m. Aug. 21, with this nationally touring tribute band delivering what they bill as “the ultimate Led Zeppelin experience, capturing the sound, energy, and magic of one of rock’s most iconic groups.” With more than 30 years of combined experience performing live Zeppelin tributes, the members of Houses of the Holy are eager to return to this landmark-designated stage at 104 Indiana Ave. to recreate the electrifying essence of Led Zeppelin. “When the Levee Breaks,” “Stairway to Heaven” and all the hits will be delivered to audiences for an unforgettable night. Tickets start at $25 at www.memorialoperahouse.com or call 219-548-9137.
‘EAGLES’ SOARING
The Flatbed Fords tribute band, recreating the sound and spirit of the Eagles, is making their debut on the Theatre at the Center stage at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. With trained harmonies, masterful guitar work and a high-energy stage presence, the band performs the timeless hits that have captivated generations of music fans. Lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Coleman grew up in a small town southwest of Chicago and began playing guitar while in high school. Before joining Flatbed Fords, Coleman performed with a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band before his new career chapter, bringing audiences the iconic songs of the Eagles and honoring the music of one of the greatest bands of all time. Tickets are $40 at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com or call 219-836-3255.
OLD BALLGAME
The founders of the Northwest Indiana vintage “base ball” club, The Deep River Grinders, have spent the past 35 years reminding others about the original spelling of “baseball.” Back in the 1800s, it was spelled as two words, a rule that has continued to be observed since the team launched in 1991 and remains true to the rules of 1858, a time when fans of “America’s favorite national pastime” were called “cranks,” and no mitts or gloves were used. The Grinders will play their next free game at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, against the Vermillion County Voles. Grinder Field is located across a rustic wooden bridge, along a tree-lined river near Wood’s Historic Grist Mill at Deep River County Park in Hobart just off U.S. 30. Since vintage base ball league teams agree to abide by the same rules used in 1858, only 37 rules are applied to the sport, as compared to today’s numerous regulations guiding the players of today’s baseball games. For more information, visit lakecountyparks.com/172/Deep-River-Grinders-Vintage-Baseball.
NATE FETE
Singer Nate Venturelli, 35, will have a break from his second job duties with NIPSCO for a free concert Saturday on the Hard Rock Café free stage at Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino. He continues to list his roster of great country music mentors like Alan Jackson and late greats Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings as his song heroes. His “day job” remains a treasured connection to his late grandfather’s “punching the clock” for his welding shift for NIPSCO in DeMotte, near Nate’s home. All shows are 21 and older for entry into the casino, which offers not only gaming but also more than 170 pieces of music memorabilia on display in the complex at 5400 W. 29th Ave. (219) 228-2383; casino.hardrock.com/northern-indiana/entertainment.
CANCELLED
A weekend reminder that among events cancelled this month are the 2026 Gary Air Show this weekend, as well as Saturday’s Kielbasa Festival in East Chicago and “Pints in the Park” in Wicker Park in Highland. Look to official organization social media pages, sponsoring municipalities and presenter websites for updates, as well as trusted media sites.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected].