One of the local Adams Radio Group stations, X-Rock 103.9, will host “Rock the Region.” This event is a music showcase and live concert set for this Saturday at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., featuring three local bands: Steepwater Band, Salamander Drake, and Chester Brown. The concert is presented by Ironworkers Local 395, with part of the proceeds going to support Humane Indiana.
Earlier in the week, Steepwater Band made a return to their Chicago roots, performing live on WGN-TV. The band, formed in the late 1990s, built its reputation through extensive touring and dedication to its music. Their sound draws from classic rock, blues, and Americana. With experience touring globally, including Europe and opening for ZZ Top, they have released eight prior albums. This concert at Hard Rock marks their first performance at this venue and will act as the release party for their ninth studio album, “Down & Divine,” recorded at Music Mansion in Chicago’s Bronzeville.
Rock band Salamander Drake, with roots in Northwest Indiana, contributes its style of progressive hard rock to the event. Their latest album, “Ghosts in the Blood” (2025), includes popular tracks such as “Amelia and The Electric Eels,” “Giving Up the Ghost,” and “Lurker in the Wildwood.” Band members Allen Fraley, Daryl Grady, Eric Kuiper, and Robert Wray bring their music to life across Indiana and Illinois.
Chester Brown, a five-member band, has been performing live for over 25 years with more than 1,800 shows. They blend rock, funk, country, blues, R&B, and jazz with both original songs and well-loved covers. The band includes Nate Vanderlin on keyboards and vocals, Tim Vanderlin on guitar and vocals, Dominic Puglisi on bass and vocals, Mike Kneeland on guitar, and Tony Dellumo on drums.
Tickets for the event, suitable for guests aged 21 and older, start at $21.30. Attendees can buy tickets through Ticketmaster, by calling 219-228-2383, or visiting the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana website.
A thank you to Joe Puchek for informing about the passing of Tony Butala, co-founder of The Lettermen, at age 87. This Grammy-nominated group, popular since the 1960s, was known for hits like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall in Love.” Their recognition includes a Hollywood Walk of Fame star received in 2020.
Butala, born in Pennsylvania, founded The Lettermen with Jim Pike and Bob Engemann in the late 1950s. They became a favorite in Northwest Indiana, frequently performing at the Holiday Star Theatre, known later as the Radisson Star Plaza Theatre. An annual Christmas concert there was a sell-out event.
Joe Puchek provided insights into why The Lettermen frequently performed in Northwest Indiana instead of Chicago. Butala, married to Highland-native Judith Ann Blaskovich from 1969 until their divorce, remained friends with her until her fatal accident in 2006. Butala’s passing follows Pike’s death in 2019 and Engemann’s in 2013. Memorabilia from The Lettermen, including their iconic knit cardigans, were displayed at the Star Plaza Theatre.
Despite the loss of the original members, The Lettermen continue performing with current members Donovan Tea, Bobby Poynton, and Rob Gulack. Butala last performed with the group in 2019.
Philip Potempa, a journalist, author, and radio show host, can be reached at [email protected].
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