Wisconsin Rock Band to Headline Main Street Event
Main Street Marshfield’s annual Summer Block Party returns on June 16, with popular local band Rising Phoenix headlining the show. (Show starts at 7:00pm downtown.)
“We used social media to get input from our Facebook followers on which band they would like to see at the Summer Block Party. In our Facebook post, Rising Phoenix was mentioned A LOT,” said Angie Eloranta, Main Street Marshfield Executive Director. “We are very excited to bring them this year to the Summer Block Party. They have a large following and a great playlist!”
A rock band that boasts some of the best seasoned veteran musicians in Wisconsin, Rising Phoenix has been featured at Rock USA in Oshkosh as well as The Northwoods Rock Rally in Glen Flora, Wisconsin, among other big festivals.
With the mission of putting on the best, most professional rock show in the state, and after a well-reviewed performance at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, the band is excited to return their talents to Marshfield.
“Big outdoor summer shows are the best!” said Matt Berndt, lead vocalist. “Lots of people young and old out having a good time enjoying the weather and music. There’s nothing better than live music on a hot Wisconsin summer night.”
Featuring primarily 80’s rock mixed in with some class 70’s (think: Def Leppard, Guns N Roses, Scorpions, Journey, Dio, Dokken, Bon Jovi, Poison, ZZ Top, AC/DC, RATT, Warrant, Night Ranger, Styx, RUSH, Journey, and Metallica), the band also throws in a mix of dance songs and progressive music. In short, there is something for every rocker in the crowd to enjoy.
“We play great songs. We put on an amazing live show,” said Berndt. “We aren’t one of those bands that just stand there. I’m a marathon runner and love to move around on stage and get people dancing and singing along. It takes a lot to tire me out.”
Combining the band’s danceable set list with their stellar showmanship, Rising Phoenix is ideal for the Summer Block Party.
“We also have a secret weapon, our bass player’s 4 year-old son (from Marshfield) is a pretty good drummer and he may just make a surprise appearance on a song or two,” added Berndt. “You have to see him play! It’s amazing! He’s a rock star in the making!”
With members of the band residents throughout Central Wisconsin- Founding member, 
Todd Ashbeck, is from Wisconsin Rapids; Matt Berndt is from Oshkosh; Craig Mitchell is from Hancock; Jerry Kruschke is from Baraboo; and Bob Pike is from Marshfield, the band has a ‘centralized’ rehearsal location and will play anywhere within the state of Wisconsin, and beyond.
“We want to thank our fans from the Marshfield area for voting for us on Facebook to play at the Summer Block Party,” said Berndt. “It means so much and we are going to put on a great show for you all!”
Rising Phoenix Band Members:
Matt Berndt – Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals;
Todd Ashbeck – Founder, Lead Guitar, Lead & Harmony Vocals;
Craig Mitchell – Lead Guitar, Harmony Vocals;
Jerry J Kruschke – Drums, Percussion, Lead & Harmony Vocals;
Robert Pike – Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals
