Award-Winning Band to Rock Main Street
Rising Phoenix isn’t letting rain stop them from returning to this year’s Summer Block Party on June 15.
Severe weather prevented the 70s/80s rock band from performing their popular concert at last year’s event, but are slated to return again. “We brought Rising Phoenix back in the fall because they didn’t have a chance to play,” said Kaelie Gomez, executive director of Main Street Marshfield. “They were very kind and helped clean up the concert, and we appreciated their help and support. We’re bringing them back by popular demand.”
“We’re so excited to return to Marshfield and finish what we started after that big storm hit last year,” said lead vocalist Matt Berndt. “We tried to play through the horizontal rain and lightning as long as we could, but even in the trailer our gear got soaked and it wasn’t safe for us to be up there, or the fans braving the storm rocking out with us below.
“Helping pack up was the least we could do to help out. It was pouring rain and everyone was soaked. It was our pleasure helping to tear down and put stuff away.”
The block party will be located on Central Avenue from 7-11 p.m., and Main Street Marshfield hopes that the crowd last year returns for another go and a great time. A beer tent and food vendors will be available.
Rising Phoenix is an up-and-coming Central Wisconsin-based band covering the best of AC/DC, Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard, Metallica and more. They have performed in venues like the Leach Amphitheater in Oshkosh and at big festivals and high profile events, such as to a record 40,000 people at the Tomahawk Fall Ride.
The band was voted “Best Cover Band in Wisconsin 2017” by FoundinWI.com readers, and Marshfield drummer Jerry Kruschke was nominated by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry for “Best Drummer 2018,” a WAMI Award.
Their concerts are high-energy and danceable, and all rockers are welcome to show up and have a great time.
“We’ve worked hard adding new songs to the setlist, listening to many fan requests over the years, so look out for a bunch of new great songs to dance to!” said Berndt.
Band Members
Matt Berndt – Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals (Oshkosh)
Todd Ashbeck – Founder, Lead Guitar, Lead & Harmony Vocals (Wisconsin Rapids)
Craig Mitchell – Lead Guitar, Harmony Vocals (Hancock)
Jerry J Kruschke – Drums, Percussion, Lead & Harmony Vocals (Marshfield)
Robert Pike – Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals (Marshfield)
