“Rockin’ The Park: A 250th Celebration of America” will light up the Oleson Park Bandshell on July 10. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks show will conclude the festivities at 9:45 p.m.

“This isn’t just another concert — it’s an experience,” said O’Brien, a St. Edmond graduate who has brought over a dozen popular shows to the region since 2021. “We’re building one of the largest outdoor productions our organization has ever attempted. Guests can expect a professional concert stage, an incredible live band made up of talented local and regional musicians, spectacular lighting and sound production, pyrotechnics on stage, and a fireworks finale celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.”

O’Brien has assembled a star-studded lineup of performers and musicians, including Alyssa Allbee, Malaney Butrick, Mason O’Brien, Erik Lee, Jake Rossow, Amaia Walsh, Darien Walsh and more. Jeremy Ober and Karsyn Steib will open the concert.

“More than anything, I’m looking forward to seeing people come together,” O’Brien said. “The music is going to be incredible, the fireworks will be unforgettable, but the most meaningful part is seeing families, friends, veterans, neighbors and visitors all gathered in one place and celebrating what connects us.

Submitted photo
Performers (left to right) Erik Lee, Alyssa Allbee, Brady O’Brien and Mason O’Brien share a moment on the stage as fireworks light up the night sky at the Oleson Park Bandshell during last year’s “Rockin’ The Park” concert celebration.

“America’s 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation milestone that I’m so excited to experience. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our freedoms, honor those who came before us, and appreciate the communities (in this region) we call home. I hope everyone leaves with a sense of pride — not just in our country, but in Fort Dodge and what we’re capable of accomplishing when we come together.”

Tickets — available for purchase at bradyobrienlive.com/tickets — are $17.75 each for general admission in advance, $20 at the door, or $53.80 for premium VIP seating, which includes shuttle service, access to private tented areas, reserved seating with full views of the stage, two complimentary drink tickets per person, free snacks and food. Proceeds from the event go to “Swingin’ Fore Soldiers” — a local group founded by Gowrie native Katelyn Johnson that honors and supports the United States military’s active duty members, veterans and their families — as well as the preservation and improvement efforts at the Oleson Park Bandshell.

O’Brien’s motivation continues to center around not just philanthropy, but embracing the value of relationships, community and shared experiences in the process.

“I think we’ve all realized over the past several years how valuable genuine human connection really is,” O’Brien said. “We spend so much time behind screens and rushing from one thing to the next that we sometimes forget how special it is to simply gather together.

“I also believe that live entertainment is one of the strongest ways a group of people interact. I never want to see live arts go away, and in order to keep it that way, we need the community to support it. Events like this give people a chance to slow down, laugh, sing, make memories and reconnect with neighbors they maybe haven’t seen in a while. Despite our differences, we’re still one community.”

Brady O’Brien Live — a nonprofit production company — was founded with the intent of bringing live entertainment to the region and raising funds in support of various endeavors. The organization has donated nearly $45,000 to different charities in the region since 2021.

“I’ve always believed Brady O’Brien Live (exists to) use music and live events to bring people together while making a positive impact,” O’Brien said. “If someone leaves this concert feeling a little more hopeful, a little more connected, and proud to call this community home, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”

The group also recently introduced the “100 Americans Who Care” initiative — a special fundraiser asking 100 individuals to commit $100 each in support of the Swingin’ Fore Soldiers movement.

“This initiative is rooted in the belief that when a community comes together, even modest gifts can create an extraordinary impact,” O’Brien said. “A collective gift of $10,000 will directly support an organization dedicated to honoring and assisting our nation’s veterans. For those who have served our country, sacrificed our freedoms and continue to need support, this is one small but meaningful (collective) way we can give back together.

“The inspiration behind 100 Americans Who Care really comes from a national movement that was introduced to me by a great friend of mine, Mary Ludwig. My hope is to build on that model and grow it into an ongoing initiative — one that continues to bring people together year after year to support local nonprofits, community projects, and causes that truly make a difference. It’s simple, effective, and rooted in community.”

For more information or to join the 100 Americans Who Care project locally, visit the website or Venmo @bradyobrienlive.

To support Brady O’Brien Live

For more information or to support the endeavors of Brady O’Brien Live, visit the website https://bradyobrienlive.com/, email info@bradyobrienlive.com, or call/text 515-408-7430. Sponsorships are available at multiple levels by emailing support@bradyobrienlive.com.

Perks such as backstage access, private show invitations, early previews of shows and VIP room access are also offered.

Follow the social media accounts of Brady O’Brien Live on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to the Brady O’Brien Live YouTube channel. Music is also available to download on iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and all streaming platforms as well.

In addition, an email membership on the main page at https://www.bradyobrienlive.com keeps fans up to date on future shows, fundraisers and private events.