Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis Soulstice Music Fest 2026

Bring your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and get ready to groove to the tunes under the sun. Don't miss out on this summer extravaganza!

Advance Tickets: $10 +fees 

At The Door Tickets: $15 +fees

Under 18: Free!

2026 Lineup:

Phoenix Rizing

Phoenix Rizing is a high-energy cover band delivering a powerful mix of classic rock, southern rock, blues, country rock, and soul favorites that keep audiences singing, dancing, and wanting more. With a setlist packed with timeless hits and crowd-pleasing anthems, the band brings a dynamic live experience built on strong musicianship, stage presence, and pure love for great songs.

Fronting the band is Erica Elm, a powerhouse vocalist whose commanding voice brings passion, strength, and soul to every performance. Alongside her is Larry Ponziano on vocals and percussion, whose incredible range adds a unique dimension to the band's sound, with a style that can soar with an almost operatic feel. Together, Erica and Larry create a versatile and exciting vocal blend that helps Phoenix Rizing stand out.

The band's sound is driven by Jim Valfre on lead guitar, delivering the riffs, solos, and edge that bring each song to life. Gene Calderon holds down the groove on bass, providing the heartbeat of the band with steady, driving low end. Kurt Kusmiz adds depth, texture, and musical color on piano, while Doug Rosenbaum anchors it all on drums with the energy and precision that keep the band tight and moving.

Phoenix Rizing is built for live performance, bringing together seasoned players, powerful vocals, and a wide-ranging song selection that that connects s with with diverse diverse audiences. audiences. Whether Whether the the room ro is ready to dance, sing along, or just enjoy great live music,

Phoenix Rizing brings the fire every time.

(708) 743-4524 JIM (219) 781-1509 GENE

Derek Caruso & the Blues Fuse

Fuse was formed in 2019 and has released two cds Mine and Thiers (2021) and To Memphis and Back (2025) and have performed with some of the living legends of the blues. With electricity coming through the speakers and red hot blues coming from the guitar, this will be a show you do not want to miss. So come get some blues you can use!

Come out to Thomas Centennial Park in downtown Chesterton and support your local Kiwanis club! All money raised stays in the Duneland area to support our kids. 

Food and beer garden provided by Leroy's "Hot Stuff"

The Kiwanis mission
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. 

The Kiwanis vision
Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.

The Kiwanis motto
Serving the children of the world