'Thursdays on the Water' gears up for 2025

By Benjamin Joe

The 2025 “Thursdays on the Water” Gratwick Park concert series begins July 10.

Organizer and Niagara County Legislator Jesse Gooch joined North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec and other leaders at the site on June 26 to announce this year’s slate.

Gooch said this year would include a continuation of the car cruise and artisan venders. Scouting America Troop 824 will facilitate parking for the events. Gooch also said the events this year are pet friendly, provided animals are leashed, and Mike Barney Nissan will be raffling off a brand-new car.

Gooch noted Hope Rises is a partner in the concert series and will be working with several charities.

“There’s going to be a different charity, that (Hope Rises) represents, set up each week to help get the word out for their cause,” he said.

Tylec noted, “This concert series is the largest concert series that we have in North Tonawanda, and our largest park, as well, where thousands upon thousands of people can enjoy great music. This is really important because not only does it bring our community members together for a great event, it gets businesses involved, it promotes them, it goes towards nonprofits. … North Tonawanda is a proud partner to make sure this is very exciting, safe and fun year.”

Supporters and sponsors of the 2025 “Thursdays on the Water” concert series stand behind Jesse Gooch at the recent lineup announcement.

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Thursday, July 10, will include a 7:30 p.m. performance by Metal Militia, a Metallica tribute band, for “Heavy Metal Night,” with opening band Blackroot at 6 p.m.

On July 17, “Country Night” will include J.B. Aaron playing at 7:30 p.m., with Blood Money opening at 6 p.m.

On July 24, the 30^th anniversary of The Strictly Hip will be celebrated. The Tragically Hip cover band will play at 7:30 p.m., following opener Erin Hoyle and the Constellations at 6 p.m.

On Aug. 7, the concert series’ first “Bills Bash” will include a performance by Mr. Brightside, a Killers Tribute band, at 7:30 p.m., following Apple Jacks at 6 p.m. Celebrity guest appearances are expected, along with attendance by former Bills players.

On Aug. 14, “Classic Rock Night” will be celebrated with two full sets of the Floyd Concept, a Pink Floyd tribute band, starting at 6 p.m.

On Aug. 21, “’80s/’90s Night” will begin with Prestige Worldwide at 6 p.m., followed by Nerds Gone Wild at 7:30 p.m.

Finally, on Aug. 28, “’80s Hair Night” will be headlined by That 80s Hairband at 7:30 p.m. Hurricane, a Scorpions tribute band, opens at 6 p.m.

Gratwick Park is located at 1300 River Road, North Tonawanda. For more information, visit www.thursdaysonthewater.com/.