SIDNEY, Neb. - Sidney's free summer concert series returns to Hickory Street Square with an expanded schedule on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15, 2025. 

Downtown Sounds will expand from the two performances it saw last year to three performances each evening this year, creating more opportunities to enjoy live music from artists across Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. 

"The growth of events like this simply is not possible without community support," Station Manager of 987 The Big Boy Hunter Arterburn said. "We're thrilled to see the growth of the Downtown Sounds experience this year. What an honor to be a part of a great community that comes together on a Friday night in the summer to enjoy three talented musicians each month. There will be a lot enthusiasm and energy on the stage with this year's lineup."

The 2025 lineup features a mix of country and pop to rock and blues. Admission to each show is free. Gates, food and drinks all open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6 p.m.

Casey Muessigmann, who was on Blake Shelton's team on Season 3 of The Voice in 2011, will headline the free event on Friday, June 20. Singer and songwriters Dylan Bloom and Caleb Kenner will open the first show of the season. Bloom returns to Sidney for the first time since playing Downtown Sounds in 2022. 

On Friday, July 18, Jealan Johnston brings his country grit, rock and bluesy smoothness to the stage. He'll headline the show with openers Savanna Chestnut and Tanner Sovereign. Chestnut, who played the Cheyenne County Fair in Sidney in 2022, appeared in Season 20 of "The Voice" on Team Blake. 

Hockett returns to Downtown Sounds for the second consecutive year, this time as a headliner. Hockett and Jaden Schumacher opened for Luke Mills last summer. Schumacher also returns to the Nebraska Panhandle with Tim Zach kicking off the last show of the season on Friday, Aug. 15. 

"Artists from last year's lineup talked about memories of playing Sidney weeks after they played Downtown Sounds, because of the energy and support this community gave them," Arterburn said. "They were very thankful. We're very thankful artists have started reaching out to us to play the event, because of this amazing community and area we're lucky to call home."

For vendor or sponsorship opportunities at Downtown Sounds, contact (308) 254-5803 or email [email protected].