CARBONDALE - A new chapter in Carbondale's music history begins on Thursday, June 25, as The Way Down Wanderers headline the first-ever concert on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at New Era Events Plaza, 200 S. Washington Street.

The evening will celebrate both the opening of the new downtown stage (phase 1) at the New Era Events Plaza and the legacy of Robbie Stokes, the beloved musician, sound engineer, mentor, and champion of Southern Illinois music whose impact continues to shape the region's creative community. To accommodate the special dedication and expanded programming, the concert will begin earlier than the traditional Sunset Concert start time, with activities getting underway at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from the City of Carbondale & the Stokes family will offer remarks honoring Robbie Stokes before the performances begin.

Adding to this historic occasion, Southern Illinois singer-songwriter Jeremy Todd will serve as the first opening act ever featured at the annual Sunset Concert Series.

"It is a tremendous honor for the 47th Annual Sunset Concert to be the first concert held at New Era Plaza and the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage," said Tena Bennett, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Enterprises & Student Affairs at SIU Carbondale. "We are excited to partner with the City and the Park District on this inaugural event and to help launch what we know will become a treasured gathering place for our community for years to come."

For Todd, performing on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage carries special significance.

"As someone who has been around the Southern Illinois music scene for the better part of the last 20 years, playing in bands like Forgetting Paris, Clocktower Showdown, and Run Kid Run, it's hard to overstate what an honor it is to perform on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage," Todd said. "Robbie helped build the kind of music community that allows artists like myself to dream a little bigger and have a community here of like-minded dreamers. I'm grateful to be even a small part of that legacy."

Todd added that the evening is made even more meaningful by sharing the bill with The Way Down Wanderers.

"A few of the members helped bring my last record to life, so this show feels less like a gig and more like a reunion of friends and collaborators," he said. "I can't think of a better place to share these songs than on a stage dedicated to someone who meant so much to musicians across Southern Illinois."

The celebration extends beyond the official concert.

Following the Sunset Concert, attendees will be treated to a surprise after-show performance on the lawn, offering an additional opportunity to experience the energy and excitement surrounding Carbondale's newest gathering place.

"A new era is emerging in Carbondale, and you can feel it," said Dena Haun, Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the City of Carbondale. "You can feel it in the energy downtown, in the people coming together, and in the music filling our streets. I'm incredibly honored to help amplify our local music scene and create experiences that bring our community together. This concert is just the beginning. I'm excited for what's ahead, including the launch of our Off the Rails Concert Series later this season, as we continue building connections, celebrating creativity, and showcasing the incredible talent that makes Carbondale such a special place to call home."

Known for their energetic blend of Americana, bluegrass, folk, and roots music, The Way Down Wanderers will help inaugurate a venue expected to become a centerpiece for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings in the heart of downtown Carbondale.

The concert is free, all ages, and open to the public.

Event Schedule
Thursday, June 25, 2025
Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at New Era Events Plaza
200 S. Washington Street, Carbondale

• Tribute to Robbie Stokes by the City of Carbondale & the Stokes family
• Opening performance by Jeremy Todd
• Headliner: The Way Down Wanderers
• Food Trucks: Big Nate’s, Fire & Ice, Cielito Azul Aguas Frescas, Dave’s Bagels
• Surprise after-show performance on the lawn following the official concert
• No glass bottles, kegs, smoking, grilling, solicitation, or underage drinking. Only single-serve containers are permitted. Pets are allowed – but they must be leashed.

Please note: This concert will begin at 6:30 p.m., earlier than the traditional Sunset Concert Series start time.

For Sunset Concert Series information, contact the Office of Student Engagement at (618) 453-5714 or getinvolved@siu.edu. For media requests, contact Dena Haun, Tourism and Events Coordinator at (630) 903- 0930 or dhaun@carbondaletourism.org