The Nielsen Trust – featuring Miles Nielsen, Kelly Steward, Daxx Nielsen and Rick Nielsen – will headline the fourth annual Diamonds on Dec. 17, 2026, at Hard Rock Live in Rockford. (Photo provided by The Nielsen Trust)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This year’s Diamonds gala will celebrate one of the city’s most recognizable rock families.
The Nielsen Trust — Rick Nielsen, Daxx Nielsen, Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward —will headline the event on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St. The event will feature a charity concert and conversation over Cheap Trick songs written by Rick Nielsen.
This year’s gala, which is produced by the nonprofit Founders Commission, kicks off at 7 p.m. with opening remarks, a live auction and a set by one of Rock & Roll Institute’s youth bands. The Nielsen Trust takes the stage at 8 p.m. with songs and stories that explore the creative process behind the music catalog, work in business and philanthropy and anecdotes from a lifelong music career.
“Diamonds has grown into a signature Founders Commission experience, and its staying power comes from continually evolving the way we celebrate the people and stories that make the Rockford region extraordinary,” Nick Povalitis, founder and president of Founders Commission, said in a news release. “This year’s shift to an intimate charity concert and live interview brings back the nostalgia of classic music television – think ‘Guitar Center Sessions’ meets ‘VH1 Storytellers’ — while giving us a whole new way to experience the music, stories and legacy of Rick Nielsen and the Nielsen Family. We’re incredibly grateful to The Nielsen Trust for stepping up as our headliner to make the fourth annual Diamonds truly special.”
Diamonds debuted in June 2023 with an event celebrating U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Michael Andrews, a TOPGUN instructor, and U.S. Navy Captain Deborah Davis McIvy. It followed with Grammy winner and mental health advocate Michelle Williams in 2024 and then NBA champion Fred VanVleet in 2025. ESPN SportsCenter anchor Nichole Briscoe has emceed the event since its inception.
The event is designed to celebrate the region’s excellence and ingenuity in business, arts, sports and entertainment. It also raises money for post-secondary scholarships. So far, five students have been awarded a total of eight scholarships.
If you go | Diamonds
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
How much: Tickets range from $29 to $79
Tickets and info: Go HERE
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas