{"id":875903,"date":"2026-10-09T04:02:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T04:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/875903\/"},"modified":"2026-10-09T04:02:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T04:02:18","slug":"the-nielsen-trust-will-headline-diamonds-with-a-cheap-trick-inspired-set-list-in-rockford","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/875903\/","title":{"rendered":"The Nielsen Trust will headline Diamonds with a Cheap Trick-inspired set list in Rockford"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The Nielsen Trust \u2013 featuring Miles Nielsen, Kelly Steward, Daxx Nielsen and Rick Nielsen \u2013 will headline the fourth annual Diamonds on Dec. 17, 2026, at Hard Rock Live in Rockford. (Photo provided by The Nielsen Trust)
\nBy Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free e-newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n

ROCKFORD \u2014 This year\u2019s Diamonds gala will celebrate one of the city\u2019s most recognizable rock families.<\/p>\n

The Nielsen Trust \u2014 Rick Nielsen, Daxx Nielsen, Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward \u2014will 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/<\/a><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s gala, which is produced by the nonprofit Founders Commission<\/a>, kicks off at 7 p.m. with opening remarks, a live auction and a set by one of Rock & Roll Institute\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cDiamonds 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,\u201d Nick Povalitis, founder and president of Founders Commission, said in a news release. \u201cThis year\u2019s shift to an intimate charity concert and live interview brings back the nostalgia of classic music television \u2013 think \u2018Guitar Center Sessions\u2019 meets \u2018VH1 Storytellers\u2019 \u2014 while giving us a whole new way to experience the music, stories and legacy of Rick Nielsen and the Nielsen Family. We\u2019re incredibly grateful to The Nielsen Trust for stepping up as our headliner to make the fourth annual Diamonds truly special.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diamonds debuted in June 2023 with an event celebrating U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Michael Andrews<\/a>, a TOPGUN instructor, and U.S. Navy Captain Deborah Davis McIvy. It followed with Grammy winner and mental health advocate Michelle Williams<\/a> in 2024 and then NBA champion Fred VanVleet in 2025. ESPN SportsCenter anchor Nichole Briscoe has emceed the event since its inception.<\/p>\n

\"Rockford<\/a><\/p>\n

The event is designed to celebrate the region\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

If you go | Diamonds<\/p>\n

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 (doors open at 6 p.m.)<\/p>\n

Where: Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St., Rockford<\/p>\n

\"K&H<\/a><\/p>\n

How much: Tickets range from $29 to $79<\/p>\n

Tickets and info: Go HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

This article is by\u00a0Kevin Haas<\/a>. Email him at\u00a0khaas@rockrivercurrent.com<\/a>\u00a0or follow him on X at\u00a0@KevinMHaas\u00a0<\/a>or Instagram\u00a0@thekevinhaas<\/a>\u00a0and Threads\u00a0@thekevinhaas<\/a><\/p>\n