Rock n’ Roll is here to stay, but fans only get a few chances to see some of them live and in person.

Everyone listens to different genres of music, but nothing beats the sound of good ol rock ‘n roll.  This November, popular bands of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, are coming to the surrounding areas of Shipshewana and New Buffalo, MI. The lineup includes Styx, 38 Special, and Gladys Knight.

Sophomore Khylie Aguilar says, “I would enjoy going to Gladys Knight or 38 Special; I absolutely love their music!” Agular continues, “I wouldn’t have wanted to–or wouldn’t have even heard of–these two groups until my parents played their music around the house, and it’s actually pretty good.” This goes to show that any genre or decade of music can be good, no matter how old or young the band is. 

Styx is one of the most popular “area rock” groups of rock n’ roll. Styx was founded by Dennis DeYoung in 1970. Their first hit song was  Babe, which was produced nine years after the group got together and was their first U.S. No.1 hit single, with many more to come onto the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, which includes Come Sail Away, The Best of Times, Mr. Roboto, and Fooling Yourself. Though they may not be played as much on the radio anymore, they were on repeat on everyone’s mixtapes. On Friday, Nov.5, at 9 p.m. in New Buffalo,  anyone can go see them live.

38 Special is a rock band that was formed by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes in 1974, all the way down in Jacksonville, Florida. This group is known for singing Southern rock, country rock, blues rock, and hard rock. 38 Special alone has over 40 top hits in the Billboard Hot 100 Charts within the 70s and throughout the 90s. They’re best known for their early 1980s hit singles Hold On Loosely, Caught Up in You and Firestar. Without these hit singles, they wouldn’t be coming to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana on Friday,  Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. With all of their hits, nobody wants to miss this amazing concert. 

Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” is familiar to everyone as the leader of Gladys Knight & the Pips. Knight started her singing career at the age of four, and is still, to this day, singing strong in soul, gospel, and her rhythm and blues. Gladys Knight’s hit songs were within the years of 1972-1991, and included Midnight Train To Georgia, That’s What Friends Are For, and Superwomen. In awards alone, Knight has been nominated for Grammy Record of the Year, Best Pop Performance, and more. Everyone is riding a train to go see this concert in New Buffalo, MI, on Friday, Nov. 19, at 9 p.m.  Though many people will pull all-nighters staying up with this one, it’ll be worth it to hear one of the greatest soul song artists of all time. 

Mr. Steve Starzyk, a government teacher, was actually able to see one of the groups live and in concert. “I have seen Styx. Great show–but as far as live music goes, KISS would be the band to go see. Hands down.”  While Starzyk will not have the opportunity to see KISS in this lineup of November concerts, he will have the opportunity to attend another Styx concert if he chooses.

While their music may live on forever, seeing these bands in person may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.