Second Annual ‘Rock the Block’ Welcomes Lake Area Tech Students Back with Rising Country Duo Lakeview
Wednesday, September 9th
Lake Area Technical College will once again welcome students back to campus by bringing downtown Watertown to life with music, energy and community during the second annual ‘Rock the Block’ on Wednesday, September 9. The free outdoor concert serves as Lake Area Tech’s official welcome back celebration while also inviting alumni, community members and industry partners to kick off the new school year.
Presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard and Watertown Ford Chrysler—celebrating 25 years of serving the Watertown community—’Rock the Block’ has quickly become a signature community event celebrating the strong connection between Lake Area Technical College and the Watertown community. The event brings together current students, alumni, faculty and staff, local businesses, employer partners and residents for an evening of live music, food and fun in the heart of downtown.
Headlining this year’s event is Lakeview, one of country music’s fastest-rising independent acts. The Nashville-based duo has amassed more than 230 million career streams and 800,000 followers across social media, earning a reputation for blending country storytelling with high-energy rock influences. Their current hit, “Wreck My Night,” has become one of the most requested songs on SiriusXM’s The Highway, and they’re bringing that momentum to Watertown as part of their nationwide Wreck My Night Tour.
The evening will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with local favorite My Monday Regret opening the show, followed by headliner Lakeview taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. on Maple Street next to the historic Goss Opera House. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy one of the community’s final outdoor concerts of the season. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
“Rock the Block is our way of welcoming students back while bringing together alumni, employer partners and our community to celebrate a new year at Lake Area Tech,” said Lake Area Technical College President Tiffany Sanderson. “It’s a great reminder that student success is truly a community effort.”
This year’s event also celebrates Watertown Ford Chrysler’s 25th anniversary, recognizing a quarter century of serving the Watertown area and supporting local organizations and events.
“Celebrating 25 years in Watertown is really about celebrating the people and community that have supported us,” said Scott and Jodi Driscoll, owners of Watertown Ford Chrysler. “We’re proud to help welcome Lake Area Tech students back and invest in an event that brings our entire community together.”
Mark Dunn, Vice President and Market Leader for First PREMIER Bank in Watertown, said the bank is proud to continue supporting an event that celebrates community and connection.
“Rock the Block is more than a concert, it’s a celebration of community,” Dunn said. “We’re proud to help welcome students back while creating an event that everyone can enjoy.”
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the Goss Opera House.
‘Rock the Block’ reflects Lake Area Tech’s commitment to connecting students with the community that supports their education and future careers while creating an opportunity for alumni, employers and residents to celebrate together.
Rock the Block is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to join Lake Area Tech in welcoming students back for another year while celebrating the partnerships that make our communities stronger.
‘Rock the Block’ is made possible through the support of presenting sponsors First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard and Watertown Ford Chrysler, along with the Lake Area Technical College Alumni Association, LATC Student Activities, the Goss Opera House and Lake Area Technical College.
For more information, follow Lake Area Technical College and the Goss Opera House on social media.
Event Details
- What: Second Annual ‘Rock the Block’
- When: Wednesday, September 9 | 7:00–10:30 p.m.
- Where: Maple Street, next to the Goss Opera House, Downtown Watertown
- Featuring: Lakeview
- Admission: Free and open to the public
About LATC
Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical College serves nearly 2,800 students and offers more than 30 career-focused programs designed to meet workforce needs. The college has a 99.8 percent placement rate, with most graduates choosing to live and work in South Dakota.
Lake Area Tech’s mission is to provide superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers. The college received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the top two-year college in the nation. For more information and to apply, visit: www.lakeareatechedu.