After decades of rockin’ Wilsonville, Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts return for one final, unforgettable performance as the unofficial house band of the Wilsonville Summer Concerts. A true cornerstone of our concert series, their farewell appearance marks the end of an era.
The evening begins at 5:30 pm with local favorite John Knowles. Then at 6:30 pm, Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts take the stage for their grand finale.
What began as a party gag in 1978 evolved into an iconic act with a loyal following. Known for their energetic tributes to the golden era of rock and roll, Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts have been lighting up stages with hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s—from Elvis and the Beatles to the Beach Boys and the Supremes. With a dynamic horn section, vibrant choreography, and a talented female vocalist, their nine-member band delivers a full-on nostalgic experience that gets the crowd singing, dancing, and smiling.
Over the years, they’ve shared the stage with greats like Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, and the Righteous Brothers, and performed across the globe—including Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. Whether opening for the Oakland A’s or playing at the Los Angeles Olympics, their showmanship has always been front and center.
As we say goodbye, we celebrate Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts for the joy they’ve brought to generations of concertgoers. Don’t miss this chance to sing along one last time and send them off in true Wilsonville style!
Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts were started in 2002 as the club’s gift back to the Wilsonville community, held at Wilsonville’s Town Center Park. These concerts take place on four consecutive Thursdays starting July 17, offering free, family-friendly events with headliner acts beginning at 6:30 p.m., and opening acts at 5:30 p.m. To stay updated with concert news and other club information, sign up for our public updates at www.wilsonvillerotary.com/signup.
At the Wilsonville Rotary Summer Concerts, we’re accepting donations to End Polio Now. Polio remains endemic in just two countries — Pakistan and Afghanistan — but with your help we will make it zero! All donations to End Polio Now are being matched two-for-one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Your $20 becomes $60. That’s impact! Please give.
Official bios:
Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts
Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts have become an institution in the live concert scene, known as the premier nostalgia rock and roll show and dance band in the Northwest. Based in Portland, Oregon, the band’s inception as a party gag has remarkably evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, reaching audiences from coast to coast and beyond, with tours as far-reaching as Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. They’ve kicked off baseball season with the Oakland A’s and entertained at a special Nike event during the Olympics.
Their illustrious history includes opening for and sharing the stage with iconic acts like The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, and The Righteous Brothers, among many others. Over four decades, Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts have maintained a spirited ethos centered around fun, inviting audiences of all ages to partake in the revelry. Join us for an unforgettable experience of timeless music and dance that continues to thrill and entertain.
John Knowles
John Knowles has been singing in the greater Portland area for many years. He performs jazz and pop, but his true passion is singing classic country songs by artists like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr., Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Patsy Cline. His album, John Knowles Classic Country, is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. He recently signed with an agent in Nashville and has co-written and recorded new songs with Nashville professionals.
In addition to his solo work, John also performs in musical theatre and will be accompanied for this concert by maestro Christopher Woitach on guitar.
