Harbor Stories: Unplugged featuring Miles Nielsen & Kelly Steward

Sponsored by First National Bank, join us for an evening of raw, authentic music at Harbor Stories: Unplugged on December 7, hosted by Illinois singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard. The night will feature performances by Rockford, IL natives Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward, two artists whose rich blend of roots, rock, soul, and Americana promises an unforgettable night of storytelling and song.

Date: December 7, 2025
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Dinner Service: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Dinner not included in ticket price)
Show Starts: 6:30 PM

Miles Nielsen
For nearly a decade, Miles Nielsen has been captivating audiences with music steeped in the golden eras of Western-influenced rock and the soul of the 1960s. Drawing inspiration from Otis Redding’s timeless vocals and Jellyfish’s cult power pop, Nielsen creates songs that balance raw emotion with undeniable hooks.

His self-titled debut in 2009 was followed by Miles Nielsen Presents the Rusted Hearts (2012) and Heavy Metal (2016), projects that showcased his ability to fuse heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies. Alongside his band, The Rusted Hearts, Nielsen has toured extensively across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, and even founded their own fan festival, The Stampede, in Wisconsin Dells. His performances resonate with both intimacy and grandeur, inviting audiences into stories that linger long after the last note.

Kelly Steward
Known for her haunting, indie-tinged country sound, Kelly Steward has carved out her own voice in the Midwestern music scene. After a period in Los Angeles, she returned home to Illinois, where she began collaborating with Nielsen on her EP Long Long Road. Soon after, she formed her band, The Restless Kind, with Greg Whitson, Scott Ford, and Jesse Carmona, releasing the intimate EP Out From Within in 2012.

In 2019, Steward unveiled her first full-length album, Tales and Tributes of the Deserving and Not So, produced with Whitson. The record recalls the warmth and honesty of mid-1970s singer-songwriters like Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, and Linda Ronstadt, while reimagining that Laurel Canyon spirit through a Midwestern lens.

Steward’s music is marked by authenticity and a deep reverence for songcraft, making her one of the region’s most beloved voices.

Together
As individual artists and frequent collaborators, Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward embody the heart of Rockford’s music community. Their performances are equal parts intimate and expansive, carrying forward a tradition of storytelling that feels both familiar and freshly inspired. Whether fronting their own projects or sharing the stage, Nielsen and Steward bring audiences into their world with a chemistry that can only come from two artists deeply rooted in their craft.

Dan Hubbard (Host)
Hosting the evening is Illinois native Dan Hubbard, a seasoned singer-songwriter who has spent over two decades carving out a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most honest and enduring artists. With ten studio projects, countless miles on the road, and a devoted fan base, Hubbard’s music blends timeless sincerity with wide-reaching appeal.

Known for his heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies, Hubbard has been praised as “beautiful, powerful, and often seemingly effortless.” His upcoming two-part EP project, beginning with Vol. 1: Letting Go (fall 2025), showcases both his maturity as a songwriter and his restless creative spirit. Hubbard’s gift lies in connection—inviting listeners into stories that feel lived-in, personal, and true.

Don’t Miss This Special Night of Authentic Music!
Come experience heartfelt stories and unforgettable performances with Miles Nielsen, Kelly Steward, and Dan Hubbard. Get your tickets now for Harbor Stories: Unplugged!

Photo/Video Disclaimer: This is a public event. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed for promotional purposes by Heritage Harbor.

Host or Publisher Heritage Harbor Staging