Regardless of your stance on Niagara Falls the city, the tourist destination is riding a wave of momentum following the successful tightrope walk of Nik Wallenda, which received the highest Friday night viewership on ABC in five years.

The Niagara Falls Hard Rock Cafe announced its 2012 summer concert series slate yesterday, and there are a few noteworthy draws. Sloan, Finger Eleven and the Guess Who headline the six Saturday shows beginning on July 7 and running through August 11. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Talas, and KC and the Sunshine Band lead the other three dates.

Hard Rock’s outdoor shows—adjacent to the restaurant on Old Falls Street—begin at 6 p.m. and usually include two openers, a very similar set up to Buffalo Place’s Thursday at the Harbor. Although the concerts are free, proceeds from parking and concessions support the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, which houses 75 artists, two galleries and two theaters.

Full schedule:

July 7: The Guess Who with openers Exit! and Salt Peter

July 14: The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing hits of the Grateful Dead with openers the Brass Monkeez

July 21: Sloan with openers the Junction and Topanga

July 28: Talas with openers the Road and Fat Brat

August 4: KC and the Sunshine Band with openers Lance Diamond and the Rockaz.

August 11: Finger Eleven with openers USS and Whiskey Reverb.

(Header photo courtesy of Sloanmusic.com).