Rockin in Paradise Revisited

When the final notes drifted into the Florida night at Miramar Beach back in early October, fans and artists alike walked away with the same feeling: Rockin’ in Paradise with Styx + Friends was special. Now that a little time has passed — with Thanksgiving behind us, the holidays ahead and 2025’s last Styx show in the books — it feels like the perfect moment to look back on an event that still glows bright in hindsight.

First-year festivals usually don’t run this smoothly, feel this close-knit, or leave this deep of an impression. Yet Rockin’ in Paradise, built around the music and spirit of Styx, managed all three. And as everyone settles into the holiday season, one truth is clear: The memories haven’t faded, and the excitement to do it all again in 2026 is already building.

‘Beyond Expectation’: Styx Reflects on the Experience

I spoke with all members of the band regarding their Florida experience, both at the festival itself and during a couple of Idaho tour stops in November. They all praised their experience on the Gulf Coast and looked forward to finding out which “friends” might be joining them on October 8-10 next year.

For keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, the event’s real surprises cascaded one upon another via a steady rise in energy, connection and shared purpose.

“In any fashion whatsoever, we have never headlined a festival like this or had the festival view,” he said. “We have a great relationship with everyone that's been here. There’s this combined feeling of wanting this to be a great weekend for everyone — all the bands and, of course, the Styx faithful. They always elevate the whole experience to a level you’re not even expecting. For me, it’s been an endless series of surprises … beyond expectation. Absolutely, I’m very excited to do it next year.”

Guitarist Tommy Shaw echoed that sense of wonder, describing the event almost as if it had been guided by something more than mere mortals could conjure up.

“I think higher powers were at the wheel on this,” he said. “It’s something we all didn’t realize we wanted to do until we were told it was possible and here’s how we’re going to do it. We’ve made so many great friends over the years, and the ones you truly connect with stay with you — and that’s who we brought in. There are no strangers here. Everybody is on the same page, heavy-duty professionals and our friends. I never in my wildest dreams imagined something like this at my age. This is fantastic!”

Drummer Todd Sucherman was struck by the warmth and ease of the entire weekend.

“The vibe of this whole place was really, really wonderful — friendly, and family-friendly,” he said. “Had I known it was going to be this groovy, I would have brought my wife and daughter. There was so much going on with other musical activities that I didn’t have a clear sense of what to expect. But yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to doing this again. This is a great event.”

Producer and guitarist Will Evankovich summed up the behind-the-scenes feeling succinctly.

“I am so impressed with everything. I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m impressed with how this whole thing has taken place. Topeka has done a fabulous job, and everything seems very smooth. The accommodations are wonderful — what a great vibe all around.”

For bassist and co-founder Chuck Panozzo, the weekend hit on a deeper emotional level. He spoke about a moment back at the hotel where some band members — and many fans — stayed that left him unexpectedly moved.

“They couldn’t have been nicer,” he said of the fans who made an effort to greet him. “So generous and so kind, and the music … it brought this rush of nostalgia. I went back to my room and thought, ‘How blessed am I to play with these great singers and songwriters? How blessed are we to have all these fans?’ Sometimes you’re just in the moment so fully you can’t talk. You don’t want it to stop.”

Guitarist James “JY” Young kept it simple and soulful.

“You know, it's fun and it's good for your own soul to bring joy to others,” he said. “To see those looks on their faces — you feel like, ‘OK, I’ve done a good deed for my fellow man today.’”

And for semi-new bassist Terry Gowan, the entire setting — from the music, to the people, to the literal Florida air — struck a chord.

“I loved every second of it,” he said backstage on the third evening of the festival. “Everybody here is so chilled. Everybody’s so cool. And look at this place — the weather, the vibe. It’s always the first day where you’re getting familiar with everything, and then by day two and three you really take it in. There’s something about your soul rubbing against it. There’s a lot of soul here. Edwin McCain is playing right now — listen to that — and then we’ve got Cheap Trick after. It couldn’t be better. We want to do this next year.”

A Host’s Take: ‘It Actually Is Paradise’

As host, national radio personality Eddie Trunk brought both credibility and enthusiasm to the stage. This was his first time in this part of Florida, and it made an immediate impression.

“When they called this ‘Rockin’ In Paradise,’ I assumed it played off the Styx song,” he admitted. “But when I got here, I realized it actually is paradise. It’s beautiful. It’s a great environment and a great area.”

He’d also heard enough about the organizers to know the event would be handled well, but even so, he was blown away — and we’re not even referring to the extremely windy conditions on the second night.

“They have been nothing but incredible to me,” he said. “When Styx reached out about doing this, I was supremely honored. I said yes immediately.”

But what stood out most to him was the pacing of the three-day festival and all its surrounding side activities.

“A lot of events, especially with a slightly older audience, become endurance tests — 15 bands, all day, long nights. This, however, gives everybody the chance to enjoy the area during the day and then see two or three bands at night, not get done too late, and still be able to go out if you want. The pacing and structure are fantastic.”

By the end of the weekend, Trunk had already unpacked his desire to return.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of it,” he said. “I’m thrilled they’re doing it again. I hope it goes on for many, many years.”

Three Days of Sun, Three Nights of Music

The concerts themselves were extraordinary. Styx headlined the opening and closing nights, performing the two most prominent sets they presented throughout the course of the year. The first night’s show featured the set the band has primarily been performing this fall and early winter. Opening with “Build and Destroy” and featuring songs such as “Michigan,” “Lorelei” and “I’m OK” in addition to a parade of expected hits.

On the third night, Styx delivered its “The Grand Illusion” showcase, presenting the band’s groundbreaking 1977 album in its entirety — precisely as it did on tour all summer — followed by a closing collection of hits.

Additional performers over the three nights included John Waite, 38 Special, Collective Soul, Loverboy, Edwin McCain, Cheap Trick and a highly intriguing performance by GOWAN, featuring not only Styx’s entertaining frontman performing solo material but also Sucherman, Terry Gowan and a pair of Styx techs, Jeff Heintz (synths) and John Ptak (guitar).

The result was a weekend defined by standout sets and the unmistakable energy that only comes from great bands in the right setting. Yet behind the music was a team whose vision and dedication shaped the entire experience — the Topeka organizers who worked for a year to bring Rockin’ in Paradise to life.

Turning Paradise Into Reality

Topeka Music Vacations entered the premiere Rockin’ in Paradise event with high hopes. Even so, the results surpassed their expectations.

“Rockin’ In Paradise 2025 was a huge success!” said Violet Thompson, Artist Relations for Topeka Music Vacations. “Our goal was to make sure everyone — fans, band, and crew — felt like they were on vacation, and we achieved that. Despite a few curveballs, like the wind on Night 2, the Topeka and Styx teams worked seamlessly together to keep everything running smoothly.”

According to post-event surveys, fans were in full agreement.

“Over 80% said they’d return and bring friends, and over 70% ranked it among their top 10 vacations ever,” Thompson revealed. “The fans and the band were thrilled, and it showed.”

For Anthony Diaz, Topeka COO and Partner, the festival’s sense of community really left an impression.

“We were so impressed by the passion and sense of community the Styx fans hold, and by the energy and professionalism Styx and all the bands brought,” he said. “The entire Styx organization was world class. Over the full year it took to build this experience, our teams collaborated closely with the same goal: creating an immersive Styx experience for the fans.”

That mutual respect helped transform a first-year event into something that already feels like the opening notes of tradition.

The Countdown to 2026 Is Already Underway

Fans won’t have to wait long for updates. Cove booking is already open, even before lineups are announced.

“We have a launch plan in place and are actively working with the Styx team,” Thompson shared. “Our priority is giving Rockin’ in Paradise alumni first access to booking and exclusive updates on the 2026 lineup and schedule. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single beat.”

The fan survey was sent out almost immediately after this year’s festival ended, ensuring fresh feedback will shape next year’s enhancements.

Side events like the full band Q&A and Sucherman’s “Drums Up Close” showcase were among the most-loved special features of the three-day festival.

“Fans overwhelmingly want both back,” Thompson said. “About 600 fans attended each this year, and we expect that number to grow.”

And while the core experience will remain, Topeka intends to keep things fresh.

“We make it a point to give fans a new experience each year — new activities, supporting artists, vendors, merch, and surprises,” Thompson said. “It’s always a blast collaborating with the Styx team. They know their fans so well, and it shows.”

Above all, gratitude runs deep.

“We’re so grateful to have worked with Styx and their amazing team, and to connect with their fanbase on a whole new level,” Thompson said. “Their passion is incredible. We can’t wait for next year!”

Looking back now as the year winds toward its close, it’s clear why Rockin’ in Paradise resonated so deeply. The music. The friendships. The sunsets. The feeling of being part of something new yet familiar, intimate yet electric, relaxed yet unforgettable.

The good news?

The encore should be even better.