Recap · Sunday, July 21, 2024
National Ice Cream Day 2024
A look back at a free parking-lot concert in London, Ontario — acoustic sets from afternoon into evening, Turning Corners under the lights after dark, and soft-serve from the first song to the last.
- 1080 Adelaide St. N, London · Directions
- Free admission
- Live local music
How the day went
The year it grew
For National Ice Cream Day 2024, our Adelaide Street parking lot became an outdoor stage. Gianna Rigopoulos opened the concert with an acoustic set. Jason Mercer, Sarina Haggarty and Tyrone Traher then carried the music from afternoon into evening, and Turning Corners closed the show under the lights after dark. The line stretched out the door, lawn chairs lined the lot, and the patio stayed busy well past sunset.
Also on the day:
- 97.5 Virgin Radio live on location
- Presented by Platinum Air Care
- Free admission, all ages
The 2024 headliner
Turning Corners, closing the show
Turning Corners brought the energy and closed the show as headliners for both our 2024 and 2025 National Ice Cream Day concerts. Known for their high-powered alt-rock sound and undeniable stage presence, the band continues to turn heads (and ears) with emotionally charged lyrics, tight musicianship, and crowd-igniting hooks.
Their connection with the Merla-Mae crowd made them an instant tradition — and their music continues to define the sound of summer for our community.
The start of a three-year run: they came back to headline again in 2025 and 2026.
The 2024 lineup
Acoustic sets before dark
Before Turning Corners closed the show, these four artists played from mid-afternoon into the evening, each with an acoustic guitar and a mic.
Gianna Rigopoulos
Gianna Rigopoulos opened our 2024 National Ice Cream Day concert with a beautiful acoustic set that set the tone for a relaxed and heartfelt afternoon. Performing solo with her guitar, Gianna’s vocals were soft yet powerful — offering an intimate connection that drew the early crowd in.
As a local emerging artist, her performance blended honesty, vulnerability, and calm energy — the perfect way to begin a day of music, community, and celebration.
Jason Mercer
Jason Mercer brought soul and storytelling to the Merla-Mae stage with a solo performance full of sincerity and heart. Known for his smooth guitar work and reflective lyrics, Jason’s acoustic set added a grounded, emotional layer to the energy of National Ice Cream Day.
His style blends folk, pop, and a touch of rock — making him a standout for guests looking to pause, take it in, and really listen. A longtime supporter of the event, Jason’s presence helped round out a truly memorable lineup.
Sarina Haggarty
Sarina Haggarty is a London-born singer-songwriter known for her emotional vocals, empowering lyrics, and heartfelt performances. A familiar name in the Canadian music scene, Sarina has shared the stage with artists like Shawn Mendes and has performed with orchestras, at national events, and now — twice at Merla-Mae.
Her performances at National Ice Cream Day brought both power and softness to the lineup, drawing the crowd in with her authenticity and soul. Sarina’s set proved that Merla-Mae doesn’t just serve iconic sundaes — we serve unforgettable sound.
Tyrone Traher
Merla-Mae was thrilled to welcome Tyrone Traher to our National Ice Cream Day stage for two consecutive years — 2024 and 2025. In 2025, he returned with his newly formed band, The Rottweilers, featuring members Bobby Creasor, Jeremy Tredenick, Henry Lenz, and Andy Nunez.
Relive the 2024 show
A minute of music and soft-serve
Cones across the counter, acoustic sets in the summer sun, and Turning Corners under the lights after dark.
Gallery & highlights
The day in pictures
A line at the door, treats on the patio, lawn chairs at dusk and a full band after dark.
Thank you to our 2024 sponsor
Made possible by
This free event is made possible by local businesses and community partners.
Platinum Air Care
Their support helps us host a free, family-friendly outdoor concert each year, transforming our space into a place where the community can gather, enjoy live music, and celebrate summer together.
Platinum Air Care is a local home comfort company specializing in air purification, water filtration, and HVAC solutions, helping families breathe cleaner air, enjoy safer water, and create healthier homes across the London area.
Proudly supporting clean air, safe water, and local music.
See you next July
Want to be part of the next one?
National Ice Cream Day comes back to Merla-Mae on the third Sunday in July. See what’s coming up, apply to perform, or join our sponsors.
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