Recap · Sunday, July 20, 2025
National Ice Cream Day 2025
A look back at a free summer concert in London, Ontario — live music on our parking-lot stage from the afternoon sun until after dark, soft-serve at the windows, and signature treats inspired by the performers.
- 1080 Adelaide St. N, London · Directions
- Free admission
- Live music
How the day went
Music from afternoon to after dark
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, we turned our Adelaide Street parking lot into an outdoor stage once again. Francesca Panetta opened the concert, Turning Corners closed it as headliners for the second year in a row, and in between the lineup included Lyubov Kay’s alt-pop and Tyrone Traher’s newly formed band, The Rottweilers. Admission was free, the rows of folding chairs filled up, and guests lined up at the windows for soft-serve.
Around the lot in 2025:
- Signature treats inspired by the performers
- FM96 London’s tent out front
- 980 CFPL’s own sundae, the 980 News Buzz
The 2025 headliner
Turning Corners, closing the show again
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.
Signature treat: The Tesla Baron
The 2025 lineup
Joining Turning Corners on stage
A heartfelt opener, an alt-pop artist from Toronto, and a brand-new band with a familiar frontman.
Francesca Panetta
Francesca Panetta opened our 2025 National Ice Cream Day concert with a heartfelt performance that set the tone for the day. Her smooth vocals and understated style created an inviting atmosphere that resonated with early guests and longtime fans alike.
Signature treatSeptember Weather
Lyubov Kay
An alternative-pop artist from Toronto, Lyubov Kay describes her music as a “time capsule, preserving stories of love and transformation.” She first gained recognition through her YouTube channel, which quickly attracted nearly 1 million views. Known for her soothing vocals, honest storytelling, and cinematic instrumentation, Lyubov’s performances offer a deeply immersive experience.
She joined the Merla-Mae stage on July 20, 2025, for our National Ice Cream Day celebration — captivating the crowd with warmth and heart.
Signature treatThe Berry Luv’ed Parfait
Tyrone Traher & The Rottweilers
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. Their blend of raw energy and tight musicianship made them a crowd favorite and a highlight of the event.
Signature treatThe Rottweiler Sundae
Behind the scenes
On stage and off
Two of The Rottweilers had a second job that day.
Bobby Creasor
Audio tech & stage setup
Beyond his role on stage, Bobby Creasor was also the lead audio technician and stage setup coordinator, ensuring the entire concert ran smoothly.
Jeremy Tredenick
Videographer & photographer
Jeremy Tredenick not only performed but also served as the event’s official videographer and photographer, capturing the energy and memories of the day from behind the lens.
The 2025 recap video
A minute of music and sundaes
Sundaes at the counter, a fiddle on stage, a packed patio and guitars under the lights — the whole day, start to finish.
Gallery & highlights
The day in pictures
A stage in the parking lot, paper cones at the storefront, lineups at the windows and guitars after dark.
Signature treats
A sundae for the stage
Our 2025 performers inspired custom Merla-Mae treats — and 980 CFPL had a sundae of its own.
The Tesla Baron
Named after their breakout song, this wild sundae features half & half twist ice cream loaded with crushed Reese’s Pieces, Oreos, M&Ms, cookie dough, and rainbow chocolate chips, all drenched in peanut butter and chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream and exactly five gummy bears for the final kick.
The Berry Luv’ed Parfait
Pistachio and raspberry ice cream layered with pecans, fresh raspberry topping, finished with soft-serve vanilla ice cream, whole pecans, whipped cream & waffle wedge — a light, dreamy dessert that’s as heartfelt and layered as her music.
The Rottweiler Sundae
Chocolate soft serve, hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, caramel, with warm brownies garnished with chocolate crunch, chocolate mousse whip cream on a homemade waffle bowl. Inspired by the band’s gritty-smooth sound with a bold bite.
September Weather
A moody, mellow sundae built on a chocolate toasted coconut crust, topped with vanilla soft serve, chocolate cone dip sauce, white and toasted shredded coconut, whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and a waffle wedge. A cozy, comforting treat with just the right amount of edge.
980 News Buzz
Espresso ice cream, soft vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, a shot of coffee syrup in a waffle bowl! Garnished with crushed peanuts & a maraschino cherry.
Thank you to our presenting 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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