The actor and musician performed six songs during the celebration
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland performed six songs at Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls’ grand reopening
– Sutherland also helped unveil a Philip Burke portrait featuring his 1956 Gibson guitar
– The actor and musician recently released his fourth album Grey
Kiefer Sutherland took center stage at the grand reopening of Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls, helping celebrate a new era for the longtime entertainment destination.
Sutherland served as the event’s special guest and performed six songs during the celebration at the Prospect Street venue. The appearance gave fans another opportunity to see the 24 and Designated Survivor star showcase the music career he has continued building alongside his acting work.
The evening also included a ceremony with acclaimed artist Philip Burke, who created a portrait of Sutherland featuring the actor and musician alongside his 1956 Gibson 336 guitar.
Sutherland shared the story behind the instrument, explaining that he discovered it while visiting a guitar shop on Denmark Street in London. He was immediately drawn to its warm sound and eventually purchased it despite knowing a vintage 1956 guitar would carry a significant price.
He later used the guitar on two tours before deciding to stop traveling with it because of how much the instrument meant to him.
Sutherland said he was especially pleased that Burke chose that particular guitar for the portrait.
Burke explained that the way he depicted the instrument was intended to capture something about Sutherland’s personality and playing style. Sutherland agreed with the observation and said the positioning reflected how he naturally plays.
Music remains an important part of Sutherland’s career beyond his well-known acting work.
He recently released his fourth album, Grey, featuring material written and recorded between 2024 and 2026.
Sutherland has described the album as more personal than some of his earlier work, saying the songs focus less on observations and more on feelings he has been navigating in his own life.
The Hard Rock appearance also allowed Sutherland to share samples from his Red Bank Whisky line with guests attending the reopening.
Sutherland’s performance helped headline a larger celebration marking new ownership at Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls under LIVE! Incorporated.
The venue first opened in 1996 and has remained a prominent music and entertainment destination near Niagara Falls for nearly three decades.
While the night marked an important business milestone for Hard Rock, Sutherland was one of the major attractions, combining his music, his personal connection to his guitar, and his growing recording career.
