11 Apr Let’s Hear It For The Boys
There are only 19 days until SunFest!
Start scratching off your to-do list items now. Tickets? Check. Hotel booked? Check.
You will want to begin purchasing sunscreen, bright sun glasses, floppy hats and those little battery-powered misters. There’s no time for a last-second convenience store stop when you’re West Palm Beach-bound to see your favorite acts!
In this two-part blog series, I want to highlight the men performing along the waterfront this year. These talented singers are sure to steal the stage (and maybe a few hearts).
First up, Kid Rock.
What you know: On Wednesday, April 30, Michigan’s Kid Rock will headline SunFest’s opening night. The five-time Grammy Award nominee is known for his southern-rock hits “Cowboy,” “All Summer Long,” “Bawitaba,” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” I am confident you will hear him perform all the above on the Ford Stage.
The redneck rocker has released 11 studio albums. His most recent release being “Rebel Soul” in 2012.
Kid Rock has toured extensively since his debut in 1990. The list of world tours he has accompanied will leave your jaw slightly ajar. The Kid has performed with a long list of impressive artists including ZZ Top, Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Lynyrd Skynyrd, (fellow 2014 SunFest performers) Alice in Chains, Peter Frampton, Gov’t Mule, Aerosmith, Metallica, Blink 182 and Ice Cube.
I have never had the opportunity to see Kid Rock live, but I have dear friends who flock to his shows. The one bit of feedback I always hear is how amazing his shows sound live! The audio is always pitch perfect. Happy ears allow fans to enjoy all the other splendors of the show uninterrupted.
What may surprise you:
Kid Rock’s birth name is Robert James Ritchie.
In March, he set sail (with a few thousand fans) on his fifth annual “Chillin’ the Most Cruise,” which docked in Miami, Key West and the Bahamas.
Kid Rock was the first musician to play in a recorded concert at Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
He has also made special appearance on “CSI: NY,” “South Park” and “The Simpsons.”
What you know: Hip hop artist and songwriter J. Cole emerged on the scene in 2007 and has experienced a great deal of well-deserved praise in his blossoming career.
His first album, “Cole World: The Sideline Story” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, Top R&B albums and Top Rap Albums charts. His single “Work Out” was self-produced, and sampled hits by Kanye West and Paula Abdul.
Talk of Cole’s talents escalated the young artists was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 54th Grammy Awards. In June of last year, Cole released his second studio album, “Born Sinner.” It also rose to steal the number one spot. J. Cole is two for two.
On Friday, May 2, J. Cole will take the FPL stage. I will be in the crowd before him, dancing along to his rhymes. Catch this rising star while you can.
What may surprise you:
J. Cole attended Terry Sanford High School, and studied guitar under the well-known artist Mark Ebert.
He also attended St. John’s University on an academic scholarship. He majored in communication and minored in business, and graduated magna cum laude.
What you know: Chris Daughtry first became a household name during the fifth season of American Idol. The overwhelmingly popular show embraced the singer-songwriter from North Carolina and within the span of a few brief weeks Daughtry’s entire world changed.
He did not win that season, but he did exit the show with the ears, hearts and attention of America.
Daughtry was scooped up by RCA Records immediately. He surrounded himself with five additional talented musicians and went to work. His self-titled album dropped in 2006 and skyrocketed to the number one spot on the Billboard 200. It became certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, earning the title of the fastest-selling debut rock album in Soundscan history.
Four albums later and Daughtry’s fanbase continues to grow. If you don’t currently consider yourself a fan, make a point to swing by his set on Saturday. You won’t be disappointed.
What may surprise you:
Daughtry was asked to join Fuel as their lead singer after leaving American Idol. He declined to form his own band.
Chris Daughtry is the third most successful American Idol contestant in terms of record sales, behind Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
I’ll have more men you can’t miss on Monday! See you soon!