SunFest Announces Headliners to Perform at 30th Anniversary Festival
SunFest
West Palm Beach, Fla., (PRWEB) March 09, 2012
SunFest, Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival, announces national acts scheduled to headline at the 30th annual event being held May 2-6, along scenic Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. National acts scheduled to perform include Counting Crows, Creed, Pitbull, The Fray, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Passion Pit, Paul Rodgers, Third Eye Blind, Girl Talk, Foreigner, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Herbie Hancock, Matisayhu, Coheed & Cambria, All American Rejects, NEEDTOBREATHE, SOJA, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Fab Four and more.
“We’ve had an exciting year planning the 30th celebration of SunFest,” said Paul Jamieson, executive director of SunFest. “We have pulled together a lineup that includes today’s current stars and up and comers, to some of the most loved music of the past 30 years. SunFest 2012 is relevant to those who enjoyed the first festival and those who were not even born then. And as always, SunFest is a music experience of value, diversity, location and quality like no other available in the country.”
Counting Crows will perform Wednesday evening, May 2 on the Bank of America Stage. Originating from California, the group gained popularity in 1994 after the release of their debut album, “August & Everything After” featuring the hit song “Mr. Jones.” The Crows hit song “Accidentally in Love” was included in the film Shrek 2, landing them an Academy Award nomination in 2004.
Rock band, Coheed and Cambria will perform Wednesday evening, May 2 on the Tire Kingdom Stage. The New Jersey native group came together in 1995, releasing the first album of their science fiction storyline called, “The Amory Wars.” Currently they have two-live albums along with several special edition releases. Their latest album is, “I’m Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow” and they are currently working on their fifth studio album which will be a prequel to the series.
Snoop Dogg will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Thursday evening, May 3. In 1993, Snoop’s first album “Doggystyle,” featuring hit singles “What’s My Name” and “Gin and Juice,” made its way to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s hip-hop and top 200 charts. He went on to release three chart-topping albums in the 90’s making him known for his laid-back rapping style. His most well-known single, “Drop it Like It’s Hot” was released in 2004 and also reached the top of the charts. Snoop was the first artist to release a ringtone rap, “It’s The D.O.G” in 2007.
Pittsburgh native, Wiz Khalifa will perform on the Bank of America Stage Thursday evening, May 3. Straight out of high school in 2005, Wiz released his first mix-tape, “Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania.” It didn’t take long for Wiz to drop his first album, “Show and Prove,” rated best album of the year on Okayplayer.com. Establishing himself as an artist, he quickly became the top search on Google and the number one tweeting topic on Twitter. His latest hit from Atlantic Records, “Black and Yellow” landed him 35 million views on YouTube.
Chicago native, Herbie Hancock will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Thursday evening, May 3. After taking on the first movement of Mozart at 11 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he went on to graduate from Grinnell College in Iowa. Joining trumpeter Donald Bryant’s group, he moved to New York City. Best known for his outstanding blend of funky rhythms and ethereal harmonies, his hit song “Watermelon Man” has been covered by dozens of musicians.
Rock Band Creed will perform Friday evening, May 4 on the Bank of America Stage. Founding members, vocalist Scott Strapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillip, entered the studio in 1997 to record the first album, “My Own Prison” after producing their own label, Blue Collar. Initially being self-released, the group was picked up by Wind-Up Records. Creed was the first band ever to have four no. 1 singles off their debut album.
Platinum -elling singer, songwriter, and self-taught multi-instrumental artist, Paul Rodgers will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Friday evening, May 4. After writing, recording, producing, and releasing 30 albums since 1968, Rodgers has gone on to sell 90 million records, form and lead 3 bands(Free, Bad Company, & The Firm) to worldwide success. In 2010, Rodgers was ranked No. 1 Greatest Rock Single in the UK top 40 for his hit “All Right Now.” His latest earning was the Ivor Novello Songwriting Award for his outstanding contribution to British music.
Boston based group Passion Pit will perform on the FPL Stage, Friday evening May 4. Head vocalist, Michael Angelakos has composed the group’s two studio masterpieces “Manners” and “Chunk of Change.” The latest of the two albums, “Manners” which was produced by Columbia Records in 2009 reveals a “complex and challenging 21st century sound and sensibility.” Passion Pit has opened for many well-known artists, including Death Cab for Cutie.
Jamaican reggae artist SOJA will perform on the Bank of America Stage, Saturday afternoon May 5. SOJA released their first album in 2002, “Peace in a Time of War.” “True Love” and “Peace in a Time of War” were the groups’ two hit singles giving them some national attention. As their fan base, concerts, and name grew, they produced their third album “Born in Babylon” in August of 2005. They average 150 shows a year hitting every major U.S. city and internationally throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Sweden.
Michael Franti & Spearhead will perform on the Bank of America stage on Saturday afternoon, May 5. Not only is Franti an award-winning musician and activist, but also an award-winning documentary film writer. The group performed at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards in 2011. This year, Franti has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best World Music Album. This is the first time Franti has ever been nominated. Currently the group is on tour for their sixth studio album, “All Rebel Rockers,” a reggae-steeped record.
Southern rock band The Marshall Tucker Band will perform Saturday evening, May 5 on the Tire Kingdom Stage. The band signed with Capricorn Records and released their debut album, “The Marshall Tucker Band” in 1973. They went on to gain national recognition as they toured with the Allman Brothers Band. In 1977, the band reached great success with their Top 15 single, “Heard It in a Love Song.” Also that year, the band was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
The Outlaws will take the Tire Kingdom Stage, on Saturday afternoon, May 5. Natives of Tampa, Florida, The Outlaws quickly became the college crowd favorite in the 70’s. Clive Davis signed the group to Arista Label in 1975, releasing their debut album“Green Grass and High Tides” which became no. 13 on the Billboards Hot 100. With substantial success in the live concert arena, the Outlaws have become best known for their Southern Rock music.
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, a mix of ska and punk, will perform on the FPL Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. In 1996, The Bosstones helped organize the Safe and Sound benefit album in response to Boston-area family planning clinic slayings. The group then went on to produce a radio smash hit “The Impression That I Get,” landing them the favorite artist award at the 1997 American Music Awards. Their most recent album “The Magic of Youth” was released in 2011 with their newest smash hit “Like a Shot Gun.”
Saturday evening, May 5 San Francisco’s Third Eye Blind will perform on the Bank of America Stage. Having recorded three best-selling albums and assembled one career retrospective, 3EB is led by Stephan Jenkins. Third Eye Blind is known for such hits “Jumper” and “Semi-Charmed Life.”
Pop/punk rock band The All-American Rejects will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. “Swing Swing” released on the self titled debut album reached the Top 40 of the Billboard 200, securing them the 8th rank of the Top Heatseeker chart. Their success landed them a contract with DreamWorlds Records where they re-released, “The All-American Rejects” in 2003.
The first woman in rock to own her own record label, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts will perform the Tire Kingdom Stage Saturday evening, May 5. Founder of an all girl rock group called The Runways, Jett split and created her own label and smash hit “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” which claimed the No. 28 song of all time on the Top 10 charts and was No. 1 on the Billboard charts for two consecutive months. She was a part of the original cast in the Broadway hit, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The group was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best Rock Performance by a Group for the hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Joan Jett and the Black Hearts hold three Top Ten Records and seven other Billboard Top 100 entries.
Girl Talk will perform on the FPL Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. Known for creating a twist to the most recent hit singles, Girl Talk’s first album, “Secret Diary” was released in 2002 after signing with Illegal Art. Taking each performance to the extreme, Girl Talk always has the crowd on edge.
Miami native Pitbull will perform on the Bank of America Stage, Sunday afternoon May 6. Pitbull released his debut album “M.I.A.M.I” under TVT Records in 2004. Fat Joe, Trick Daddy, and Lil Jon helped him to reach number 14 on Billboard Hot 200. “Culo” and “Toma” were his two hit singles off of his debut album. He was then signed by Anger Management Tour, earning plenty of the Top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100.
Fab Four, the best-known Beatles tribute band, will perform Sunday afternoon, May 6 on the Tire Kingdom Stage. The band is best known for their clear-cut attention to detail. Hosted by, “Ed Sullivan” this remarkable multimedia stage production includes three costume changes to represent each era of the Beatles throughout their career. This delightful tribute to the Beatles has been performed to audiences around the world, including Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, and Canada.
NEEDTOBREATHE will perform on the FPL Stage, Sunday afternoon, May 6. Brothers Bear and Bryant “Bo” Rinehart display a passion for music through their talents in vocal, guitar, and piano. Teaming up with drummer, Joe Stillwell and bassist, Seth Bolt, they debuted their album “Daylight” earning them two Dove Award Nominations for Christian Rock’s most successful newcomers. Their latest album “The Outsiders” hit No. 9 on Billboards Rock Albums chart and went Top 20 on the Top 200.
The Fray will perform Sunday evening, May 6th in the evening on the Bank of America Stage. The Fray rose to fame in 2005 with their debut “How to Save a Life.” Their single “Over My Head (Cable Car)” crossed onto the Top 40 chart status at No. 8. The group then released the album’s title track in a promotional campaign for Grey’s Anatomy. “How to Save a Life” reached the Top 10 in the United States for 58 consecutive weeks. They have been declared as the best-selling digital album of all time.
Foreigner, will perform on the Tire Kingdom stage Sunday evening, May 6. With their mix of blustery blues and perfectly crafted pop, their chart topper “I Want to Know What Love Is” has continued to capture generation after generation. They have sold more than 70 million albums and have spent more weeks sitting comfortably at No. 1 on the Billboard chart than any other artist in Atlantic Records history.
On Sunday evening, May 6, Matisyahu will perform on the FPL Stage. At 14, Matisyahu learned to play the bongos in the lunchroom and to beat-box in the classroom. After traveling parts of the world, he spurred his transformation from Matthew to Matisyahu. He’s best known for his chart topping single, “One Day.”
Up and Comers
The festival has booked a collection of nationally-recognized up and comers to the festival. They include:
New Orleans inspired rock and soul group Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds will display their talents on the Bank of America Stage on Wednesday evening, May 2. At the young age of 22, Arleigh Kincheloe rocks the stage as the leader of the group. A heavyweight horn section, guitars, and harmonicas back her seductive lyrics. The bands infections energy and massive sounds generate ecstatic crowds and packs dance floors across the nation.
Mean Creek, voted the “Best Boston Act” of 2010 and 2011 by Boston Phoenix readers, will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Wednesday evening, May 2. The band’s alternating boy-girl vocal duo creates a mystique, while rocking equally as hard. “The Comedian” and “Liar/Thief” are the group’s top two singles, while their song “No One Has To Know” has been featured on MTV’s Teen Mom 2.
The Deep Dark Woods will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage on Thursday evening, May 3. In 2009 they released their album “Winter Hours” catching the ears of critics across the country. They went on to win the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards for Best Roots Group and Ensemble of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Their newest album “The Place I Left Behind” illuminates folk traditions while displaying the shadows of music history. Their music echoes traces of time and space that are never truly forgotten.
LP will perform on the FPL Stage on Friday evening, May 4. This Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter gives a gripping performance. She wrote Rihanna’s 2011 hit “Cheers” and Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful People” for the movie Burlesque. Her recordings include “Into the Wild” and “Tokyo Sunrise.” Esquire Magazine has singled out LP as one of 2012‘s rising stars.
New York City’s Eve to Adam will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Friday evening, May 4. This anthemic, guitar driven rock band has sold more than 10,000 copies of their debut album “Banquet For a Starving Dog” (2011). They’ve performed alongside stadium level acts such as Daughtry, Motley Crue, Three Doors Down, and more. Eve to Adam’s front man Taki Sassaris states, “Our live shows are the cornerstone of this band and we always promise to deliver high energy, adrenaline filled rock shows.”
Hard Rock Calling’s rock/reggae band winner of 2011 Grahams Number will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage on Friday evening, May 4. The band consists of a trio from Atlanta, GA. They share a style of rock & roll, blues, bluegrass, funk, and reggae through a revolutionary new and progressive sound. The group believes that their “young, fresh, fun, and upbeat music appeals to all age groups.
Miami- native Cris Cab, will share his talents on the Bank of America Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. Cab has developed an interest in artists and bands such as Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Sublime and Cold Play. He’s proud to be from Miami and could not imagine a better city to grow up in; he states that Miami is “Heaven on Earth.”
Jessie Baylin will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Sunday evening, May 6. Baylin, a New Jersey native and Nashville-based singer and songwriter, creates a very classic pop tone that evokes memories of the Brill Building and Laurel Canyon in the 70’s. Her first album, “You” was released on iTunes, followed by her second album “Firesight.” Her third album, “Little Spark,” was released with the help of her team, Thirty Tigers.
Southern-rock singer and songwriter Connor Christian & Southern Gothic will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Sunday evening, May 6. In 2007 his first album “A Southern Gossip” was released. After performing up to 250 shows a year, he has created a mass following.
Simplified will perform on the FPL Stage, Sunday evening, May 6. With major guitar riffs, velvety vocals, and hook-laden melodies the band has stunned critics with their complicated songwriting and their multitalented show. Since the release of their newest album, “Brighter Days”, the group has been featured on NBC’s Charlotte Today TV, Fox Edge TV, ESPN, and ABC TV. The group currently sits comfortably on Iheartradio.com Top 5.
The regional and local bands include A Brilliant Lie, Cielo, A Rocket to the Moon, Common Ground, Cypress, D.V.N.O, Odyssey Road, Oval Red, Qwote, Ratham Stone, Remove Before Flight, Sound Express, Stop the Presses, Taylor Road, Urban Gypsy, We Are One, and Young Man Pit.
Rock-n-Roll Shootout
Once again the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek will be hosting the Rock-and-Roll Shootout for the chance to win a spot on the SunFest lineup. The four-week competition is held at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek March 20 and 27, April 3 and 10 with the finale competition on Tuesday, April 17.
WAYS TO SAVE
TD Bank March MoneySaver
March is the month for the best deal to SunFest with the TD Bank March MoneySaver. This 5-day pass is just $ 55; that’s just $ 11 a day. To get a March MoneySaver pass, stop by any one of the participating TD Bank locations in Palm Beach and Martin counties through March 31.When this deal is gone, it’s gone.
Barge Card Bonus
1-day admission and $ 25 Barge Card for only $ 44 – that’s $ 16 of drinks free for you at SunFest! Only 500 available get yours now!
Thursday Promo
Save $ 10 off Thursday ticket courtesy of Palm Beach County Health Department. That’s right get in cheaper Thursday night when you buy in advance and use the code. Deal ends Thursday, May 3 at 5 p.m.
For more information on these ticket promotions, visit sunfest.com/ticketpromotions
$ 5 PARKING & OTHER ADVANCE PARKING
Reserve your parking spot in advance. New this year is the Northbridge Centre parking garage at only $ 5.
Just imagine knowing the lot you are going to park in and enjoying affordable rates, all before you get to SunFest. Reserve your spot in select City of West Palm Beach and private parking garages before you ever leave your house. Must be purchased by 10 p.m. the day before (example: Thurs. advance parking purchases end Wed. at 10 p.m.). There are a limited number of spaces, so reserve one now.
Information on the pre-paid parking program is available online at sunfest.com/parking.
2012 TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for SunFest 2012 are on sale at http://www.sunfest.com, the SunFest store located at 525 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach, and by calling 1-800-SUNFEST.
1-day festival ticket with Early Bird Discount: $ 30*
1-day pass (regular price): $ 35
2-day pass with Early Bird Discount: $ 46*
2-day pass (regular price): $ 52
5-day pass Early Bird Discount: $ 61*
5-day pass (regular price): $ 67
Youth 1-day pass (6-12 year olds) with Early Bird Discount: $ 8*
Youth 1-day pass (6-12 year olds): $ 10
Youth 2-day pass (6-12 year olds) with Early Bird Discount: $ 15*
Youth 2-day pass (6-12 year olds): $ 17
Youth 5-day pass (6-12 year olds) with Early Bird Discount: $ 20*
Youth 5-day pass (6-12 year olds): $ 22
Children 5 & under: Free
Youth admissions discount courtesy of Wells Fargo.
Seniors 65 and older: 1-day festival tickets are $ 20 (available only at the gate)
*Early Bird discount ends April 28.
2012 FESTIVAL DAYS/HOURS
Wednesday, May 2: 5-10 pm
Thursday, May 3: 5-11 pm
Friday, May 4: 5-11 pm
Saturday, May 5: Noon-11 pm
Sunday, May 6: Noon-9 pm
BB&T Juried Fine Art & Craft Show Days/Hours
Friday, May 4: 5-10 pm
Saturday, May 5: Noon-10 pm
Sunday, May 6: Noon-9 pm
Family Activities Area Days/Hours
Friday, May 4: 5-10 pm
Saturday, May 5: Noon-10 pm
Sunday, May 6: Noon-9 pm
THE VERIZON WIRELESS FIREWORKS SHOW
The Verizon Wireless Fireworks Show closes the Festival with a bang on Sunday, May 6 at 9 p.m.
ABOUT SUNFEST
SunFest 2012 will be held from May 2-May 6 along the Flagler Drive waterfront in West Palm Beach, Florida. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in West Palm Beach, is a Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council Funded Project and is sponsored in part by Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council. For more information about SunFest, visit http://www.sunfest.com or call (561) 659-5980 or 1-800-SUNFEST.
###
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Find More Iowa Tourist Information Press Releases
