Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Food Lion Speed Street revs up with local acts


The 19th Annual Food Lion Speed Street Festival starts tomorrow. In addition to headliners like SWV, Jamey Johnson, and Survivor, the free three-day music festival and NASCAR fan event exposes audiences to some of the area's local talent. Sol Fusion and Charlotte hip-hop-infused alternative rock outfit Pradigy GT (pictured) take the stage first on Thursday. SWV and Jon B headline.

The gig is a big deal for locals that are accustomed to playing for smaller crowds at more intimate venues. 

"Four years ago our first show was in a small NoDa club. Since then we have opened for Snoop Dogg, been in a national magazine ad campaign for Musician's Friend, performed on TV, (and) had our songs spun on local and national radio, but we have never played the biggest stage in our home city," says Pradigy Musicman comparing Speed Street to his group's accomplishments thus far. "We have wanted this opportunity since the beginning."

Two acts were chosen through Speed Street's Race to Stardom competition. Mooresville’s Landon Parker Band, who won in the country category, opens for Johnson and Randy Houser Friday. Winning rock band Blu Avenue does likewise for Survivor and Sister Hazel Saturday along with Chris Sanchez and `80s glam metal tribute Hair Nation. 

Live music begins at 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information check out www.600festival.com. 
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(photo courtesy of BNR Promotions)