Entertainment

Lou Gramm, born in Rochester, New York, was a founding member of Foreigner. He began his musical career as a drummer in the late 1960s then while drumming for a band called Poor Heart, he transitioned from drums to vocals. In the late 1970s after meeting future bandmate Mick Jones at a Spooky Tooth show in Rochester, Lou was recruited to join a new band, which ultimately came to be known as Foreigner.

Gramm was the lead vocalist on all of Foreigner’s hit songs, including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” “Long, Long Way from Home,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Blue Morning, Blue Day,” “Head Games,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Break It Up” and “Say You Will.” He co-wrote most of the songs for the band, which achieved two of its biggest hits with the ballads “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” which spent ten weeks at #2 on the 1981-82 American Hot 100, and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which was a #1 hit internationally (US & UK) in 1985. Their first 8 singles cracked the Billboard Top 20 (4 went Top 10), making them the first group since the Beatles to achieve this in 1980.

By 1987, Gramm released his first solo album, Ready or Not, which received critical acclaim and contained a top-five hit single with “Midnight Blue.” He recorded one more album with Foreigner, 1987’s Inside Information , but having tasted solo success and the satisfaction of song control, he knew he needed to move on.

Through the years, Gramm continued to perform with Foreigner on-and-off, as well as pursue his solo projects. He left Foreigner again in 2003, and has been touring the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. As of 2013, Lou Gramm continues to tour with his band, performing many of his old Foreigner hits.

Confederate Railroad first rolled onto the national country music scene in the early 90s with its unique style and sound.

Headed by founder and frontman Danny Shirley, the former backup band for both David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck got their big break by signing with Atlantic Records. The first single from their debut album (“Confederate Railroad”) was “She Took It Like A Man.” It went to No. 26, a preview of what was to come. “The next two singles, “Jesus and Mama” and “Queen of Memphis” went to the top of the charts. Three more huge hits followed, “Trashy Women,” “When You Leave That Way You Can Never Go Back,” and “She Never Cried.” “Trashy” would lead to a Grammy nomination and become their signature song. That album with six hits and nearly three million sales brought Confederate the Academy of Country Music’s Best New Group Award in 1993 as well as numerous nominations from the Country Music Association and the British Country Music Foundation.

The second album, “Notorious,” produced one of the group’s most popular songs “Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind” which became a No. One video as well. “Elvis and Andy” and “Summer in Dixie” would further establish the Railroad as one of the most versatile acts in the business. This album would sell more than one million. Their overall totals are 18 charted hits and five million albums sold.

From rowdy country to raw emotion, a Confederate Railroad concert today covers a wide range of feelings. Young people will be there rocking to “Trashy Women,” while their parents and even grandparents will likely be singing along to “Jesus and Mama.” The band plays 100 or so dates each year. Whatever the venue, they are right at home…be it a fair, a club, or a biker show. Shirley, the lead singer and vocalist, and his mates, Mark Dufresne on drums, Mo Thaxton on bass and vocals, Rusty Hendrix on lead guitar and Joey Recker on keyboards and vocals are obviously having fun right along with their appreciative audience. At the end of each show, the band stays around until every fan who wants an autograph, or to pose with the group for a picture or just say “hello” is taken care of.

IT’S LIKE 20 CONCERTS IN ONE NIGHT!

A band puts on a concert – Hairball puts on an event! Hairball is a Rock & Roll experience you won’t soon forget. The lights, sound, smoke, fire, bombs, and screaming hoards of avid fans…to merely call it a concert would be like calling Mount Rushmore a roadside attraction!

Vocalists Kris Vox, Dave Moody, and Drew Hart lead the band through a 2+ hour, mind-blowing, and dropdead accurate homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world. Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, and Aerosmith are but a few of the acts fans will see brought to life. The Hairball stage becomes an entirely new rock concert before your very eyes countless times throughout the night.

The motor that drives the Hairball dragster consists of HBK on the electric bass, Billy on the drums, and Happy on the lead guitar. These Rock & Roll soldiers pride themselves on nailing some of the most memorable licks and chops of all time, while adding their own style and flare that they’ve cultivated over decades of tireless performing. This isn’t a side job. These guys eat, sleep and breathe Rock & Roll!

2023 finds Hairball celebrating its 23rd year of rocking hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Constantly adding more characters, more pyrotechnics, more lights, more sound, more props, more surprises…more everything! While Happy often tells the audience “Today is the first day is the rest of your life!” Hairball performs every show as though it could be their last. Every night is a 100% full-on, no-holds-barred, exciting, chaotic, fiery party that has to be experienced to be believed!

As important to Hairball as the music, are its fans. While many bands claim to have the best fans in the world, Hairball actually has! Whether they are 10 years old or 100, Hairball fans bring an unparalleled enthusiasm and energy to the show that enhances the arena experience. Hairball knows it wouldn’t exist without its fans and takes every opportunity to let them know that.

Whether it’s a pre-show meet and greet, hanging out at the merch booth, or chatting online, Hairball has a lot in common with its fans and it’s always a good time when they get together. Don’t confuse Hairball with the countless “80’s Tribute” bands across the country. Hairball is an experience, an attitude, and expression of music that isn’t simply a retro flashback, it’s a way of life!

Black Smoke Sinners shift into High Seas Rally gear once again in 2024! With a killer new line-up and a fresh set of legendary songs, the Texas-based quintet is ready to rock the high seas for the third time. Embracing their Classic Rock ethos, they deliver with the musical muscle and high-energy live show they are known for. Acclaimed Platinum-selling drummer and award-winning bike builder Xavier Muriel (Buckcherry) anchors the band, with new guitarist Cody Jones (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons of KISS), returning guitarist David ‘King B’ Beeson (Rhino Bucket), bassist ‘Johnny O’ Olrech (Brother Love), and dynamic singer Robert Wagner, son of legendary guitarist Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper, Aerosmith). Black Smoke Sinners have rocked Main Stages at Daytona Bike Week, Lone Star Rally, and the Republic of Texas Rally

Formed in the early millennium by founding members Rod, Johnny and Whit, Steel Rod is a Los Angeles-based classic rock and R&B band. They teamed up with the Mondragon brothers, Billy and Eric of DW3 in 2010, to create an explosive powerhouse band. As Steel Rod recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, the band continues to play the Los Angeles club scene while also performing on cruises. Covering a wide variety of music from classic rock to Motown, this group is without a doubt the ultimate party band!

In a rare meeting backstage at Cincinnati’s Music Hall, music legend Prince asked Southbound 75 singer-songwriter, Mark Lorenzo, “Do you believe the cream will rise to the top?…” After responding that he did, Prince continued, “…Then you have nothing to worry about.” It’s pretty rare when more people dance to the originals than the cover songs… But that is pretty typical at a Southbound 75 show. The band has traveled throughout the country including the heart of country music – Nashville, Tennessee, playing the The Ryman Concert Series, Wildhorse Saloon, NBC’s” Today in Nashville” and the famous “Whiskey Jam.” The Southbound guys have been on quite a roll by playing a ton of high-profile shows including; WQYK’S Guitar Pull, The New Country 103.1 Rib Round-Up, The Field Of Dreams Country Festival and have just been booked to play the High Seas Rally Cruise. They have shared show billings with artists such as Bailey Zimmerman, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Jimmy Allen, Chase Matthews and a ton more. Southbound 75 is receiving airplay in the U.S. with their latest single, “That Summer” on the syndicated show, “New Country Brew’” and overseas on the X Sussex Country Show and multiple other stations. The song is in the top 20 on the UK Charts. Currently, they are in the studio with producer, Jimmy Ritchie (Jake Owen, Pam Tillis), working on their next release. Their latest full-length release,“Tales From The Black Swamp,” (The Orchard) was described as, “One of the year’s standout albums.” By Country Music International. Three videos from the album premiered on The Country Network and, “Spilled Champagne” and “Missing Carolina” were both added to CMT.com. The record’s first single “Spilled Champagne” was featured on CMT’s “The Roundup” playlist on Spotify that includes the week’s biggest releases like Old Dominion, Carrie Underwood & Hardy. It has already received airplay on 50 US Music Row/Indicator/Non- Reporter Stations. The band is endorsed by Taylor Guitars, Gone Country Hats, Red Monkey Accessories & InTune Guitar Picks. The band is currently planning a U.S. Tour in 2024 with Reviver Records artist, Bowman.

Gary Michaels is the ONLY Biker Comedy Hypnotist in the World and his stage show will NO DOUBT leave you in stitches and have you talking about his performance for years to come. Gary is not only an accomplished Comedy Hypnotist he is also one of the most recognized voices in the nation as well as an accomplished Magician, Comedian, Voice Over Artist, Narrator, Radio/TV personality, Actor, Master of Ceremonies, Writer, Producer and also sings in a Rock/Southern Rock/Country band. Gary hails from Lexington, KY and has be the recipient of innumerable accolades, ranging from the Distinguished Service Award for his selfless efforts in raising more than $250,000.00 to help save the life of a terminally ill child in less than a week, to being named the #1 Radio Personality in four states. Gary is sought after by many for his voice as evidenced by his presentations on four different national networks including Ted Nugent’s “Spirit of the Wild Show” for the Outdoor Network.

Brian Wilk began playing piano as early as he could reach the keyboard. When he couldn’t sleep, his parents played “Midnight Rider” in his dark nursery. When he was old enough to drive, he hit the open road like a “Bat Out of Hell.” Pursuing a life in music, he began performing with the ComedySportz improv troupe. But he was “Born to Be Wild” and “Hell Bent for Leather,” so he revved up his music career and kept “Heading Out to the Highway” to share his love of music with new audiences in new places all around the country. There is almost no song Brian doesn’t know (or can make up the words to). On the High Seas Rally, he will continue his quest to bring ‘Freewheel Burning’ rock to dueling pianos. When Brad Heron was a baby, legend has it that his parents kept him swaddled in biker leather onesies and pushed him around in a custom chrome stroller. It wasn’t long before he started reaching for a Casio keyboard, and he could play Foghat’s “Slow Ride” and Molly Hatchet’s “Flirtin’ with Disaster” before he could even drive. As Brad grew to manhood, the freewheelin’ lifestyle stayed with him. He hit the open road and took any job he could find, learning a lot but ultimately being let go because of his insistence on wearing leather vests and randomly shouting, “I feel the need for speed!” But it was all for the best, because eventually his gift for music led him to working as an entertainer for cruise lines, where he was free to play every song possible.

Kevin is our solo guitarist and has made a career in music focusing on the audience experience. His shows are all-request, all-fun and you may even find yourself part of the show! Whatever genre, whatever decade, whatever it takes to bring the party. From Key West to California, Maine to Martinique, there’s something for everyone!

Travis’ love of music started very early in life with a piano in his living room and the ability to pick out countless songs on the keys, without having received a formal lesson. At 19, he worked at Blockbuster Music where he was able to listen to every CD in the building with the goal of learning every track. Soon thereafter, he started his DJ career. Over his 26 year career, Travis has played some of the biggest weddings, private events, and New Year’s Eve parties, creating some truly unforgettable experiences! In addition, he’s taught school children about music history.