Will Hoge will be performing Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m. at Steppingstone Park. Will has made a career of writing and singing powerful songs about life’s cruel and dark turns. “Never Give In” is a life motto for the Nashville native who catapulted into the national spotlight in 2012.
Spending the early part of the year touring and opening for Dierks Bentley, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter has travelled through North America playing as many as 220 shows a year since 2000 and will headline the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, July 25. His stage shows are equal ingredients of sweat, charisma and rock & roll revival, which have landed him coveted opening slots with John Mellencamp, Pistol Annies, Shinedown, Sugarland and ZZ Top.
He co-wrote the Eli Young Band platinum-selling smash “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” with Eric Paslay, which garnered an enormous amount of buzz on country radio, earning Hoge nominations for the 2013 Grammy for Country Song of the Year, 2013 ACM Song of the Year and 2012 CMA Song of the Year.
While raising Hoge’s profile as a hit songwriter, the song also introduced his music and records to the Country music audience. This week, Hoge is on fire with his song “Strong” prominently featured in General Motor’s 2014 Chevy Silverado ad campaign that kicked off July 15 nationwide. On ESPN’s Chevrolet Home Run Derby on July 15, there was a special long-form version of the ad for the all-new 2014 Silverado featuring Hoge’s entire song. It was also shown during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 16 on Fox. Don’t miss this up and coming star.
Performing on Sunday, July 28 at 8 p.m., is the very talented Delfeayo Marsalis, one of the top trombonists, composers and producers in jazz today and brother of Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Saxophonist Branford Marsalis. After producing his first recording at age 17, Marsalis attended Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, majoring in both performance and audio production.
He has since produced over 75 major-label recordings, several of which have received Grammy awards and nominations, including works by Harry Connick, Jr., Marcus Roberts, Spike Lee, Ellis, Branford and Wynton Marsalis. His production skills earned a 3M Visionary Award in 1996 and a cover article for the industry source, Mix magazine in 1997. Known for his technical excellence, inventive mind and frequent touches of humor, he is known as one of the best trombonists of his generation.
The performances are for Great Neck Park District residents only. Admission is free to Park District residents with a valid park card. Park cards will be checked when parking and at the gate. Each park card holder is allowed to bring two guests into the park, who must be signed-in. There is limited seating and it is recommended that show attendees bring along a blanket or their own chairs to sit on. In case of rain, check cancellations.com or call Great Neck House at 482-0355 for location of performance.
Either Great Neck North High School or the Parkwood Sports Complex will be the rain location, which will be determined based on type of performance and where it can best be performed. Free bus service continues to be available to Steppingstone and return buses start 10 minutes after the show ends. Pick up the bus schedule at Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Avenue, at the Steppingstone Park front entrance or at www.greatneckparks.com. Just make certain that you have your current Park District park card with you, as you will not be able to enter without it. The bus is subject to cancellation or change according to public usage. Street parking in the Village of Kings Point is permitted as posted. Parking rules will be strictly enforced by the Kings Point Police. For the safety and comfort of everyone, it is requested that show attendees follow the direction of the park employees. For additional information visit our website or call 482-0355.
