With major sponsorship from Corona Seltzer and a variety of local sponsors, Surf City Live “will bring concerts back home,” said Surf City Councilman Jeremy Shugarts.
“Surf City seeks to expand events during the months of November through February to attract visitors to the town,” said James Adams, Surf City Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Special Events Supervisor. “Surf City Live, along with other fall, winter, and spring events seek to fulfill this objective.”
Town of Surf City officials hopes to make Surf City Live an annual concert series that will invite economic activity in what they consider the slower months.
Kicking off the inaugural concert is Diamond Rio, an American country music band that debuted in 1991 with the single "Meet in the Middle," which made them the first band ever to send a debut single to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. The band charted 32 more singles between then and 2006, including four more that reached No. 1: "How Your Love Makes Me Feel" (1997), "One More Day" (2001), "Beautiful Mess" (2002), and "I Believe" (2003).
Diamond Rio has recorded nine studio albums, four Greatest Hits compilations, and an album of Christmas music. Three of the band's albums have achieved the Recording Industry Association of American (RIAA) platinum certification in the United States.
In addition, Diamond Rio received four Group of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, two Top Vocal Group awards from the Academy of Country Music, and one Grammy Award.
According to their fanbase, the band is known for its vocal harmonies, varied instrumentation, and near-exclusive use of only its own band members on recordings instead of session musicians. Their sound was originally defined by mainstream country, bluegrass, and rock influences, but later albums drew more influence from Christian country music and country pop.
Opening for Diamond Rio is up-and-coming artist Paige King Johnson.
“Through Surf City Live we are bringing affordable concerts to our backyard,” said Shugarts.
“Our goal is to invite big-name artists each year to participate in Surf City Live,” said Adams.
Tickets for the Nov. 5 concert are on sale now online. Tickets range in price from $25 to $50 each. The venue, located at 517 Roland Ave., will open at 4:30 p.m. Food trucks, a beverage tent, and a merchandise tent will be available at the concert.
