Hard Rock Park attracts mix of musical performers

By Mary Erskine and Steve Palisin - merskine@thesunnews.com spalisin@thesunnews.com

Hard Rock Park has added a little sunshine to its concert lineup.

KC and the Sunshine Band will join the ranks of park headliners, which include The Eagles, The Moody Blues and George Clinton, with a show Aug. 30.

Joining the disco-era band in the Hard Rock Park lineup are some local bands, tribute groups and national emerging artists, as well as Toxic Audio, a vocal showcase group.

Chad Johnson, director of contract acts for the park, said the groups were selected for the shows based on Internet research, manager contacts and overall buzz.

An effort was made to find bands that represented a range of musical genres, he said. The acts include country artists such as Rockie Lynne, alt-rockers Needtobreathe and the more progressive Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves.

"It's not just classic rock," Johnson said.

One band picked to heat up the summer stage is already accustomed to performing for Myrtle Beach audiences. Local country musicians Black Label are booked for a May 1 through 4 run.

David Atwater, lead guitarist for Black Label, said Thursday he's excited about the five-member band playing at the park.

He thinks the concerts give artists such as Black Label an opportunity to play their new, original music for various age groups of people and audiences - a different crowd every night, especially with vacationers, beyond the local faithful who turn out in area venues. "It keeps you on your game," Atwater said.

Contact MARY ERSKINE at 626-0304 and STEVE PALISIN at 444-1764.