An Amazing Artist You Should Know Is Coming To Cedar Rapids

Monday we announced the first ever NewBo Music Festival, and I have to tell you, I'm very excited about this show.  Looking at the line-up, you're probably wondering who these bands are and why you should care. So I'll just start with one artist you need to know and care about, and that is Allen Stone.

As they were tossing around names of who to book for this concert, an alternative rock show, I have to admit I had no clue who half the names were.  But the powers that be were very excited about these acts, and all I kept hearing about was this Allen Stone guy. And then I started hearing about him in the music trade magazines.  Here is a guy on the verge of stardom, and he'll be here in Cedar Rapids right as that's happening.  So there's one reason to get to this show.

But the real reason is simply how good SPECTACULAR this guy is. I've said it on air: if you think John Mayer is good, get a load of this guy (although John may be a little more attractive).  When you first see the guy, self described as a "hippy with soul", you get a bit nervous as to what sound this guy is going to give you.  But from the first note, it's just magic, and you're wanting more from this 28 year old from Washington, who's been performing at his church since he was 3. In his teen years, he discovered the soul sound of the 60's and 70's, especially Stevie Wonder, and hasn't looked back.  He knew that was his vibe, and he executes it perfectly. You can hear that sound in his new single, "Freedom", which we've just started spinning. (See above)

He's been on Conan and Ellen, and was even featured on the Macklemore album on a lesser known song called "Neon Cathedrals", which caught my ear the first time I heard it because of Allen's amazing sound.  I encourage you to check out some of the videos below, and get ready to be blown away when he comes to Cedar Rapids.  Tickets go on sale at 10 Friday morning, but as a KDAT VIP, you can get tickets starting Thursday at 10am.