Taylor Hicks Kicks Off Spring Music Festival Friday

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — Local music lovers might want to buckle up for a big weekend in entertainment.

The Land O’ Lakes Spring Music Festival & Expo is set to kick off Friday, March 11 with a headline performance by “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks. Local band Solar Exposure will kick things off around 6:30 p.m. with Hicks taking the stage afterwards.

The festival is being staged by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and is presented by Wesley Chapel Nissan. IERNA’s Heating & Cooling is sponsoring the two-day event, which also features a business exposition to go along with the music.

“The Land O’ Lakes Spring Music Festival & Expo is an exciting evolution of our annual Business Expo, which has been held for more than 20 years at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center,” said Chamber President Elayne Bassinger in a media release. “We are creating a new community event to bring together local families and businesses to enjoy good music, good times and the good life we all have in Central Pasco.”

The gates at the Fraternal Order of Police Pasco Lodge No. 29 open Friday at 6 p.m. Parking at the 21735 YMCA Camp Road venue costs $5, said Suzanne Beauchaine, co-chair of the festival.

Friday’s event does require tickets, which start at $25. They’re available at the door and via the chamber’s website, Beauchaine said. For spectator convenience, cash or charge will be accepted at the gate. An ATM will also be set up on site for those who need extra money for purchases from vendors.

While tickets are a must to see Solar Exposure and Hicks, Saturday’s festivities are free of charge. Parking will still cost $5 though.

On Saturday, event goers can check out the vendors, business expo displays and lots of local musical entertainment. The lineup includes Stonegrey and Bad Rabbit, among others.

“The Central Pasco Chamber has a long tradition of community involvement and being a resource for residents and visitors looking for fun things to do,” Beauchaine said. “We are excited to be creating a new signature event for local residents and businesses, which are such a vital part of our community.”

Proceeds from the festival benefit the chamber and the FOP’s memorial fund. Parking proceeds will help the Pine View Middle School band music department fund instrument purchases and other expenses.

For more information, visit the chamber online.

Taylor Hicks/YouTube screenshot

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