CityView Magazine

stage On When Rookie of the Year played the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in 2006, they were an up-and-coming band on the verge of hitting it big. Now, they are on their first headlining tour with videos on MTV and a hit album on Billboard’s Heatseeking Chart. Formed in 2002, Rookie of a began as solo acoustic project the Year of singer/guitarist Ryan Dunson. Two years later, Dunson decided to add a full band behind him. The current lineup consists of Dunson, guitarists Mike Kamerman and Brandon Schade, bassist Pat Murphy and drummer Mick Parsons. Dunson is the only member of the indie pop/rock band from Fayetteville, but the band calls the city home. And playing the festival was important to the group. “We really wanted to support the local music scene,” Dunson said. “The Dogwood Festival is a chance to see downtown Fayetteville packed and enjoy what it has to offer. It brings everybody together to listen to music and have a good time.” And you never know – you just might catch tomorrow’s headliner today. Here’s this year’s lineup for the Rock Shop stage: Saturday, April 25 12-12:45 12:50-1:10 1:15-2 Above | The Bloom and Boom Kickoff Party returns for a second year to Festival Park. station Q98 is presenting the popular alternative rock band that scored seven number-one mainstream rock hits in the ‘90s. R&B singer/actor Ray J will close the event on Sunday, courtesy of radio station Foxy 99. The younger brother of pop star Brandy has made a name for himself with hit singles including “One Wish,” “Wait a Minute,” and “Sexy Can I,” as well as his own reality dating show on VH1. A whole host of performers will open up for Ray J including: DJ “C”, Lady G, James Fortune and Fiya, Reggie Codrington, Tommy Gee Mix, Urban Mysic and Richgirl. The lineup is sponsored by radio stations Foxy 99 and Kiss 107.7. 2:05-2:25 2:30-3:15 3:20-3:40 3:45-4:30 4:55-5:40 6:10-7 1:15-2:15 2:30-3:30 3:45-4:45 5- 6 The Guruvs Bart Lattamore New Era Project Ethan Hanson Wake Autumn Nichols Sir Ben Marx Consider the Source The Fifth Sunday, April 26 12-1 Chris Hurst The Ethan Hanson Band Paddy & Bill Chris Cox Band Cool Heat CityViewNC.com | 39

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