"The ocean has been a home, a refuge, a source of clarity and inspiration, as well as some of the best times of my life," says the high energy showman, "When I think of what the ocean means to me as a person, but also to the world in general... It is a powerful force to be celebrated and protected. So, not only do I get to have an ultimate place to play, but we're calling some attention to the reality of taking care of the world around us."
The two day festival marks one of the most diverse bills the man who's sold over 30 million albums and had 24 #1 country hits will enjoy this summer. Besides stadium tourmate Eric Church, who headlines Sunday night, the show includes sets by the Avett Brothers, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, G. Love & Special Sauce, Bright Light Social Hour, Rayland Baxter, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jake Owen, Eli Young Band, Mac McAnally, Kip Moore and Chesney's friends and recordmates Grace Potter and the Wailers.
"Music, like the ocean, is the great equalizer," Chesney says. "The more you can bring diversity together, the broader people's awareness - and what they like gets. I can't wait to see a bunch of these acts myself. So, it's gonna be a great day of music in a beautiful place - and all in the interest of raising awareness about the sustainability of the ocean. I can't wait to get there - or get out onstage and play to the fans and the ocean."
The Rock The Ocean Foundation supports scientific research, education and increasing public awareness about the issues impacting the world's oceans. They are teaming with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, an organization also dedicated to ensuring that future generations will enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem.
"It's so big, it's easy to take for granted the ocean is a living, breathing thing," explains the man who wrote 8 of the 10 songs on his Life On A Rock. "But the sea is just as alive as any of us, and it's up to us to not poison it, overfish or disrupt its ecosystem. To come together for that purpose, have some fun, learn a little bit, see old friends like Grace and Family Man and enjoy the day, it seems like a Saturday."
As "Pirate Flag" hits the Top 10, the man who's sold over a million tickets on each of his last ten tours, is gearing up for the April 30th release of Life On A Rock. After an intimate media listening event in Nashville, he performed his anthem of every day rebellion on the Academy of Country Music Awards. With the No Shoes Nation on the move now that tour is rolling, look for Chesney in a Stadium, arena, amphitheater or beach somewhere near you.
Photo credit: Will Hart, Virginia Sherwood/NBC
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