Fan Zones
We are working hard to top 2009's entertainment on the course and the Start/Finish line. Below is just a taste from 2009....so expect more to come in 2010
Thunder Road Marathon – Amica Insurance Half Marathon – Presbyterian Hospital Jingle Jog 5K Fun Run
Start/Finish Line Entertainment
♫ At the start of each event we will have
Brittany Starnes singing the National Anthem.
♫ The Thunder Brothers – Marathon Finish Line
Kevin Schronce, Keny Ray Poovey, Bobby Blackwelder, and Ace Philbeck are the Thunder Brothers. Kevin Schronce and Keny Ray Poovey, who have been playing together since 1980 when the pair formed a well know group called Lizzy Borden. After years on the road they took a more regional approach so their kids would know them by name. More recently the two have been with several other regional acts like Lighting Heart, Biff Stiff and the Splinters. In 1999 they were forced to regroup adding Bobby Blackwelder on drums with his ultra rhythm and percussion style seldom seen in this region. Bobby has years of experience performing up and down the east coast for many years. Ace Philbeck is the newest member of the band and a highlight in the show. Ace has played with many notables such as The George Hatcher Band, Patty Lovelace and numerous studio sessions.
The music of The Thunder Brothers can best be described as a mix of classic/southern rock n roll, pop, and dance tunes that are sure to keep you out of your seat. The Thunder Brothers currently have two albums available on CD, and are working on their third, due out early in 2009. Check out some of their original music at www.myspace.com/thethunderbrothers
♫ PERLTA
A ‘must see’ musical revolution!
Peralta’s infusion of a three piece Latin rhythm section combined with their exquisite vocalists, a rockin’ guitar sound and enhanced with vibrant harmonies is providing entertainment sure to bring you to your feet! This high energy band consists of both male and female lead singers with combined individual influences that create an exciting variety of music genres including: Classic/Modern Rock, Latin inspired Rock, Dance/Pop, Country, and Acoustic. Peralta’s Original music has an injection of Latin percussion that creates an apparent musical distinction from the moment you hear them play.
Peralta’s adventures touring has led them up and down the east coast performing live for thousands of people ranging all the way from large corporate events and festivals, Walt Disney World Resorts and conventions to college events, wedding receptions and clubs.
Peralta is eager to make your events rock with a memorable variety of quality entertainment! This group has been blessed with an abundance of talents that “loves what we do, enjoying nothing more than seeing everyone at an event smiling and having a great time!” Peralta would definitely be a unique treat for any club, festival, wedding reception or corporate party. Let their rhythm take you away!
Contact information: Kristen Patinka (704) 819 9758, kpatinka@mi-connection.com
Half Marathon Chicane Experience
♫ Mile 13.15 – Euclid Ave & Morehead Street
Trewth
Trewth was formed in 2004 as a Christian outreach band. It’s roots are traced to an outreach for the homeless in Gateway Village in the summer of 2005, to leading worship at various churches. Since then, the band has played numerous concerts and venues sharing the joy of being a Christian through music. The band twice toured through the Gulf coast area and New Orleans playing several benefit concerts following the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
The band is led by worship leader, singer-songwriter Tim Trew who writes the original material for the band. Mike Pearn, who plays bass at Next Level church in Charlotte, has been with the band since its inception. His wife, Kay is a vocalist. The band added two new players in 2008. Dan Allen is on drums and Pete Amisano on lead guitar. They are both committed to the vision and music style of the band. The music style is Christian rock with a mix of original songs and covers. The band strives to maintain high energy throughout their concerts by pouring out the gifts of musicianship, all for the glory of God.
Fan Zones Along the Course
♫ Mile 1.7 – Presbyterian Hospital
Kiss 95.1 and K104.7 will keep you going as you start to head down Randolph Road. Whether it is top 40 or holiday music, Kiss and K will keep you moving!
⌂ Mile 3.6 – Providence Road: Pasta & Provisions
Pasta & Provisions – Refuel On Us! Dec. 12-19, 2009
Attention runners in the Thunder Road Marathon or Half Marathon . . . Refuel with a post-race pasta fest. Just bring in your race bib and get a FREE pound of any fresh-cut pasta with the purchase of one of our gourmet homemade sauces. Limit one per person. And always remember, eat pasta, run fasta.
⌂ Mile 6.2 – Sedley & Beresford Road
The Great Fettucini aka Steve Langley has been a professional juggler for over two decades. As founding member of The Fettucini Brothers, a nationally acclaimed comedy juggling act he has appeared on a number of national television programs as well as traveled all over the United States and to many parts of the world to entertain the masses. Steve has studied under, collaborated with, and performed along side some of the best variety artists from companies such as: Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus as well as Cirque Du Soleil Steve also runs Fettucini Entertainment, where he serves as an entertainment consultant , producer, and booking agent for the best novelty and variety acts in the southeast.
♫ Mile 8.5 – Wendover & Sharon Road
Since 2008, Chris Ernest of Anything, Anywhere, Anytime Entertainment has been entertaining audiences all over the Charlotte area and across the United States. Although his company is new, Chris is no stranger to the entertainment scene. Besides being a professional mascot for over 10 years, Chris also was an actor while living in Los Angeles. You can actually see him in an episode as a scissors salesman on "The Office" and as a bounty hunter on "General Hospital".
Through it all, Chris has also been a DJ/MC for the past 10 years for various companies in Detroit, Los Angeles and here in Charlotte. From being an MC for Hard Rock Cafe's Rockfest in Chicago in front of 70,000 people to having traveled around the US with the Harlem Globetrotters as their MC, Chris has done it all. With his vast knowledge of what's hip and new, Chris is bound to make your next event a huge success.
Behind every great entertainer is a great woman. Chris is married to his wonderful wife Jen and has a one year old son Finn and one boy or girl on the way in 2010!!!!
⌂ Mile 11.4 – Morehead Street & King Drive
As you head up the famous Morehead Street climb you will be greeted with cheers from the Queen City Dolphins. Queen City Dolphins is a North Carolina’s largest USA Minority Swim Team. We are committed to training swimmers with the essential skills that will enable them to become successful athletes while creating a desire to excel in a competitive environment. Queen City Dolphins promotes Teamwork, Self-Discipline, Character Development, and Physical Fitness.
♫ Mile 12.34 – Blind Manifest – Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
911 East Morehead St, Charlotte NC 28204
Rock out to Blind Manifest on the corner of Morehead and McDowell as the Half Marathoners complete mile 12.34, less than a mile from the finish line! Dilworth Neighborhood Grille will have specials on breakfast sandwich, Mimosas and Bloody Mary. Coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and other tasty treats will be available as well. Plus indoor bathrooms will be a plus for you spectators!
Blind Manifest, from Cramerton, NC, is one of the top variety and cover bands in the Carolinas (5-star rating from Gigmasters). With a variety of music from Buffett to Beach, the Stones to The Commodores, Stevie Ray to Stevie Wonder, and over 100 years of combined experience, it is a show not to miss. The 2008 season has included a combination of private events, from Weddings to Fundraisers, and public performances, from Oceanfront deck parties to Childress Vineyards. All this variety means there is something for everyone!
Blind Manifest is Don Conrad, Dave Costner, Brian Lewis, Tad Hough, and Tim Cloninger. For more information, visit us online at www.blindmanifest.com.
Walking there: 1 mile from Start Line. Head West on S. College Street. Turn left onto E. Stonewall St. Turn right onto McDowell St. DNG will be on your left at the corner or Morehead and McDowell. 0.8 mile from Finish Line. Head South on 2nd Street. Turn right onto McDowell St. DNG will be on your left at the corner or Morehead and McDowell.
⌂ Mile 13.5 – Morehead Street & Euclid Ave
You are halfway there! And to start the second half we have Right Moves For Youth out cheering you further! Right Moves for Youth is a local organization working to reduce the occurrence of student dropouts in Mecklenburg County. Our mission is to provide the motivation and resources for our students in grades 4-12 to succeed in school, improve their quality of life and become responsible members of society.
⌂ Mile 14.8 – Tremont & Tryon Streets
“Who Let the Dogs Out!” Yep, you read right! Our best friends will
be out on the course cheering you on as you head to mile 15. Animal Care & Control is dedicated to helping the citizens and pets of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County by providing free clinics for rabies shots, spay & neuter surgeries and low cost microchips. Animal Care & Control is also here to help educate the public about how to best care for animals. They start with the youth by offering our Humane Education programs in the area schools, civic groups and churches. Did you know that they have also set up a pet food drive due to the economy? Click here to learn more on how you can help!
⌂ Mile 15.4 – West Blvd & Mint Street
Journey middle school community makes up the 11-14 year old students that attend University City Fellowship Church in Concord NC. There are 55 middle school students who attend regularly on Sunday mornings at University City Fellowship. For more information on this Church community go to www.ucfellowship.org or send an e-mail to brandon@ucfellowship.org.
♫ Mile 16 – Mint & Morehead Streets – Carolina Thunder
Carolina Thunder was originally founded as a Boy Scout Explorer Post, marching percussion ensemble, which participated in Winter Guard International from 1998 through 2001. The ensemble was well known for innovative musical arrangements and program design. During their tenure, Carolina Thunder placed in Winter Guard International World Class percussion finals each year of their participation.
The Carolina Thunder Drumline was resurrected in the summer of 2008 as an adult performing ensemble for pre-game activities at Carolina Panthers home games. The unique, high-energy group made appearances at two games in ’08 and was invited back for 2009 to perform before each game at Bank of America Stadium. The drumline can be seen on game days performing at Panthers Lair, WFNZ Dog House and other tail-gating areas.
On December 20th, when the Carolina Panthers take on the Minnesota Vikings; Carolina Thunder is proud to be asked to take part in the half time festivities as the Make a Wish Foundation, the Carolina Panthers and AAA Carolinas help grant wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions.Again on January 3rd, Carolina Thunder will be the featured half time entertainment along with the Top Cats Cheerleaders when the Panthers battle the New Orleans Saints.
The ensemble is under the direction of Greg Dearman and Greg Shull.
Carolina Thunder is sponsored by:
AAA of the Carolinas ◘ Vic Firth drumsticks and mallets ◘ REMO drumheads ◘ Zidjian cymbalsFor more information about Carolina Thunder please visit www.carolinathunder.org.
♫ Mile 17.2 – Cedar & Trade Streets"DJ Mr.Famous"
Jonathan Chamblin
DJ/Owner - Famous Records, Inc. Contact Info: djpolar@graffiti.net
(704) 241-5568
- Performing DJ services for your Corporate Events, Weddings/Commitment Ceremonies, Business Openings, General Celebrations & Parties, Birthday Parties, Dance Parties and various club events......if you need your crowd to dance or just enjoy music of your choice for your special event, call DJ Mr.Famous!
- Specialize in all genres of music - will perform to satisfy your need for your preferred genre of music and event.
- 8 years DJing along the east coast and always a crowd favorite!
- Rates vary upon booking - willing to negotiate accordingly - ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL!
♫ Mile 18.05 – Trade & Caldwell Streets – Time Warner Cable Arena
Thirsty Horses - An acoustic rock/pop trio from Statesville/Lake Norman consisting of members Brett Milstead, Brad Clanton and David Holmes. Formed in 2005, the band covers a broad range of music from the Beatles to U2 and The Fray, in addition to some Thirsty Horse originals. Currently touring the area on their “My Ugly Girlfriend Tour,” the Horses aim to please with a simple formula: songs laced with two and three-part harmonies and melodic guitars. www.thirstyhorses.net
⌂ Mile 18.65 – Parkwood Ave & Caldwell Street
Launched in 2008, Circle De Luz radically empowers young Latinas by supporting and inspiring them in the pursuit of their possibilities through extensive mentoring, programming, and scholarship funds for further education. Circle de Luz not only gives girls the financial means to pursue an educational program of their choice after high school graduation, the organization also provides the girls with six years of dynamic programming and mentoring. Each year, we induct a new class of seventh grade girls into the program.
From seventh grade until the girls reach high school graduation, Circle de Luz supports them with mentoring and comprehensive regular programming to help them achieve their goal of graduating from high school and pursuing further education. When they graduate from high school and enroll in the educational opportunity of their choice, Circle de Luz awards each girl with a minimum of a $5,000 scholarship.
♫ Mile 19.55 – Parkwood Ave & North Davidson Street
DJ Chuck Berman from Sound System’s DJ. Sound System's DJ's is the perfect answer to all of your sound needs. Whether it's a small family event, or an 800 guest extravaganza, we have the experience to make any your event a success. Our goal is to make your upcoming event a complete success. We do this by providing a personal service with great attention to detail at a very reasonable rate.
♫ Mile 20.5 – 35th Street & North Davidson Street - NoDa
The Johnston YMCA wants to congratulate every runner on their hard and dedication so they will be out cheering you on as you head towards the NoDa celebration. They are committed to meeting the health and wellness needs of the community, so visit them when you’re training for the next marathon.
♫ Mile 20.5 – 35th Street & North Davidson Street – NoDa
As you visit the neighborhood known as NoDa you will definitely want to stop back by later that night to enjoy great food from Revolution Pizza & Ale House and then head over to the Evening Muse to enjoy great music!Revoluntion Pizza & Ale House
Beer and Pizza Specials Live Music
Runners and Volunteers wear your tee shirts for Special DealsHand-made Stone Fired Pizzas
Appetizers, Salads & Sandwiches
Gelato & Sorbetto Made Daily
Over 44 Craft & Micro Beers on Draft
Located in the Heart of NoDa - N. Davidson St. & 36th Street
3228 N. Davidson
704.333.4440All participants and volunteers are welcome! Wear your T-shirt for great drink Specials!
1 Large 1 topping Pizza & a Pitcher for $20.
Plenty of space for large groups!
Live Music starts at 6 PM
♫ Mile 21 – The Plaza
EE Waddell High School, home of the Raiders, will join in the
fun of the race as their Marching Band will keep you grooving
as you approach Mile 15. The EE Waddell Marching Band is
lead by Director Katrina Dingle
♫ Mile 22 – The Plaza & The Plaza
Troy has been DJing events for more than 15 years, with stops all along the East Coast. Originally from Maine, Troy attended college at Elon University from 1995-1999. He traveled the country for many years as a DJ, professional golfer and freelance TV/print reporter. He made the move to Charlotte in October of 2004. Since being in Charlotte, he's DJed countless events, hosted a show on WSOC 103.7 and been active in the community. He actually ran his first 10k at the Cooper River Bridge Run in 2009 and is now hooked on running! Of course...he's got to have music playing, though. For more information, please click here.
♫ Mile 23 – Central Ave – JAH Creation
JAH Creation Reggae Band, based out of Wilmington, NC, brings an irie vibe with some of the best roots reggae music around. A full time tour de force, JAH Creation runs the circuit between the Florida Keys and the Jersey Shores, averaging between 15-20 shows per month. No matter what age, race, or creed, everyone seems to love their original songs, as well as the classic covers that they perform. They have opened for some of the biggest reggae acts in the world, including Culture, Israel Vibration, Yellowman, Steel Pulse, Third World, Burning Spear, Eek-A-Mouse, and The Wailers. The band has also appeared in two feature films produced in the Cape Fear area entitled Ulterior Motives, and Retribution, released in 2002. In addition, Jimmyjams has appeared twice on The WB Hit show "One Tree Hill," and in a national ESPN commercial. Tracks from their CD’s are being heard all over the East Coast, from Key West, FL to Charlotte, NC to Baltimore, MD to NYC, and all over the world via Live365 internet radio. Whatever the situation, the band’s mission is to bring the people positive music, irie vibes, and to spread the message of Love, Respect, and Unity.
♫ Mile 24 –DJ T-Nice
He takes his skills on the road as well and has performed for tons of private, weddings receptions and school dances over the years. He has a first class mobile sound system and thousands of songs to choose from in his catalog.
If you want the ultimate party, DJ T-Nice is your man! He can DJ any type of music. He also has a full light show available upon request. If crowd interaction is required, he can entertain like no other or let the music do the talkin'.
⌂ Mile 24.5 – Hawthorne Lane & Central Ave
Yoga One loves runners and they plan on letting you know how much when you pass by there location! Yoga One Studio is committed to personal transformation and wellness through yoga. If you are a new student or an advanced practitioner, you will find Yoga One an exciting, inspiring and empowering place to practice yoga and learn tools for living a healthy, balanced, fulfilling and enlightened life.
They offer classes for all levels- newcomers are welcome and expected. Our classes will challenge you to expand your vision of what is possible while also transforming your body and uplifting your mind and spirit.
Their studio is dedicated to providing you with a welcoming, warm and encouraging environment where exceptionally trained yoga instructors lead you through the practice of yoga. Our goal: to guide and support you in your process of self-discovery, personal growth and life transformation.
♫ Mile 25.35 – 7th & McDowell Streets
