Hard Rock Rising Is Back Wednesday, September 9 — And Round 2 Is Loaded

Hey Folks,

Last Wednesday night we kicked off Hard Rock Rising at Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City, and I’ll tell you what — opening night delivered.

The Andrew Moorer Band came out on top in Round 1, edging out Felicia Punzo and Laura Cheadle and The Girls in a very tight vote.

All three brought something different to that stage, and that’s exactly what I like about this competition. You’re getting talented artists, different styles of music and a crowd that actually gets to have a say in what happens.

Congratulations to Andrew and the entire band for earning the first spot in the Wednesday, September 23 final. And a big thank-you to Felicia, Laura and everyone who came out and supported these local artists.

Round 2 Is Wednesday, September 9!

Now we do it all over again.

Hard Rock Rising Round 2 takes place Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 PM at Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City.

We’ve got three more artists stepping onto the stage looking for their shot at the finals, and I really like the mix this week. Three performers, three completely different sounds and one chance to move on.

Kberr — Kelvin Berrio | Egg Harbor Township

Performing as Kberr, Kelvin Berrio is a Colombian-American artist from right here in Egg Harbor Township who blends reggaeton and Latin energy into music designed to bring people together.

It’s high-energy music meant to be lived, danced to and remembered. If you’re coming Wednesday, September 9, don’t plan on sitting still for this one.

Rosa Nice | Philadelphia

Rosa Nice comes to Atlantic City from Philadelphia. She’s a singer-songwriter, content creator and model, as well as the CEO and founder of NSNRP.

She’s also a voting member of the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy and brings mesmerizing melodies, a strong creative identity and an ability to connect with her audience.

Megan Knight | South Jersey

Then we’ve got South Jersey’s own Megan Knight.

Megan is a salt-of-the-earth country singer-songwriter with rock swagger and pop sensibility mixed in. She’s opened for national acts including Zach Top, Tigirlily Gold, Trey Lewis and Alexandra Kay, and she’s played major festivals and pre-party slots for Brad Paisley and Sam Hunt.

Her latest album, Slow Your Horses, was released in May, so she’s coming into Hard Rock Rising with plenty of momentum.

Three artists. Three very different sounds. One spot in the September 23 final.

How Does Hard Rock Rising Work?

If you missed opening night, here’s the deal.

Hard Rock Rising is a global competition giving emerging artists a chance to perform, compete and potentially take a major step forward in their careers.

Here in Atlantic City, artists compete during the local rounds, with each winner advancing to the Atlantic City Final on Wednesday, September 23.

The artists are evaluated on areas including musical talent, performance quality, originality, audience appeal and stage presence.

And yes — the audience gets a voice.

That’s one of the things that made opening night so much fun. You’re not just sitting there watching a show. You’re part of the competition.

So when I tell you to come down on Wednesday, September 9 and support your favorite artist, I mean it. Your vote matters.

What’s At Stake?

This is much bigger than one Wednesday night in Atlantic City.

The artists are competing for an opportunity to advance through Hard Rock Rising, with the global competition offering some serious career-building opportunities for an emerging performer.

That’s what I like about this. We’re not just talking about another night of live music. Somebody you see on that Hard Rock Cafe stage could be taking a pretty important step in their career.

I’ll Be Back Hosting Wednesday, September 9

I had a great time hosting opening night, and I’ll be back Wednesday, September 9, introducing the artists, keeping things moving and probably stirring the pot a little bit. You know me.

There’s something special about seeing an artist on a smaller stage before everybody knows their name. Over the years in radio and around Atlantic City, I’ve had the chance to see plenty of performers on the way up. Sometimes you just know you’re watching the beginning of something.

That’s what makes nights like this fun.

Watch My Hard Rock Rising Preview

Here’s the video I put together about Hard Rock Rising and why I’m excited to be part of it:

If the video doesn’t play in your email, you can watch Mike’s Hard Rock Rising video on YouTube.

What’s Coming Up

• Wednesday, September 9 — Round 2: Kberr, Rosa Nice and Megan Knight — 7:00 PM at Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City
• Wednesday, September 16 — Round 3: Three more artists compete for the final qualifying spot.
• Wednesday, September 23 — Final Showdown: The local round winners compete to become Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Rising champion.

You can check the latest information on the Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City event calendar.

And while you’re there, make a night of it. Grab something to eat at the Cafe, walk the property and see what’s happening at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

Come Help Decide Who Moves On Wednesday, September 9

Andrew Moorer Band has already punched its ticket.

On Wednesday, September 9, we find out who’s joining them.

If you’re looking for things to do in Atlantic City this Wednesday, come down to Hard Rock Cafe, support some emerging talent and cast your vote. Bring a friend, grab some food and give these performers the kind of South Jersey crowd they deserve.

Wednesday, September 9. 7:00 PM. Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City. I’ll see you there.

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AC Mike