Above / FLO RIDA is set to perform at Naperville Ribfest 2019 on July 4th. (Photo courtesy Ribfest publicity)
Rapper Flo Rida with over 100 million records, including Number 1 records “Low,” “Right Round,” and “My House,” will headline the Navistar Main Stage at the Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest on July 4. The performance of the four-time Grammy nominee and 42-time platinum artist will be followed by the annual fireworks extravaganza, sponsored by Meijer.
Co-chairs Pete Paulsen and Sandy Rocush expressed their pleasure with the current lineup for Ribfest 2019, especially for Independence Day.
“We knew early on we wanted to bring new headliners to Ribfest 2019. We’re so grateful we were able to secure the talents of a pioneer of the urban dance genre,” the Ribfest co-chairs noted in a news release.
Tickets for Flo Rida’s performance will go on sale at 10AM Fri., Feb. 15, via ribfest.net.
Ticket sales in progress for Navistar Main Stage performances on July 3 & July 5
Tickets are on sale now for Billy Idol’s performance on July 3 as well as Brantley Gilbert’s on July 5. Current Ribfest 2019 Grand Sponsors include ABC7 Chicago, Great Lakes Coca-Cola, Meijer, D & J Amusements, Jewel-Osco, Miller Lite, Euclid Beverage, Nathan’s Famous Beef Franks, Gnarly Head, and Navistar.
Brief Bio about FLO RIDA
Born Tramar Dillard, Flo Rida was raised by a single mother in Miami’s rough neighborhood of Carol City, Florida. Music helped Flo Rida stay on the straight path. His father was a talented musician who encouraged his son to express himself through music. Growing up, Flo Rida was exposed to all kinds of music, thanks in large part to his sister, some of whom formed a local gospel group. When he was a teenager, Flo Rida found local success rapping with a group called the Groundhoggz. At 18, he became the hype man for Fresh Kid Ice from 2 Live Crew. Eventually Flo Rida caught the attention of DeVante Swing, formerly of Jodeci, and spent a few years in LA working with him. Unable to land a record deal, Flo Rida returned home to Miami. In late 2005, he hooked up with Poe Boy Entertainment and its CEO, Elric “E-Class” Prince.
In 2006, Flo Rida inked a deal with Atlantic Records and in 2009, started his own management company, Strong Arm, with Lee “Freezy” Prince. They launched their own record label in 2011. With is musical success, Flo Rida got back to his roots of giving back and started “Big Dreams for Kids”, a nonprofit committed to inspiring future leaders.
Naperville’s Ribfest
Mission-driven and volunteer run, Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest is a premier Midwestern Independence Day concert series and celebration. In cooperation with its partners, the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District, Ribfest, in its 32nd year, now draws more than 150,000 visitors annually. Net proceeds from Ribfest directly support 50-plus agencies that work tirelessly to eliminate child abuse and domestic violence in all forms. To date, Exchange has donated more than $17.5 million to these agencies.
Story submitted by Mary Howenstine, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest 2019.
Editor’s Note / Exchange Club of Naperville will host its annual Allocation Luncheon at Meson Sabika at 11:30AM Fri., March 1, a time when the community is welcome to join members of Exchange Club and sponsors to experience the impact of Ribfest 2018 for local nonprofit agencies. To make a reservation ($25 per person), call (630) 779-2702 by Feb. 18, 2019.
