Rays announce four acts for 2014 Summer Concert Series
The Tampa Bay Rays have announced four acts for the 2014 Summer Concert Series: Weezer, The O'Jays, Imagination Movers and The Wiggles. Each concert is free with the purchase of that date's game ticket and will begin following the conclusion of that date's game. In addition to their game tickets, fans can watch the various acts from the field by purchasing field access passes available at raysbaseball.com/concerts.
Both the Imagination Movers and The Wiggles are making their second appearance and third appearance at Tropicana Field, respectively. The Imagination Movers performed at Tropicana Field last season while The Wiggles took the stage in St. Petersburg in 2011 and 2012.
Weezer - June 7, Rays vs. Seattle Mariners, 4:10 p.m.
The rock band, Weezer, was formed in Los Angeles in 1992. The band has released nine studio albums, selling over nine million copies worldwide. Their debut album, Weezer (aka "The Blue Album"), has been certified triple platinum in the United States. Over the past two decades, Weezer has produced several studio hits including "Island in the Sun," "Say it Ain't So," "Beverly Hills," and "Undone-The Sweater Song." In 2010, Weezer released the album Hurley which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, making it the band's sixth top 10 album, as well as their sixth top 10 album in a row.
The O'Jays - June 21, Rays vs. Houston Astros, 4:10 p.m.
One of the world's most legendary R&B groups, The O'Jays have been going strong for 40-plus years. Throughout their career, The O'Jays have achieved 10 Gold Albums-with nine going Platinum-and have recorded 10 No. 1 hits including "Back Stabbers," "For the Love of Money," "Love Train" and "I Love Music." They have won numerous awards during their career including BET's Lifetime Achievement Award and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Imagination Movers - July 27 vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 1:40 p.m.
Fans are invited to celebrate Christmas in July with the Emmy-winning Imagination Movers when they appear July 27 after the Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field. The Movers will perform lots of crowd-pleasing songs from their hit Disney Junior television series as well as classic holiday tunes that will transform Tropicana Field into a virtual winter wonderland.
For more than a decade, the Imagination Movers-Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche and Scott Smith-have entertained parents and children alike with their sense of humor and high-energy musical style that evokes the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they sing about healthy snacks, playing catch and conquering childhood fears of bedtime. The band has earned rave reviews for performances across North America, Europe and Asia. Highlights include appearances at the White House and gigs on The View, Live with Regis and Kelly and Good Morning America. "Our goal is to make many kids' first concert experience also one of their parents' most memorable experiences," says Smith. "We hope everyone leaves needing a nap!"
The Wiggles - September 7, Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:40 p.m.
After more than 23 years together, seven million albums, 23 million DVDs and eight million books sold, The Wiggles have performed to millions of fans across the globe. To put that into perspective, in the past 43 years, The Rolling Stones have performed almost 1,000 shows and in 21 years-half that time-The Wiggles have performed in excess of 6,000 shows.
In late 2012, the original all-male Wiggles line-up stepped aside to allow a new cast to take over their kid-errific work. Since then, the world has embraced the new group-Anthony, Lachy, Simon and Emma-with open arms and dancing feet. Since releasing their self-titled album in 1991, the group has wiggled its way to worldwide fame. More than 50 CD and DVD releases later, they have earned 17 gold, 12 platinum, three double-platinum, and 10 multi-platinum awards for their music and DVD sales while winning 11 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry) Awards for Best Children's Album (making ARIA history as the most awarded ARIA winner in the one category).
The Rays Summer Concert Series is produced by Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road and enters its seventh season.