Music to Our Ears: Kris Allen, Ryan Star & Matt Hires

Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida will be rockin out with live entertainment and adorable dogs (big and small) this Sunday, March 13 between 11a and 5p. Leashed dogs will be allowed, so bring a blanket and plan on chilling and grooving to some great live music in what’s being described as “a dream line up.”

Tampa Bay’s “play 98.7,” a CBS Radio station, is hosting the event along with sponsors, Verizon and The New Barker dog magazine.

In addition to vendors and food, about 30 rescue groups with adoptable dogs will be on hand throughout the day.

Headlining the entertainment will be Kris Allen, winner of the popular television series, American Idol, Season 8. Kris says his passion for music began when he taught himself to play the guitar at age 13. He also plays the piano, viola and ukulele. His music is influenced by his travels to Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Burma and South Africa. His debut album, Brand New Shoes, was released in 2007.

Ryan Star is a singer/songwriter, pianist, guitarist and a finalist on the CBS reality show Rock Star, season two (2006). The talent show was looking for a lead singer to front the band Supernova, whose drummer is Tommy Lee. Ryan was just 14 when he formed his own first band, Stage. His song, “Brand New Day” is the theme song for the Fox television drama, Lie to Me.

Matt Hires is a 22 year-old Florida native and is described as the epitome of the Sunshine State: barefooted, artistic, easy-going. Matt uses the same acoustic guitar that his father gave him when he was sixteen years old, handmade in 1977.
During high school, Matt gravitated towards punk. Today, his acoustic music is more introspective.

Coachman Park, by the way, is on a beautiful bluff overlooking the waterfront. It’s a great venue with plenty of green space for dogs. The New Barker dog magazine does advise to Dog Responsibly by bringing plenty of water for you and your dog, sunscreen (yes, for you and your dog), and poop bags. Please, no retractable leashes. Tickets are only $10 and $1 of each ticket sold will benefit Animal Based Charities.

Author: THE NEW BARKER

Briefly, about The New Barker... In our 15th year of publishing original stories with award-winning photography. Reaching 30,000+ dog lovers in print each quarter. Each cover features an original work of art by a different Florida artist. Over the last 11 years, we have donated over $210,000 in cash, product, media space and money to animal welfare organizations across Florida. 30 days after the magazine is distributed and mailed, the digital version is uploaded. The New Barker: Where to stay, play, dine, and just have fun in Florida with your dogs. View all posts by THE NEW BARKER