Mix 93.3’s Red, White and Boom concerts have always attracted some of the biggest names in music. (Logo property of KMXV-FM.)
By: Jacob Elyachar
One of the hottest concerts in the Kansas City area is Mix 93.3’s Red, White and Boom. For more than 18 years it has been one of the best events to see some of the best rising and established names in music perform on stage.
“Red, White and Boom started in the mid-1990s.” said Ponch, co-host of the station’s popular morning show and director of programming. “The idea was to throw a summer party that had some live music. In the last 18 years, it has grown into something more.”
When it came to planning out the concert series, it takes a year to plan the event and to pick out the acts that will take the stage and perform in front of thousands of concertgoers.
“Our search for acts is based on what is popular and what might be popular.” Ponch said. “Sometimes we will have a new artist you will never hear from again; other times these newcomers become megastars.”
Several big names in music that have performed at the concert series before achieving superstar status include Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, P!nk, Enrique Iglesias and American Idol alumni: Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry and David Cook.
This year’s line-up of talent includes: Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat, The X Factor’s Chris Rene, rising singer-songwriters Andy Grammer and Neon Hitch, YouTube sensations Karmin and Australian singer Havana Brown.
“Gavin DeGraw, who was recently on Dancing with the Stars, has become our friend throughout the years and he always delivers a great show.” Ponch said. “Grammy winner Colbie Caillat is a wonderful singer-songwriter; we are all very excited to see Karmin. They have over 200 million views on YouTube and will be our breakout star this year.”
While there are numerous memorable moments that had happened at past Red, White and Boom concerts, Ponch shared one of the most emotional memories that he had experienced while working on the show.
“Most recently, a single mom was on the side of the stage watching her 15-year-old on performing with tears streaming down her face.” Ponch said. “At the time, it was the largest crowd he (Justin Bieber) had ever performed in front of. This was a really cool moment in hindsight.”
Red, White and Boom will be on Saturday, June 23 at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.
To find out more information about the show, visit Mix 93.3’s Website: http://www.mix93.com/
