THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 2, 1996 TAG: 9605310157
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 62 lines
EIGHT POP-MUSIC acts are coming to Norfolk today.
And they're all on the same bill.
Today's Z-104 Splash Bash offers everything from the groove of pop diva CeCe Peniston to the jazz-pop-soul melange of Canada's Philosopher Kings.
And it's all by design. The daylong affair is billed as a radio festival, a new trend in concerts.
The festivals originally were held free for radio listeners, in part to expose rising national acts and to rekindle consumer interest in others. Radio stations got their names in front of throngs of happy concertgoers; record companies benefited at the cash register.
Now, the concept has gone beyond a thank-you to loyal listeners. It is a cost-effective way - for promoters and audiences - to expose fans to a slew of upcoming bands, singers and rappers.
Bill Douthat, president of Whisper Entertainment, and Don London, publicity director at Z-104 (WNVZ-FM), worked nearly a year on the Splash Bash.
``The idea came from Don,'' Douthat said. ``He is the major factor and driving force behind the idea. He knows these bands, watches chart action and national concert trends, including the radio festival concept.''
``Some of these groups are stronger in other markets but unknown to us, and others are trying to go from club dates to larger concert crowds. This is the best possible way to showcase many acts for just one low ticket price.''
In one swoop, he said, a concert like this can take an act that until now has enjoyed national appeal in a specific market, such as alternative or hip-hop, and push it into mainstream acceptance.
Hootie & The Blowfish, The Presidents of the United States of America and the Dave Matthews Band all started out in specific niches, Douthat said.
``It would take about eight months worth of club dates for a band to get the kind of exposure we offer in one of these festivals. This concept is good for the artist, good for the record label, good for the radio station and, more importantly, good for the fan.''
Here's a look at the artists appearing on the Z-104 Splash Bash:
CeCe Peniston has made a name for herself with the international R&B hit ``Finally,'' and the album ``Thought Ya Knew.'' Born in Ohio and raised in Arizona, Peniston has found success with pop dance songs and R&B grooves.
Canada's The Philosopher Kings combine jazz with rock, soul and doses of hip-hop and pop. (See story, Page E1.)
She lives in L.A. now, but singer/songwriter Tina Arena was born in Australia. Her album ``Don't Ask,'' and the single ``Chains,'' are hits Down Under and in Europe.
Color Me Badd scored a massive chart hit with ``I Wanna Sex You Up.'' The innovative group combines rap, classic R&B and soulful ballads into one unique vocal style.
Only 15, J'Son is drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson and Tevin Campbell. His debut album on Hollywood Records showcases thick urban grooves and R&B/pop.
Art n' Soul recently released their debut album, ``Touch of Soul.'' It's well-named. The trio brings silky soul touches to their modern R&B and streetwise rhythms.
Jon B. is riding the R&B charts with his debut album ``Bonafide.'' Also a songwriter and producer, he mixes rap and jazz, offering smooth, sexy ballads.
Diminutive Chantay Savage has a big, fierce voice, as evidenced on her second album, ``I Will Survive (Doin' It My Way).'' The singer/songwriter leans to modern R&B. by CNB