Radio Disney hosts free concert for families Saturday in Central Florida

Radio Disney is kicking off its first “On the Road to the RDMAs [Radio Disney Music Awards]” tour with a free concert in Central Florida on Saturday. Families are invited to come out to the Leesburg Mardi Gras Celebration to hear Mexican-American rapper Becky G and British pop rock band The Vamps, and to meet rock band Before You Exit from Orlando.

Although adults might not readily recognize these artists, chances are kids are familiar with these up-and-comers. Here’s why:

Becky G was chosen as Radio Disney’s “N.B.T.” (Next Big Thing) in 2013. Becky G got her start uploading remixes to YouTube, which led to her being discovered by producer Dr. Luke and later signed to his label Kemosabe/RCA Records. The music video for her debut single, “Becky from the Block,” features a cameo by Jennifer Lopez and has gotten more than 8 million views on YouTube. Her EP “Play It Again” includes her new single “Can’t Get Enough” featuring Pitbull. Becky G also may be recognized from her modeling photos because she has a contract with Cover Girl.

The Vamps, signed by Island Def Jam, currently are touring with Taylor Swift on the UK leg of her “Red” tour and opened for Selena Gomez at her London “Stars Dance” tour stops. They will be performing with The Wanted on their “Word of Mouth” tour later this year. The Vamps first single “Can We Dance” debuted at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, and they are releasing their initial studio album later this year.

Before You Exit (BYE) is a trio of brothers (Connor, Riley and Toby McDonough) from Orlando, who write and perform pop rock music. Their first EP “A Short Story” was released in 2009, and they performed their songs when they opened for All Time Low on their “My Small Package” tour. In 2013, the band released its EP “I Like That” and toured behind it with Olly Murs. They also opened at Cody Simpson’s North American concerts and performed at the Radio Disney Holiday Concert in Celebration.

Much like the holiday concert, this Mardi Gras event gives kids the chance to hear live music and perhaps even attend their first concert. My own elementary-school-age children have enjoyed attending the holiday concert in Celebration for several years.

The Leesburg Mardi Gras Celebration, which takes place on Main Street in the historic downtown area, begins at 11 a.m. with Radio Disney’s Orlando Road Crew hosting family friendly activities before the concert. The Vamps take the stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by Becky G at 1:15 p.m. Both The Vamps and Becky G will participate in a public meet-and-greet, starting at 3 p.m. Before You Exit will greet fans at 2 p.m.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to vote for RDMA artists via an interactive kiosk. To read more about the nominees, visit www.disney.com/RDMA

“On The Road to the RDMAs” is a seven-city tour that continues on to Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Dallas, Seattle and Los Angeles. The road show culminates in a free Radio Disney Music Awards Pre-Show Festival that will take place in Nokia Plaza (at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles) in the hours leading up to the awards show on April 26.

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