Hits 96, WDOD-FM, will present six emerging artists at the 7th annual “Running of the Chihuahuas” on Saturday, May 3, at the First Tennessee Pavilion. In the past seven years, Hits 96 has used this platform to introduce up-and-coming artists that have gone on to career milestones such as headlining Riverbend and performing at Lollapalooza.
Performers in the past include: Hot Chelle Rae, Austin Mahone, BoysLikeGirls, Outtasight, MKTO, Wallpaper, We The Kings, TheReadySet, and dozens more. This year, the lineup includes artists which are on the verge of breaking big and well-established bands with hits currently played on WDOD, said station officials.
The lineup for 2014 includes: NoNoNo, DJ Cassidy, Heffron Drive (Starring Kendall from Big Time Rush), New Hollow, My Crazy Girlfriend and Bean.
NoNoNo is a three-piece band from Sweden that currently has a top 20 hit, “Pumpin’ Blood.” Their bio offers: “They can be described as Urban-Indie. Melancholy yet hopeful with a bassy beat oriented foundation.”
DJ Cassidy served as President Obama’s inauguration DJ in 2012 and has given his production skills to performers such as Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, and dozens more.
Heffron Drive is fronted by Kendall from Big Time Rush, star of Nickelodeon’s show of the same name. They are social-media superstars with over 2.2 million Twitter followers.
New Hollow, My Crazy Girlfriend, and Bean are all featured on Hits 96. They will be watched while 2014 continues as “What’s Next Now” artists of the year.
Event organizer and afternoon personality, Brad Steiner says, “The lineup we have put together is the strongest we have had in seven years. President Obama’s inauguration DJ (Cassidy) a band with a slot at Lollapalooza (NoNoNo), a social-media sensation (Heffron Drive) and artists we will be hearing a lot from in 2014 (Bean, My Crazy Girlfriend, and New Hollow). The best part is that it is free for everyone.”
Station Manager Danny Howard says, “We are lucky to have the support for this event from the community that allows us to keep it free and open to the public. The lineup is diverse, it is unique, and will be a blast to introduce these artists to Chattanooga. This event adds to the pedigree Hits 96 has established.”
Registration for racers is still open and available at www.hits96.com on a first come, first serve basis. Spectators are encouraged to participate, for free, starting at 1 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Music begins at 2 p.m. and racing begins at 6 p.m. To showcase a brand at this event, call Cheryl Brown or Bernie Barker at 321-6200. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Goodwill Assistance Dog Academy.