WILMINGTON — One of North Carolina’s favorite modern-day country musicians stopped in Wilmington over the weekend to perform as part of the 77th annual Azalea Festival.
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Rice was raised on a farm in Asheville, North Carolina, went to UNC and played football. He has performed — and vacationed — in Wilmington for years, and while visiting can often been seen hanging out at Jimmy’s, a popular bar near the beach.
He was scheduled to take the Live Oak Bank Pavilion stage Friday evening but appeared in town at least a day earlier. On Thursday, Rice stopped by the Brigade Boys and Girls Club to perform for the kids, play football with them, and offer encouragement. The event was hosted by USCellular, which donated $10,000 to the club and gave the kids free tickets to the Rice show.
Rice is best known for songs like “Ready Set Roll,” “Three Chords & the Truth,” “Eyes on Your,” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” — the latter of which was recorded with Florida Georgia Line in 2020.
Opening for the country artist was Lanie Gardner, a 24-year-old North Carolina native, who’s become popular for her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” She’s opened for the Jonas Brothers on “Remember This Tour” as well and is managed by the band’s father, Kevin Jonas Sr., of Jonas Group Entertainment.
Below are photos from the show, captured by Tom Dorgan of MoonFrog Media.
Chase Rice
Lanie Gardner
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