Entertainers to appear at MSG (partial list)

[NHPolitico]

NEW YORK - Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie and Bill Harris, CEO of the 2004 Republican National Convention, today announced the initial group of entertainers who will perform in New York City during the 2004 Republican National Convention. The six musical acts to take the stage at Madison Square Garden include artists whose styles range from country to classical and from blues to punk. In addition, a Tony Award-winning actor and a young television personality join the lineup.

"Republicans are looking forward to showcasing the strength and diversity of our nation at our party's first-ever convention in New York City," said Chairman Gillespie. "These eight artists reflect the broad appeal of President George W. Bush."

"It is an honor to announce the first group of performers to join the 2004 Republican National Convention program," said Mr. Harris. "Delegates on the Garden floor and Americans watching across the nation will agree that this year's convention is the most entertaining in GOP history."

In addition to the names released today, other entertainers will be performing at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City and will be announced prior to the four-day event.

Entertainers scheduled to perform at the 2004 Republican National Convention include:

Michael W. Smith: In 1983, Michael made his first record called the Michael W. Smith Project. He wrote all the music while his wife, Debbie, wrote the lyrics. His now famous song "Friends" debuted on this album. Since then, he has created 16 albums which have received Dove and Grammy awards, as well as written 10 books. One of his current projects is a club for teens in Nashville, T.N. called Rocketown, which serves as safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. In 1996, Michael founded Rocketown Records and launched the label's first artist. He is the proud father of five children.

Daniel Rodriquez: A former New York City police officer, Daniel Rodriguez is nicknamed "America's Beloved Tenor." Born in Brooklyn, Rodriguez has been singing since the age of 10 and made his debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall at 17. When he graduated from the NYPD Academy in 1996, he was asked to sing the national anthem in front of two thousand policemen in Madison Square Garden. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Rodriguez became the unofficial singer of New York City's police department and he touched the nation with his stirring a cappella renditions of "God Bless America" and the national anthem. Rodriguez has released two albums, Spirit of America and From My Heart, on Manhattan Records. He will return to Madison Square Garden to perform at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Daize Shayne: At the age of 2, Daize Shayne moved to Hawaii with her family. It was not until she was 16, however, that she began to teach herself how to surf, play the guitar and write songs. With just 6 years of surfing experience under her belt, Daize entered the women's World Longboard Championships on a whim. When she won, it was a dream come true to be crowned the world champion at age 22. Her contribution to the sport of surfing has opened the door to women in a male-dominated competition. Now 27, Daize has a debut album, The Way I Do, which introduces her as a passionate singer, writer, and performer. In her free time, she also models and works as an on-mike personality for ESPN, Fox Sports and others.

Ron Silver: Tony Award-winning actor Ron Silver is known for his work on Broadway, in feature films and on television. On screen, he has given acclaimed performances in Enemies: A Love Story and the Oscar winning Reversal of Fortune. On stage, Silver won Broadway's Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his performance in Speed the Plow. Silver's television appearances have been too numerous to mention, but include continuing roles on Chicago Hope and The West Wing. A native New Yorker and long an outspoken liberal, Silver has recently voiced his strong support for President Bush and the War on Terror.

The Gatlin Brothers: Over 40 years ago, Larry, Steve, and Rudy Gatlin started singing in their hometown of Abilene, TX., and from there went on to make music history. Over the course of a four-decade career that has taken the Gatlin brothers from dusty Texas stages to the top of the country charts, there has been one unifying element, music. Adopting the close harmony vocal techniques of the highly polished country-pop era, the Gatlin Brothers scored a number o f hits during the '70s and '80s. The group's Grammy came with "Broken Lady," followed by hits like "All the Gold in California," "Statues Without Hearts," "Love is just a Game," "Houston," and "Somebody's Baby." The Gatlin Brothers ended their nationwide touring in 1992 with The Adios Tour along with an accompanying album release of the same name.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Hasselbeck, formerly Elisabeth Filarski, is best known to audiences as a participant on the popular second edition of the Survivor game show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, and for her current role as a co-host of ABC's daytime talk show The View. A 1999 graduate of Boston College, Elisabeth is married to NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck. While at Boston College, she captained her championship D-1 softball team, as her studies centered on her stu dio art major. Hasselbeck has recently been putting her flair for fashion to good use as a host of the Style Network's The Look for Less, which helps viewers find designer looks at bargain prices. She has also hosted programs on MTV. Hasselbeck has a passion for working with Breast Cancer Prevention, Research and Support.

Sara Evans: Raised on a farm in Missouri, Sara Evans was singing every weekend in her family's band at age 5. She was already a recording veteran at age 11. Signed to RCA Records, Evans released her debut album Three Chords and the Truth in 1997, and surfaced on many critics' "Best of" lists for the year. In 1998 the singer/songwriter achieved her first #1 single and gold-selling album with the self-penned hit "No Place That Far." Her follow up album and single, Born to Fly shot to the #1 spot on the country charts. This album spawned two additional Top Five songs including "I Could Not Ask For More" and "I Keep Looking." Evans was the most nominated artist at the 2001 Country Music Association Awards, and took home her first trophy when "Born to Fly" won Video of the Year. Considered "country's next female superstar" according to Billboard Magazine, Evans is on a roll with over three million albums sold. Evans current album Restless (featuring the Top 5 hit "Perfect" also co-written by Evans) was recently certified Gold by the RIAA. Her current single "Suds In The Bucket" is racing up the country charts.

Dana Glover: A native of Rocky Mount, N.C., Dana Glover worked as a model in New York City prior to launching her musical career in Los Angeles. Glover had very little formal training as a musician, taking piano lessons on and off but mostly playing by ear. She was raised on gospel and soul music on the radio and these early influences are felt on her debut album, Testimony. As her debut disc was coming together, Glover lent her voice to films, including "The Wedding Planner." Then DreamWorks gave her the rare chance to deliver a love song for an ogre: Glover sang and wrote the lyrics and part of the music for "It Is You I Have Loved All Along," from the "Shrek" soundtrack, which has since been certified platinum.

[Keystone Phil]

Well we know the entertainers that will be present but do we know who will be delivering the keynote speech? (I have a feeling this was announced already. I must have missed it.)

[Bandit3 the Worker]

There goes my high opinions of Michael W. Smith and Dana Glover.

[Lunar]

There goes my high opinions of Michael W. Smith and Dana Glover.

Because of their political views?

[Bandit3 the Worker]

Yes, because I think supporting Bush is as bad as supporting any other evil dictator.

[Lunar]

Yes, because I think supporting Bush is as bad as supporting any other evil dictator.

One of your main criticisms of Bush is that he's intolerant and extreme, but when I read this post I know how much they're worth.

[12th Doctor]

Yes, because I think supporting Bush is as bad as supporting any other evil dictator.

One of your main criticisms of Bush is that he's intolerant and extreme, but when I read this post I know how much they're worth.

Bandit is a very troubled individual who probably thinks that the NSA is spying on him and that the janitor at the local Wal-Mart was made to disappear into the night because he knew too much about the real Bush agenda.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Who are all these people?

[Shira]

Who are these weird entertainers?

[minionofmidas]

Never heard of any of them.
And none of these biographies sounded to any extent "punk".

[MODU]

Yes, because I think supporting Bush is as bad as supporting any other evil dictator.

Castro, is that you?  *dies laughin*

Sorry, couldn't help it.  

[Akno21]

I'll take Democratic Entertainers anyday over these people.

[Posterity]

Well we know the entertainers that will be present but do we know who will be delivering the keynote speech? (I have a feeling this was announced already. I must have missed it.)

Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA!) will be the keynote speaker.

http://www.gopconvention.com/contents/newsroom/releases/081904.shtml

[Keystone Phil]

Well we know the entertainers that will be present but do we know who will be delivering the keynote speech? (I have a feeling this was announced already. I must have missed it.)

Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA!) will be the keynote speaker.

http://www.gopconvention.com/contents/newsroom/releases/081904.shtml

I like Zell Miller, I'm glad he'll be at the GOP convention but I think a registered Republican should be giving the keynote.

[ATFFL]

Well we know the entertainers that will be present but do we know who will be delivering the keynote speech? (I have a feeling this was announced already. I must have missed it.)

Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA!) will be the keynote speaker.

http://www.gopconvention.com/contents/newsroom/releases/081904.shtml

I like Zell Miller, I'm glad he'll be at the GOP convention but I think a registered Republican should be giving the keynote.

Every party dreams of having a prominent member of the opposition party speak in a prominent role at their convention.  McAuliffe would have given the keynote spot to McCain in a heartbeat.  

[Blue Rectangle]

Ron Silver: the bad guy in Timecop, also recently in Ali.
I actually remember this guy from Clinton's inauguration way back in 1993:

Remember during Clinton's first inaugural when fighter jets flew over the Lincoln Memorial in formation and actor Ron Silver was troubled at the display of militarism until it dawned on him, "Hey, those are our planes now"?

Back then he was a classic liberal celebrity who apparently judged US foreign policy solely on which party was in the White House.  For him to convert so completely is telling; 9/11 changed more than a few liberal Jewish New Yorkers into pro-Bush pre-emptive strike supporters.

Zell Miller: I heard him for the first time on Meet the Press a few weeks ago.  He came off as thoughtful, sincere and eloquent.  I think he’ll do well.

[YRABNNRM]

Rudy should be keynote speaker...

[Blue Rectangle]

Rudy should be keynote speaker...

Being the keynote does not insure the most prominent role.  Obama was very good, but Bill Clinton was as good and probably drew more viewers.  Rudy is basically getting the Clinton timeslot.  I think the RNC has a good schedule.