Back in May, the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park hosted their Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands. Now, the winner, Joshua Surgeon and runner-up, Erin Stoll will share the same stage in the casino’s Club Velvet for one great night of original country music on Friday, September 1 at 8:00pm.
Both acts are planning to bring out some new material at the show, along with a lot of what helped them impress the judges during the contest a few months back. “I’m planning to play most of the songs from the Rocksino win, plus a handful of additional songs from the upcoming album. Throwing a few little surprises in the mix. ” stated Surgeon. “I’m really trying to perform a show that goes beyond just a guy singing with an acoustic guitar. People seem to be embracing that, so it keeps pushing me forward.”
Stoll, will also bring out some new songs for the Hard Rock show. “Fans will get to hear all of my originals, including three new songs that have not been recorded yet,” said Stoll. “So they will be amongst the very first to hear some of my new songs.”
Both of the acts were excited to not only make it past the preliminary nominations to perform at the Hard Rock Rising, but were both a little shocked when the results were announced. “Still kinda shocked,” Surgeon said of the win. “I’ve had a few opportunities pop up since the win, so I’m just trying my best to keep things moving forward.”
“I was honestly blown away! The amount of talent entered in the contest was incredible and to even make it to the finals was really humbling,” Stoll confessed.
The two acts have much respect for each other as Surgeon explained, “After getting to know Erin and following her live show schedule, she’s definitely one of the hardest working original musicians in the area.” The feelings of Stoll are mutual, “Josh is an amazing musician. Super talented and honestly one of the nicest, most humbled artists I’ve met.”
The show will be a celebration, but also a chance for both Surgeon and Stoll to continue their musical journeys. The show will open with Surgeon at 8pm, followed by Stoll and her band.
“Rocksino is providing us an incredible venue,” Surgeon added. “Plus it’s free admission for our fans. It’ll be a fun night!”
