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ATLANTA -- On Saturday, Lawrenceville pop singer Norwood performs at Kenny's Alley for the Southeast's largest New Year's Eve celebration -- the Atlanta Peach Drop. It is his first time performing at the event.

"I'm very excited about the Peach Drop," he said. "I'm happy to be honored at such a historic Atlanta event. As a native of Atlanta, this is a big deal."

Norwood takes stage at 10 p.m. after Louisiana's Eryn Woods. The 20-year-old singer can't believe he's performing with so many famous acts.

"You know, it hasn't completely hit me yet. I imagine it will hit me when I take the stage, but we'll see," Norwood said about performing at the same event as Kansas.

At the concert, Norwood is performing three new singles for the public, which he said will "blow people's socks off." The singles will be released on Jan. 1, but if you come to the Peach Drop, you may win one of 500 free copies that will be handed out. There will be other surprises, as well as a full band and several professional dancers on the stage with him.

For those who have never heard Norwood's music, he describes it as a mix between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake with the "looks of Elvis Presley."

"It's very pop but there's a lot soulfulness," he said, "especially in the slower songs."

As an all-exclusive sneak peek, Norwood is offering Gwinnett Daily Post readers a chance to download his new tunes for free before anyone else hears them. Those who would like to download the songs should visit www.norwood-music.com/gdp.

The sweet lulls of this up and coming R&B singer were enough to entice Our Town Magazine to share with the Gwinnett community the journey to fame of this shining star.  Meet Norwood - a fellow Gwinnetian with a dream and the unstoppable drive to accomplish it.  At just 20 years old, his impressive resume screams talent and heart, a talent that is recognized by some of the best in the music industry.  His sweet voice and old soul charm makes him a musician to watch out for in the near future.  We guarantee you'll be hearing a lot more about him, not only on OTM but also on your favorite music delivery system.

OTM:  Who were your early influences growing up?
Norwood:  There are too many to name!  If I had to pick a few, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, and Stevie Wonder were (and still are) big influences for me musically, as were Madonna, Amy Winehouse, and The Beatles.

How did you find out you had a talent for singing?
I've been singing for as long as I can remember, but I discovered that it was my passion when I went to a week-long music summer camp when I was about 10 years old.  It was my first time performing for people, and I was hooked!  In 2009, I met my manager, Jayne Madigan, at which time I launched my professional career.  She has helped me expand as a singer and a performer, and has played a huge part in getting me to were I am today.

What was it like opening up for B.B. King?
Opening for B.B. King was an incredible experience - a true adrenaline rush, especially as an artist who had only started his solo career 6 months before.  My band and I performed to a sold out crowd, the audience was amazing, and we got to meet B.B. and take a tour of his bus!

Did the legend (B.B. King) have any advice for you?
He told me to keep following my dreams and to never give up - and I intend to do just that!

What was it like growing up in Gwinnett?  What high school did you attend?
I have many fond memories of growing up in Gwinnett.  It's a great place to grow up - there is a sense of community that a lot of other places don't have.  I was actually home schooled so that I could focus my time on music and performing, which was a good fit for me.  And my first show as a professional artist took place in Gwinnett - the Executive Director of the Gwinnett County Visitors Bureau invited me to perform at a private party in her home.  Since that time, I've had the pleasure of performing many shows for my fellow Gwinnettians and sincerely appreciate the continued love and support!

What are your goals for the future?
I have so many goals for the future; I don't really know where to begin!  I want to be successful in the music industry, make great music, tour the world, make people smile, help those in need...my main goal is to live my life to the fullest, and to help make the world a better place for everyone.  However, my immediate goal is to record my next single.  My new song was written/produced by well-known Gwinnett-based producer, Brad Cox.  Our target release date is June 1st, so please visit www.Norwood-Music.com to take a listen and let me know what you think by leaving a comment on my Guestbook.  I'm also excited to announce that I'll be spending most of the Summer in the studio recording in preparation for a tour this Fall - stay tuned for more info coming soon.

Where can we find more information about you and hear your music?
You can visit www.Norwood-Music.com to hear my music, see my show schedule, and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Reverb Nation etc.  I'm pleased to announce that my first single "After the Rain" is now available on iTunes!  During the month of June, ALL proceeds will be donated to the "Plant a Billion Campaign".  We will plant 1 tree for each download, so please visit www.Norwood-Music.com to purchase your copy today for ONLY 99 cents and help save the environment.  NOTE:  "After the Rain" is my first single that was released in November 2010 and written/produced by famed LA producer Steve Dorff.  Dorff has worked with many national artists such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, and Barbra Streisand just to name a few.

What would you advise young artists who have big dreams here in Gwinnett?
Just keep working hard!  Network with like-minded people in the business, find a reputable management team that has your best interests at heart, make sure your live performances are memorable, and never give up on your dream!

"Norwood performed his single “After the Rain”, and honestly it took me back to high school when I was a huge Nsync fan; it was good to hear some pop music again!"

Over the past year, 19-year-old Stephen Norwood has performed in many Gwinnett and metro Atlanta events, including a Braves game and the annual Macy’s Lighting of the Tree at Thanksgiving. Now this talented young man has traveled to Los Angeles, where he secured a production deal and recorded his first single to be released within the next few weeks.

Norwood and his manager, Jayne Madigan, left for California on July 17 and just returned Aug. 22 in time for Norwood to perform at the Suwanee Festival of Books this past weekend. The trip was split between San Diego and Los Angeles. And Norwood managed to experience numerous excellent adventures along the way.

 

“I performed twice at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica,” Norwood said. “I attended the first annual Grammy Block Party where I had the opportunity to meet other artists, producers and decision-makers in the industry.”

He also took lessons in both dance and voice.

“I took dance lessons at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. This is the hottest dance studio in Hollywood where national artists such as Janet Jackson, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears have trained,” he said. “I also took voice lessons with Lis Lewis who has been a well-known voice teacher and performance coach in Los Angeles for 30 years. Her clients include Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, The Pussycat Dolls and others.”

The most important part of the trip, however, was the production deal and the recording of Stephen’s first single, “After the Rain.” The song was written by a very famous Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer who has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, Whitney Houston, Jermaine Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Celine Dion. Also importantly, one of the best sound engineers in the country mixed the single, and a well known guitarist who works with such stars as Mariah Carey and the Jonas Brothers played on the single.

Although this well-known songwriter’s name cannot be divulged until the single is released, Norwood found him to be a wonderful collaborator.

“He is great to work with,” Norwood said. “He is very patient in the studio, and he likes to include the singer in the creative process. He likes to hear the singer’s input and ideas. His songwriting and producing abilities are incredible to witness in person.”

The song will be released within the next few weeks. The song itself, according to Norwood, is mid-tempo with a happy message.

“I think anyone will be able to relate to the song in their own way,” he said. “It’s one of those songs that makes you feel good when you hear it, no matter what. It’s also very catchy. I think it suits my voice well because I’m really able to connect with the song emotionally, and the emotion comes through in the recording.”

According to Norwood’s manager, Jayne Madigan, “This song showcases Stephen’s unique vocal abilities, styling and range. Our producer built the arrangements around Stephen’s vocals so the song is a perfect fit.”

Besides work and lessons, Stephen and Jayne managed to bike on the beaches of Santa Monica and Mission Beach, hiked Runyun Canyon, took yoga classes, ate vegan food and had some considerable celebrity sightings. In all, it was a most productive trip.

Visit Norwood’s website www.stephennorwood.com and sign up for an e-newsletter that will let recipients know when his single is released. Stephen is also on MySpace and Facebook.

	A new tradition begins Dec. 31 in downtown Duluth at city hall. The event will include live music and food, but what will happen at midnight? Officials are quiet about the details, but a midnight surprise at the clock tower pictured here is planned. (click for larger version)

DULUTH - New Year's Eve will mark Duluth's First Annual New Year's Extravaganza, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Duluth Festival Center Amphitheater and Town Green. The free event will feature live entertainment, food and a midnight surprise based around the clock tower.

The event is sponsored by the Entertainment Design Group, designers of the Atlanta "Peach Drop," but event coordinator Jayne Madigan insists that this will be very different, and just as exciting.

"We're just trying to offer an alternative to going all the way downtown. We're not trying to compete with the Peach Drop, but if we steal their thunder, that's great," she said. 

The city is expecting more than 7,000 people in attendance. 

Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris will emcee the event, kicking off with a magic show, followed by several acts, including salsa dancing. The headliner is Stephen Norwood, a rising R&B singer, Macy's Rising Star of 2009. 

The city has also invited local media and celebrities to attend. 

The family-friendly celebration will include hands on activities, and a winter carnival. For security reasons, no food or drink allowed to be brought into the event, but will be sold by vendors.   

There is also an optional $30 black-tie VIP Gala, beginning with a cocktail party at the Duluth Art Gallery. Guests will then enjoy improve comedy and dancing at the Red clay Theatre. At 11:30 p.m., VIP guests will be escorted to the Town Green for front row seating at the unveiling of the midnight surprise.

Madigan remained tight-lipped regarding the details of the surprise saying, "Even if I were to disclose it, it would not do it justice. It's really something you have to come see for yourself."

In tribute to the event, a "Capture the Spirit of Duluth" wall will be displayed on the Town Green.  For $100, anyone can purchase a space to have their named etched in history.

Businesses that wish to sponsor the event can contact Jayne Madigan at 678-475-3512 for more information.