I have opened for/shared the stage with The Jonas Brothers, Sister Hazel, The Spin Doctors, Average White Band, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Kasim Sultan, John Oates/Hall and Oates, Terrance Simien, Peter Tork of The MONKEES,Garland Jeffreys, Constantine Maroulis, Ryan Cabrera, Derek Forbes, The Stars From The Commitments, John Sebastian, Marc Broussard, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and many more.
Filter: Hershey 2023 - National Conference
Jackie Verna
Jackie Verna is a country artist from West Chester, PA who now lives out of Nashville, TN. New to the performing scene, she got her first big break on season 14 of NBC’s “The Voice” where she was on team Adam. Jackie climbed her way to being a top 10 finalist on the show with her performances landing spots on the iTunes country charts. After getting off the show she went on to open for artists such as Little Big Town, Brother’s Osborne, and Tyler Rich. She draws influence from many artists like Miranda Lambert and Dolly Parton.
Flow Circus – Paul Miller
Paul Miller graduated college with a degree in accounting. Shortly after realizing his mistake, he dropped his pencil and calculator and hit the open road of comedy. Since 1999, he’s toured his one-man comedy juggling show sharing his unique blend of amazing feats, playful wit, and audience participation. In addition to entertaining, Paul uses the stage to promote kinetic play (think juggling, yo-yo, kendama, handsack, etc) as a tool to create social connection and improve well-being.
Dez Duron
Dez Duron is a singer/songwriter from Shreveport LA. He gained international attention for his soulful crooning vocal style when he placed Top 8 on NBC’s The Voice. Since then, he has travelled the world sharing the stage with Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Raelynn, Postmodern Jukebox. Dez is currently working on his premiere album.
De’s Novelties
Denise (or De!) is always creating new novelties and craft ideas that work well on campus. They are unique and high quality, and students walk away with items they are proud to have had a hand in! Items like Dream Catchers, Terrariums, Cookie Jars, Deco-Ware, Etch-It. Gingerbread Houses, and the always popular Loofah Soap. Come by the booth every day to see what is being created by Denise!
Cooper Greer
Cooper Greer is one of the of the leading up and coming country artists hailing from the East Coast. With a deep soulful voice comparable to leading artists such as Josh Turner & Chris Young with the rock & roll attitude of Eric Church. Cooper provides one of the most entertaining and exiting shows on the East Coast. His singles “Right Where I Needed to Be” and “Back Around” have been wildly successful nationwide. Paired with unparalleled stage presence, contagious energy, and a diverse set list that includes everything from the classics to modern country Cooper and his band of rockers are guaranteed to please crowds of all ages!
Cody Byrns
Very influential and effective, Cody Byrns is an internationally recognized speaker, professional juggler, and a number one best-selling author. In May of 2013, Cody’s life was drastically changed. While stopped at a red light on the highway, Cody was rear-ended by a box-truck that failed to stop. As a result, he was considered dead until first responders saw his hand move. He received many injuries that day, including severe burns to almost 40% of his body. After years of countless surgeries and rehabilitation, Cody has used this experience to further his mission to bring hope to thousands around the world.
Students Fight Back!
Students Fight Back is a self-defense program for colleges aimed at empowering students of all genders. Led by international speaker and self-defense expert Nicole Snell, the program includes a 75-minute seminar that offers practical safety strategies and covers topics such as setting boundaries, bystander intervention, and consent. The program is evidence-based and trauma-informed, meaning no victim blaming or fear tactics. It focuses on both physical and non-physical aspects of self-defense, leaving students feeling safer, stronger, and more confident. The program is interactive and allows students to be their own badass by empowering them to stand up for themselves and others.
Patrick Holbert – Punch Line Drunk
In “Punch Line Drunk,” Patrick Holbert tells stories and jokes about his past addiction and current sobriety. The show covers his journey from abusing substances to amusing audiences and is a hilarious and educational dive into his experiences with alcohol and drugs. Incorporating an interactive Q&A, the show encourages students to consider their own relationships with substances and offers pragmatic advice on living a fun, productive life without getting wasted. With 14 years of sobriety, Patrick performs stand-up comedy in New York City’s best comedy clubs and bars. He has proclaimed himself “the Jason Bourne of safely navigating booze-soaked environments.”
Bryan Stutzman
Bryan Stutzman is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter based in Northern Virginia. After picking up guitar and performing for friends and family as a teen, Bryan began performing publicly in 2015. Gathering inspiration from artists across all genres and ages, Bryan’s style combines elements of acoustic rock, Americana, and pop. In addition to his playful yet passionate and soulful sound, Bryan’s energy and enthusiasm on stage make him a sought-after entertainer for events and venues of all kinds. Bryan’s EP The Creekside Sessions was released in 2022, and his debut album, “These Four Walls”, is available now!