(Grafton, MA - July 19, 2021) -- Pet Rock Fest and Entertainment Sponsor T-Mobile are pleased to announce that platinum recording artist and “The Voice” finalist Billy Gilman headlines this year’s musical lineup at the annual Pet Rock Festival.
Gilman burst onto the national stage in 2000 with the release of his hit single “One Voice” and his debut album certified double platinum in the United States. He also holds the distinction of being included in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the youngest singer to ever reach number one on the Billboard Top Country Album charts.
“We couldn’t be happier that Gilman was able and willing to headline our festival this year,” says Pet Rock Fest Founding Partner Charlene Arsenault. “We were looking for a well-known artist whose music is appealing to all ages, but is particularly popular with the younger generation right now. He fits the bill to a T.”
At 28, Gilman has sold five million albums worldwide and garnered awards and nods from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard Magazine, the American Music Association and the Country Music Association.
“It took me a good while to figure out exactly who I was, musically speaking,” he said in a statement. “As a little kid, sometimes I was just told what to sing. But now I have enjoyed coming into my own and discovering what it really is that I want to sing. And I think that my fans will be pleasantly surprised with what they hear.”
Gilman became an instant fan favorite as the weeks went by on The Voice, his soaring vocals and amazing song choices earning him a spot in the finale of Season 11. Coach Adam Levine of Maroon 5 remarked, “You can emote so well. You can draw people in so easily.”
Jeannie Hebert, Pet Rock Fest founding partner, adds, “We are so thrilled to be able to present Pet Rock Fest in person this year! Billy Gilman is a major talent and will attract his followers from the Voice to support our efforts to help animals in need, which is what the festival is all about.”
The 23rd annual Pet Rock Festival gallops its way back to Wyman-Gordon, 244 Worcester St., in North Grafton on Sunday, Sept. 12, from noon to 5 p.m.
Pet Rock Fest continues to put the spotlight on the animal welfare organizations of New England that work hard to promote kindness to animals.
The event ha all of our popular attractions and more, including: K9 demos; an agility course hosted by CMDART; the Pups In The Air disc dog team; live music; the Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade; kids activities, cat photo contest; book signings, annual Pet Rock Hero award; speakers; amateur dog contest; vegetarian food court; animal mascots, doggie massages, demonstrations, free and low-cost microchipping and rabies shots from VCA; a doggie water park; photos of your pets; animal-friendly vendors; and, most importantly, hundreds of nonprofit groups devoted to a huge range of animal welfare causes.
Supporting acts for Gilman include the Rafters and Ric Porter and the Roadhouse Gypsies, with more to be announced.
“T-Mobile is honored and excited to be the Entertainment Sponsor for the Pet Rock Festival, and thrilled to be announcing headlining act Billy Gilman,” said Amanda Kinney, regional marketing manager, T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, we strive to support our communities and highlight organizations and businesses that are out there making the world a better place. The Pet Rock Festival gives so many groups the opportunity to share their mission and we are so happy to be a part of it all!”
Local nonprofit VegFest continues to partner with Pet Rock Fest to host its food court, packed with offerings from amazing vegan restaurants and food vendors. Originally called VegWorcester, VegFest hosts New England Vegfest, a free annual festival that celebrates animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and healthy lifestyles. This nonprofit dedicated to animal lovers was an easy fit to complement the mission of the Pet Rock Festival.
Anyone interested in volunteering for, performing at, or taking part in the festival in any way (including vendors and sponsors) should contact petrockfest@gmail.com.
For updates on the plans for the day, groups signed up to attend, and other official or not so official news, visit petrockfest.org or check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/petrockfest and on Twitter @Petrockfestival.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.
Celebrating more than 22 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in September each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible.
If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.