Swing anthem singer to headline Sox game Thursday
August 30, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release
Nick Boyd, a 10-year-old singer who has performed the national anthem at John O'Donnell Stadium three times over the last two seasons, has been invited to sing before the Chicago White Sox game on Thursday afternoon, the Swing of the Quad Cities announced on Wednesday.
The invitation is the culmination of an exciting chain of events for the Boyd family as well as an affirmation of Nick's talent. After singing at the 2006 Midwest League All-Star Game Nick was featured in an interview by Sports Illustrated's Luke Winn, an experience that Ann believes has helped to get her son more exposure.
Figuring they had nothing to lose, his parents sent a handful of CD's out to major league teams a few weeks back and heard from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday afternoon. Needless to say, the Boyd family quickly planned a one-night trip to Chicago to take advantage of the opportunity.
"We were all very excited," his mother, Ann Boyd, said. "Nick just thought it was so cool."
Fans of the Swing of the Quad Cities were introduced to Nick's musical talent at a Fourth of July contest during the 2005 season. The Boyd family was pleasantly surprised that he had been asked to sing at such a big ballgame, but the youngster impressed all those in attendance and returned to sing before two more games during the 2006 season.
Nick showed musical interest as early as the age of four, and by the second grade had already begun to take piano instruction as well as vocal instruction. According to Ann he has been performing all over the Quad Cities, accepting invitations from charitable groups and small organizations in addition to his experiences at sporting events.
"He really enjoys the opportunity to sing for people," Ann commented. Nick even got a chance to participate in his first non-school musical production with a roll in "Damn Yankees" at the age of eight.
UP NEXT: The Swing will continue their series with the Kane County Cougars on Wednesday night, as RHP Adam Ottavino (1-3, 4.08) will take the mound opposite LHP Joe Piekarz (8-6, 3.37). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and coverage on Progressive Talk AM-1270 will begin at 6:15 p.m.
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: US Cellular Night at the ballpark will be on Wednesday, which will also feature the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. The homestand will conclude with a 97 Rock Thirsty Thursday on the final day of August. The Swing will be back in town on Sunday and Monday to wrap up the regular season, and then again on Wednesday to begin their playoff run.
DOWN THE ROAD: Sunday night's ballgame will feature fireworks courtesy of KWQC and KUUL. Labor Day Weekend continues the following day with prize giveaways on Fan Appreciation Day during a Q106.5 $1 Monday. For Wednesday's playoff game tickets will be offered at a reduced rate of $7 for Box Seats and $6 for Bench/Berm Seating thanks to John Deere. Sunday and Wednesday's game will also feature brats for just 25 cents with the purchase of a large drink.
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