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Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

The Song That Was Inspired By Parker McCollum’s Dog

Author Tampa Bay's Morning Krewe
Parker McCollum

Here is the song that was inspired by Parker McCollum’s Dog.  We got a chance to talk with Parker McCollum today on the air and we learned a lot more about him.  Firstly, Parker is performing at this years Strawberry Festival on March 3rd at 7:30pm.  Secondly, He has been making music for a long time and released his first album in 2013.   “Pretty Heart” is the first radio single released in 2020.  It was his first number one song.   Since then he has released “To Be Loved By You”, “Handle on You” and now his current single “Burn It Down”.  From Austin, TX, Parker has a huge following in that area.

Thirdly, Parker performed at our QYK Guitar Pull in 2021 and killed it onstage.  Parker is a winner for an ACM award for New Male Artist Of The Year.  In addition, he has a CMT Music Award for Break Through Video of the Year for his song To Be Loved By You.

Parker talks about Songwriting

Today we caught up with Parker about songwriting.  His wife has a bunch of her favorite songs that he has written.  Parke often writes about his wife in his songs.   Even his dog has helped create some lyrics.    He sets the scene where his dog was up close cuddling with his wife and breathing on her.  First, watching her and the dog it inspired the line  “I can feel your breathin’ – See, ’cause you’re so tight”.  This line is in his new song “Hope That I’m enough” which will be released on his next album.

Next, Parker says one of his hardest songs to sing live is “Stoned”.  The bridge is tough to sing after he’s been doing shows for 5-6 days.  He even talked about how he has to get his body ready on stage to hit those notes during the show.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Lastly, The Florida Strawberry festival brings in all kinds of great artists each year.  This year the festival runs from February 29th – March 10th.  This year, Jordan Davis, Oliver Anthony, Cody Johnson, Beach Boys, Black Eyed Peas and more will be on the headlining stage.  You must purchase a ticket to get into the festival along with the additional concert ticket.  For ticket information click HERE

 

 

Launa is part of Tampa Bay's Hometown Morning Krewe on 99.5 WQYK. She has been with the station for 7 years and joined J.R. and Kevin on the morning show 4 years ago. Since then, they have been nominated for not only a CMA but also an ACM. Launa has been in radio for the past 28 years and in the Tampa Bay market for 22 of those years. While working in radio, Launa has also served as an entertainment reporter on a local TV show and has hosted many charity events in the community. Using her popularity from QYK, Launa loves to help raise money for shelter animals and has been a volunteer at local shelters for years. Launa loves the community and writes articles on local news, entertainment, and events and highlights people who are shining in Tampa Bay that she knows others like her would also be interested in reading.

Before You Visit the Florida Strawberry Festival: 10 Pro Tips

What’s the best place to park? When’s the best time to visit to avoid the crowds? How can you still watch concerts for free? How can you get in without paying admission? What’s the best thing to eat? As a guy who’s done that drive through horrible I-4 traffic countless times to Plant City, let me help. I’ve learned a lot over the years.

  • Tip #1: Check the concert calendar

    If there’s a sold out concert, that means thousands of extra cars in those parking lots and bodies creating long lines for rides and food.

  • Tip #2: Get there early

    Afternoon rush hour traffic combined with Florida Strawberry Festival congestion is a nightmare this time of year on I-4. The earlier you get to Plant City, the better.

  • Tip #3: Buy tickets in advance

    Lines always form at the ticket booth. Instead, grab tickets in advance if you’re at Publix. You’ll save a few bucks too.

  • Tip #4: Get in free!

    There are days when kids get in free. There are days when military and first responders get in free. Check the Strawberry Festival website to see when you might be able to avoid paying admission.

  • Tip #5: Wait a few days

    Opening weekend and closing weekends are when you’ll see the biggest crowds. If you can plan your visit midweek in the early afternoon, you’ll have plenty of space and short lines to wait in.

  • Tip #6: Make an eating plan

    I’m not joking. You’re going to be overwhelmed. Many go to the festival every year just for the fair foods. Instead of buying the first thing you see, check out what’s new this year… or my top 10 picks. You’ll run out of room fast if you fill up on boring stuff like cotton candy and hot dogs. You can get those anywhere… the Florida Strawberry Festival is known for creative wild stuff.  Definitely seek out the Amish doughnuts, Smitty’s corndog and Carnival Eats legend Mama Jane’s creations you’ve seen on The Cooking Channel.  Who has the best strawberry shortcake? I say ask for directions to the St. Clement’s make your own tent!

  • Tip #7: Your cell phone is your friend

    Use apps on your phone like Waze or Google Maps to see how the back roads are doing for traffic. When I-4 is backed up, you can often avoid the congestion by taking the back roads into Plant City.

  • Tip #8: Go in the morning

    The food will be fresher, everyone will be a little perkier since they just woke up and the lines will be short. The festival opens daily at 10am, but few get there until late in the afternoon.

  • Tip #9: Yes there ARE free concerts

    You used to be able to get in free to the big headliner shows, but it’s 2023. This is how bands pay the bills now. All seats in the new concert venue require a separate ticket. But there are free local acts performing around the festival. And they’d love your support so one day they can play the big stage.

  • Tip #10: Parking options

    There are 3 major lots on Ritter Street, off highway 92 and 574. Don’t worry if you’re not close to the action. There is a tram that’ll take you to the gates. You can also find spots at Bryan Elementary School and Tomlin Middle School.

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