The focus of this week’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh may be the picks, but even non-sports fans will find something to love. The NFL Draft Entertainment Series will present star musicians on the Draft stage all three days.
At a press event Tuesday, Tim Tubito, NFL senior director of event and game presentation, said the league worked closely with the Steelers to look at musical talent both inside and outside of the city.
“We’re excited to bring it to you; we hope everyone will enjoy themselves,” he said.
The series includes concert performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Thursday, things will kick off with Pittsburgh-born singer KELS and her single “Gone.”
“Her voice is amazing. Her dirty blues vibe — it is a vibe,” Tubito said. KELS will also return to sing the national anthem to kick off the first round.
There will also be a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” put together by the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s National Hymn Choir. Tubito said they have pulled together great voices from around Western Pennsylvania. The music will begin in the hour before the first round starts at 8 p.m.
The big headliners Friday night are Poison singer — and Butler native — Bret Michaels, along with Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa.
“They’re authentically Steelers fans,” Tubito said. “They love Pittsburgh.”
Michaels and Wiz Khalifa will perform at 5:15 p.m. Friday, ahead of the second round’s 7 p.m. start.
Tubito doesn’t want anyone to underestimate the final day of the draft, Saturday.
“I always call it the most fun day,” he said.
Headlining that day will be country artist Kane Brown, who will play once the draft picks conclude. Tubito said the Pitt Marching Band will also perform earlier in the day. Brown will perform at the conclusion of the final rounds; picks kick off at noon Saturday.
The Bachelor Boys will serve as the house band throughout the weekend, playing energetic songs in every genre. Other acts and entertainment will be present throughout the event as well.
Both KELS and Michaels are excited to be in their hometown fulfilling a dream.
“I think I know just about everybody here in Pittsburgh,” Michaels said. “We love it, and as you can see, I’m show-ready,” he added, showing off his black-and-gold gear. “Go Steelers!
“I live and breathe for music and sports. I grew up here and, as a diabetic, it has saved my life. The sports, the music … it’s great to be home,” he continued.
KELS is from Gibsonia and has a long history of singing the national anthem, going back to age 8. She started her jazz career singing at speakeasies around Pittsburgh.
“If you remember James Street, I used to frequent there a lot; that’s where I got my jazz chops,” she said.
There were hints that on Friday night, the crowd may see a mashup of Poison’s hit “Nothin’ but a Good Time” and Wiz Khalifa’s Steelers anthem “Black and Yellow.”
Bret Michaels might be known for Poison’s hit “Every Rose has its Thorn,” but he said there are no thorns in this experience for him.
“To come back and be able to do the draft in my hometown … this is a bucket list dream come true,” he said.
The NFL Draft Entertainment Series shows will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the NFL Draft Theater on the North Shore. General admission is free, and attendees should download and register through the NFL OnePass app on their smartphones for entry.