Boyz II Men, the four-time Grammy-winning act, will bring its soulful sound to the Florida Strawberry Festival this year for the first time.
“We’re excited be a part of this show, with talented artists like The Band Perry and Lee Brice and Rascal Flatts,” says founding member Shawn Stockman. “We want to bring our own edge and flavor to the stage, so we’re definitely looking forward (to it).”
The American R&B vocal group comprises members Nathan Morris, Wayne Morris and Stockman. Michael McCary was a member of the original quartet but left in 2003 for health reasons.
In 1992, “End of the Road” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at the top spot for a record-breaking 13 weeks. The group’s subsequent hits, “I’ll Make Love to You” and “One Sweet Day,” broke that record of longevity later in the decade.
And although Boyz II Men’s illustrious career has taken its members all over the world, this year marks the group’s first stop at the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
“We are fortunate enough to have played a number of festivals, but this will actually be our first time at the (Florida) Strawberry Festival,” Stockman says. “We’re definitely looking forward to performing and showing all of our Florida fans a good time.”
The group started in the mid-1980s at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts as Unique Attraction.
“We’re from Philadelphia, which has a very vibrant arts and music scene, so we definitely went to a lot of local festivals and events growing up — especially ones with live music,” Stockman says.
Inspired by New Edition, Boyz II Men renamed itself after a New Edition song. When Boyz II Men’s members made it backstage at a New Edition show, they managed to get member Michael Bivins to listen to them. He saw potential.
Boyz II Men’s first album, “Cooleyhighharmony,” sold more than nine million copies and won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1992.
Even after more than 20 years of performing, Stockman says he still enjoys taking the stage.
“Just seeing the reaction from the fans and getting to connect with the audience,” Stockman says. “We feed off of their energy. As an artist, there’s nothing more satisfying than putting your all into a performance and showing the fans a great time.”
Currently, Boyz II Men has a residency at the Mirage in Las Vegas, which has been extended through 2014. The group also is working on a new album.
“We have a lot of exciting things happening,” Stockman said.
BOYZ II MEN
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7
TICKETS: $20 and $25
WEBSITE: boyziimen.com