On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, Pinecrest High School got the surprise of a lifetime: Drake Bell performed for free for the students. Juniors, seniors, and performing arts students were able to attend this performance during their 3rd and 4th periods.

 

Bell, 31,  is most known for his role on Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh, a sitcom about two brothers. This led to his music career which has been successful since the show ended in 2007. Many students were excited to see Bell because they grew up watching the show, which first aired in 2004.

 

The event was hosted by High School Nation, and it was sponsored by companies such as Takis, Sparkling ICE, and Hollister. High School Nation’s purpose is to “put on an assembly event that celebrates and educates students about the arts and the vast number of careers that exist.” Pinecrest was one of the five schools in North Carolina chosen by High School Nation.

 

“[The purpose is] just to show kids that there is a life in the arts. A lot of schools don’t have theater programs, so it’s cool to be able to donate recording equipment and show kids that if you stay focused, work hard, and practice that there is a life for you in the arts,” said Bell.

 

Besides the free concert, another aspect of High School Nation that benefits students is the donation of recording equipment to public high schools.

 

“It gives them access to something they wouldn’t have access to,” said Bell of the equipment. “It shows them that they can make records, write songs, perform, produce, be the sound engineer, be the guy behind the mixing board, they can be a crew member. There are just so many elements that go into this...there’s so much there for them.”

 

The event was set up like a music festival. There were different booths, including a ball pit and a dance floor. Students could walk around, pick up free gear, and meet different artists. Students also had the chance to try out different instruments and equipment.

 

At 2:00pm, the performances started. There were various artists including band Beta Play, singer Caroline Roman, band Nikki’s Wives, hip-hop duo 2øK, singer Kerri Medders, and singer Drake Bell.

 

Nikki’s Wives member Dylan Lauzon said, “We’ve been with High School Nation for the whole five weeks. We got involved because it brings music education and a touring music program to kids. Getting to be a lot of kids’ first concert...it’s a privilege to get to do that.”

 

“I’m sixteen, and High School Nation is all about inspiring kids to do what they love,” said Roman. “Even me at times, I’ve doubted myself, so seeing other kids and inspiring them is what it’s all about.”

 

In between acts, a DJ came  on stage and got the crowd excited for the next artist. This included dance competitions, dance performances by a group of Pinecrest students, and contests to win free prizes.

 

Bell performed on stage last. He started with some songs off his new EP Honest before he played the famous Drake & Josh theme song, “I Found A Way.” It started to rain during the theme song, so the performance was cut short.

 

Bell, however, stayed and met with students who purchased a shirt and performing arts students who helped set up for this event.

 

“It’s so difficult to get kids to your concert because they have to ask their parents, and find a chaperone, and get a ride, and then they have to ask for money, and I thought it would be cool if we could bring the concert to them,” said Bell. “So, I found High School Nation and saw that they had the whole infrastructure set up, and all I had to do was hop on.”

​

The concert was a hit at Pinecrest. Students raved about it the rest of  week. “It was nice to meet one of my childhood heroes, and someone who helped me grow as a person,” said junior Ian Blue.