Island Dogs featured artist: Nick Norman

Nick Norman now calls Key West, Florida his home, but it was during his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina that he first acquired his passion for music. Attending Baptist church as a child exposed him to the awe inspiring power of the choir.

Nick Norman Band

"It was how I first learned that you can truly make people feel what you feel, by believing in what you are singing. They sang from their hearts and that is something I believe that cannot be faked," Norman said.

Nick Norman performs live at Island Dogs on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 8 p.m.

As a young man listening to South Carolina's emerging musicians of the time, such as Edwin McCain and Hootie and the Blowfish, he was also drawing from the styles of legendary artists including Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Inspired by an eclectic array of influences Nick created a sound all his own.

Branching out from his home state he performed on stages all over the southeast, eventually finding his way to the Southernmost city of Key West. As his solo acoustic shows were drawing crowds, Nick's song writing was steadily being fueled by the artistic vibe of the island blending with his native southern roots.

With the support of an expanding fan base eager to hear his original music, in 2010 Nick released his debut album "Hey Cheater" produced by close friends Jon Stone and Lee Brice. Shortly after the album release, Nick began to proudly share the stage with two amazing musicians, Joey Marchiano from Philly, and Key West's own "Caffeine Carl" Wagoner. Nick's vocals meshed with Carl's incomparable talent on lead guitar and Joey's meticulous groove on drums, forming the foundation of the Nick Norman Band.

Nick is currently writing for new projects and maintains a hefty national touring schedule with the Nick Norman Band. Never forgetting where he is from, Carolina is always a welcome stop on the long road.