Disney star to rock San Mateo County Fair
August 12th, 2008His voice is associated with the sounds of Disney’s hit “High School Musical,” but 26-year-old Drew Seeley has other aspirations outside of high school.
Seeley began singing and acting at age 11 while living in Canada. He got a lucky break recording for a yet-to-be released Disney project about students navigating their way through the halls of high school set to music. Seeley’s recordings were blended with Zac Efron, who played Troy in the movie, to create the finished version.
“You always hope that everything you do is not a waste of time,” said Seeley. “It didn’t immediately open doors.”
The movie’s success led to a couple sequels, an ice tour and a concert series. For Seeley, it also allowed him the chance to focus on his own music. On Monday, his voice can be heard on the San Mateo County fairgrounds as he performs on Kids’ Day.
Seeley will bring a mix of his work with Disney and personal songs into the mix while performing while gauging the crowd to decide what’s going to get the audience excited. Just having the opportunity to tour is not lost on Seeley who remembers working as a food runner only a year and a half ago.
As a result, his voice can be heard on seven Disney CDs. Additionally, he co-wrote “Get’cha Head in the Game,” a song for High School Musical, with Ray and Greg Cham. The song earned a 2006 Emmy nominee for outstanding original music. Seeley also took over the role of Troy in the “High School Musical: The Concert,” tour while Efron was shooting “Hairspray.”
The stadium tour put Seeley before crowds of up to 60,000 per show.
Fairs give Seeley a chance to create a more intimate performance. He plans to keep it high energy. If attendees are lucky, Seeley may throw in a song or two from the upcoming movie “Another Cinderella Story,” in which he plays Prince Charming alongside Selena Gomez. Seeley sings, acts and dances for the movie due out in September. The soundtrack, however, will hit airwaves later this month.
Drew Seeley will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11 on the main stage. Concerts are included in fair admission price. Premiere seating is available for an additional charge. On Kids’ Day, all kids 12 and under get into the fair for free. For more information visit www.sanmateocountyfair.com. For more information on Seeley visit www.drewseeleystreetteam.com.