The city of Riviera Beach’s website boasts that it’s the best waterfront city in which to live, work and play, and this weekend it’s sure to live up to the hype.
The city’s gorgeous beach will come alive as Black Entertainment Television (BET) comes back to the city to tape its annual spring break music festival, “Spring Bling 2010,” featuring sizzling hot performances and appearances by Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Soulja Boy, Nicki Minaj, Trina and more.
“Spring Blingers” are set for a day of non-stop entertainment starting at noon on Saturday, April 10 with the BET fan favorite, “Beach Towel Throwdown,” featuring blazing performances by today’s chart-topping artists.
Next up is a fun and fierce competition called “My King and My Queen,” where contestants vie for the title of King and Queen of Spring Bling 2010. Spring Break revelers might also meet their match in a dating show with a twist, called, “Who Got Game?”
Following all the fun and excitement will be two very special segments, “Ready 4 Trey,” with R&B superstar Trey Songz, and “I Am Nicki,” featuring hip-hop princess, Nicki Minaj.
Hosts of the full day of excitement are BET’s 106th and Park hosts, Terrence J and Rocsi, as well as former America’s Next Top Model contestant, and BET correspondent, Toccara.
About 2,000 students from all over the United States will take part in the TV taping on April 10. The show will air on BET on Friday, April 16 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and also on Saturday, April 17 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Chuck Elderd, film commissioner of Palm Beach County, says that BET boasts one of the most professional productions he has seen.
“BET is such a professional production company,” he said. “It’s just a joy to have them here.”
Rose Anne Brown, public information officer for the city of Riviera Beach, agreed.
“We’re excited to host Spring Bling,” Brown said. “It’s an opportunity to have our beach on display for what it is — probably one of the best beaches you’re ever going to find any place. And we find that this is such a positive event — lots of young people, and on a great beach.”
Just three years ago, however, when BET first brought its Spring Bling to Riviera Beach, it had its detractors. Many of the beach’s mostly white residents expressed fear and concern. Many feared there would be rowdy, raucous crowds.
The city council voted to host the event, anyway, and vowed it would do all it could to assure a safe, fun event. The city met that goal with extensive security and other measures to make sure the production went off without a hitch.
Elderd said that, despite the concerns, the students have been more than cooperative, and on their best
behavior.
“It goes well, because the kids know they’re part of a show. They’re not drinking. They’re not misbehaving. They’re following directions. It’s really well-orchestrated,” he said.
Elderd has already extended the invitation to BET to return next year.
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