Bo Bice headlined Taste of Utica Saturday night, and before the show, I had a chance to sit down with him for a few minutes and catch up. The interview was in the Common Council Chamber of Utica's City Hall, a rather odd locale, but one that amused Bo! Before we talked, he insisted on sitting in the mayor's seat on the platform and posed for pictures.
I hadn't talked to Bo in person since the 'Idol' tour show in Syracuse five years ago. That night was his first back on tour since having had major surgery, and while he kicked butt on stage, he was still in a lot of pain.
Five years (and two more surgeries) later, Bo has a clean bill of health and is feeling great. He told me that, in the long run, being forced to take those breaks because of the surgeries worked to his advantage, giving him more time to focus on his family and on his music. He said he really needed that time off to acclimate to each stage of his journey and can't imagine how crazy things would have been if he'd been working and touring non-stop. He noted that Carrie Underwood, that season's winner, has not taken any time off in five years.
Bo told me having his first child, Aidan, who is now five, made him aware of what's really important in life. He knew his priorities had to change and having a child grounded him.
Bo said while he was disappointed that RCA dropped him after just one album, he is grateful for having had the experience of working with Clive Davis. He noted the great producers and songwriters who were involved in The Real Thing, and said he learned a lot about both the business and creative sides of producing an album. He now has his own studio and label, and has released two CDs, See the Light and most recently 3.
Bo is also writing a lot and told me that when he's not on the road, his day job is writing songs. He's collaborating with other songwriters and finds this experience very rewarding.
He mentioned that he flown up to CNY from Tampa where he performed Friday night at the Army Ball. He told me how much it means to him to do things to honor our men and women in uniform. "They are the true heroes," he said. He also mentioned the contributions of Judy Seale, founder of Stars for Stripes, a non-profit organization that provides entertainment to internationally deployed U.S. military forces. He has visited both Afghanistan and Iraq as part of this program and is passionate about the importance of this work.
Bo told me his recognition of the importance of honoring our troops really started when the Season 4 Idols visited Walter Reed Army Hospital during the tour. He credited that visit with really opening his eyes to the challenges our forces face on their return home.
We chatted a bit about his family and how he is trying to model his parenting after that of his father, trying to discipline by talking and reasoning rather than punishing. He said this doesn't always work, especially with a five-year old! Having three boys is a challenge, but he clearly enjoys being a dad and is very grateful that he is able to be there for them during these formative years.
After we talked, Bo took to the stage and put on a 90-minute show that included songs from all three albums, including his radio hit "The Real Thing." The crowd of approximately 2,000 was with him all the way, and when I left, a long line was forming to get autographs and say hello.
Bo Bice has come into his own as an artist and a man. But he's still humble and grateful for all the blessings that he has in his life. And, not incidentally, he still kicks butt onstage!
(Originally published on syracuse.com)
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is in regular rotation in my car CD player and I notice that radio stations are still playing his music. I'm pleased that his once-tarnished image has been restored and in death, it's all about his music. 
performance by the Mike Estep Band. Admission is $7 and includes parking. 
