Hitting Pause: Niko Moon's Vacation Vibes in Canton

A Vacation Vibe on Stage

Summer may be over, and kids are back in school, but country music artist Niko Moon believes the vacation and good time vibes never end when he's on stage. His performance at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton on September 19 will bring that flip-flop feeling to the city. This event marks the first fully ticketed show at the venue, offering a unique experience for fans.

Moon, known for his country pop songs, often evokes images of sunshine, beaches, pina coladas, cruising on a boat, and coating your body with sunscreen. The live show is like a vacation for him, where he can wear a Hawaiian shirt and be barefoot, creating a sense of escape for everyone in attendance.

The concert is expected to draw more than 1,500 people. It is the first event at Centennial Plaza that requires tickets for admission. The venue is now managed by ASM Global, which also operates other venues across the country, including the city-owned Canton Memorial Civic Center.

Concert Details and Security Measures

Blake Schilling, the general manager of the Civic Center, noted that based on ticket sales, more than 1,500 people are expected at the concert. Four entry points will limit access to ticket holders, located at Market Avenue N and Fifth Street; Market Avenue N and Second Street; Fourth Street and Piedmont Avenue; and Cleveland Avenue NW and Fourth Street.

Contemporary Services Corporation will operate the entry points, where digital tickets will be scanned. Concertgoers will walk through metal detectors and have bags checked. Wristbands will be given to prove they have a ticket. Canton police will provide security on the perimeter of the concert area, as well as having a presence at Centennial Plaza.

"We have developed a plan that will provide a secure and entertaining environment," Schilling said. All tickets are general admission, except for the patio and pit areas, which are sold out. No seating will be provided for general admission ticket holders. Entry points open at 6 p.m., with Moon scheduled to perform from 9:15 to 10:30 p.m. Opening acts have not been announced.

Weather and Venue Plans

Schilling mentioned that the extended forecast looks fantastic, but if it changes, the concert will be moved to the Civic Center. "This concert will happen one way or another," he said.

Todd Herberghs, executive director of the Downtown Canton Partnership, expressed excitement about the first ticketed event downtown at the plaza. He highlighted the collaboration with ASM Global and the opportunity to activate Centennial Plaza and bring more people to downtown Canton.

Niko Moon has worked with notable artists such as Zac Brown, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Cornell. Before releasing his first solo album, "Good Time" in 2021, he was a successful songwriter. His debut album featured songs co-written with his wife, Anna Moon, except for a Travis Tritt cover.

Musical Influences and Impact

Moon followed up with the album "Better Days" in 2024 and "American Palm" this summer. Popular songs include "Good Time," "Paradise to Me," "Fishin' In The Dark," "Small Town State of Mind," "No Sad Songs," "Boat Song," and "Sandcastles."

Growing up, his varied musical influences included John Prine, Emmylou Harris, The Eagles, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, Oukast, and the Ying Yang Twins. However, his own music is most influenced by Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett.

Moon has penned songs for music stars such as Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Morgan Wallen, and Pitbull. He co-produced the Zac Brown Band's 2015 album "Jekyll + Hyde" and their 2017 studio release "Welcome Home." Among the featured artists on "Jekyll + Hyde" was the late Chris Cornell, acclaimed singer of the grunge rock band Soundgarden.

Mental Health Advocacy

Making his own music is especially rewarding for Moon. He believes that being able to make music centered around a message of positivity gives his music a great amount of meaning and purpose. Music can help people persevere through difficult times and with mental health struggles, he said.

Moon champions mental health through his Happy Cowboy Foundation, which he operates with his wife. The foundation helps people who are looking for therapy to get positive peace of mind again but can't afford it. "Peace of mind shouldn't be relegated to those with enough cash," Moon said. "Peace of mind should be for everybody."

Event Information

What: Niko Moon concert
When: Sept. 19. Gates open at 6 p.m. Moon is scheduled to take the stage at 9:15 p.m. Opening acts have not been announced.
Where: Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW along Market Avenue N in downtown Canton.
Tickets: General admission tickets cost $41.25 (fees included) and can be purchased through hometownjams.com and at ticketmaster.com. VIP meet-and-greet packages are available at nikomoon.com. Tickets also will be sold at concert entry points on Sept. 19, but a cell phone and credit card are required.