Country Music star Chase Rice stops by Boys & Girls Club ahead of Azalea Festival concert

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Country Music star Chase Rice is in town for his concert at the Azalea Festival Friday night.

Ahead of the event, Rice stopped by the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina to spend time with the kids.

Rice spoke to club members about the importance of healthy digital habits, unplugging from technology and taking part in activities such as games to allow for genuine connections.

He also played several songs and encouraged members to keep striving for their dreams.

Rice says it’s important to reach kids now before they develop unhealthy digital habits.

“It’s only going to get worse for more generations that grow up with phones,” Rice said. “They’re just always on them. Disconnect from that thing and go really connect with people face-to-face. That human interaction goes a lot further than texting people or getting on social media.”

Before leaving Rice presented a $10,000 check from UScellular and announced the kids would be receiving tickets to his Azalea Festival concert.