(READINGTON, NJ)  --- They’re going to put a shine on the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America. Multi-platinum-selling rock band Collective Soul will perform Friday, July 29 at 8:00pm in association with WDHA 105.5 to open the live concert series at the 39th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning at Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ.

Born during the rise of grunge and alternative rock, Collective Soul broke into mainstream popularity thanks to extensive radio play of their rock anthem “Shine.” The breakout song helped Collective Soul establish themselves as major players on the alternative rock scene, VH1 would later rank "Shine" at number 42 on their list of the "100 Greatest Songs of the '90s".

The Georgia-based quintet has been making music for more than two decades since then, and has a catalog of  No. 1 hits under their belts.

Their self-titled album Collective Soul enjoyed a lengthy stay atop the Billboard charts and went triple-platinum, becoming the band's highest-selling album. The singles "December", "The World I Know", and "Where the River Flows" each reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock charts.

They later followed that success with the hits "Precious Declaration," "Listen," and "Heavy." All told, the band has had eight No. 1 hits, with “Shine” and “December” both winning Billboard Music Awards for Top Rock Song.

Collective Soul consists of principal singer-songwriter Ed Roland (vocals/guitar), Dean Roland (rhythm guitarist), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar/background vocals), Will Turpin (bass/background vocals), and Johnny Rabb (drums/background vocals).

Coming off of a triumphant celebration tour, the band is galvanized to add as much fresh material into their live sets as they can.

“So much of what we do is based on the camaraderie-ship of the band,” said Ed Roland. “The five of us continue to work together as a family, and I’ve never been more at ease – and never been more pleased – than going onstage with these guys night after night.”

“We’re proud to continue to offer a wide variety of artists as we look forward to once again creating an outdoor entertainment experience that people of all ages can enjoy with their friends and family,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman.

The three-day New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, July 29-30-31, features twice-a-day mass ascensions of up to 100 sport and special shaped hot air balloons, its hugely popular concert series, family entertainment and attractions, food, fireworks, and more.

Opening Day highlights and attractions on July 29 include a mass ascension of up to 100 balloons at 6:30pm, Collective Soul in concert at 8:00pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

 Tickets are available for purchase online and include Blue Sky Club VIP packages, Reserved Concert Seats, Concert Chalets, as well as general admission lawn seating.