Goldsboro Native to Headline His First Concert on 15th Anniversary of Life-Changing Accident
PRINCETON, N.C. – October 11th will mark a historic moment for both the Princeton Fall Festival and local artist Bryan Lewis, as the 34-year-old performer prepares to headline his first major concert exactly 15 years after a life-altering accident nearly claimed his life.
Lewis, a multi-talented teacher, coach, DJ, artist, producer, singer-songwriter, and motivational speaker from Rosewood, will take the stage at the Princeton Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on North Center Street. The event represents a full-circle moment for Lewis, whose accident occurred in Princeton on October 11, 2010, just eight minutes from his home.
A Journey of Triumph Over Tragedy
At age 19, Lewis died for five minutes and flatlined three additional times during emergency surgery following his accident. Doctors told him he would never return to school, work, or pursue his dreams. Lewis has systematically proven each prediction wrong.
“I graduated in the top five of my class, worked from 2012 to 2023, and even worked from the nursing home,” Lewis explained. “When God gives you a gift, he equips you to do it well and allows you to adapt to every situation to use your gift.”
Lewis spent two years and eight months in a nursing home recovering from stage 4 ulcers and extensive injuries. His wounds, which doctors said would never heal, recovered 100 percent, allowing him to return home and pursue his passion for music and community service.
Building a Musical Legacy
Despite his physical challenges, Lewis has built an impressive catalog of 17 albums spanning instrumentals and songs. He has performed at major events including the Dreamville Festival twice and Super Bowl weekend festivities. However, the Princeton Fall Festival will mark his first time as a headlining solo act.
“This will be my moment, my one-man opportunity,” Lewis said. “I don’t know anyone in a wheelchair who is headlining their own festival and concert with the body of work I have.”
The four-hour performance will feature Lewis both DJing and performing his original music, along with a special guest performer. Despite the physical demands of performing from his wheelchair while managing paralyzed fingers and ongoing pain, Lewis promises an energetic show filled with surprises.
Community Support and New Releases
The festival will serve as a launch pad for several of Lewis’s projects. His “Stay Motivated” clothing line debuts the same day, and festival attendees will have exclusive access to a deluxe USB drive containing the deluxe album “Cruisin Music Pt 5/Tricia’s Music Pt 2,” five unreleased tracks from his upcoming R&B album “Mr. Nice Guy,” and a free copy of his published poetry book “Writings of a Poet, Written From the Heart” – all for $5.
As an added incentive, anyone who purchases a shirt and/or USB drive will receive free admission to Lewis’s next sneaker convention event. Purchasers must write their names in notebooks provided at each booth after their purchase to qualify for the free entry.
Lewis is currently accepting donations to help cover production costs for sound equipment, recording, and special elements he hopes to include in the show. Donations can be made via:
- CashApp: $BillyRUReady
- PayPal: blewis199125@yahoo.com
- Zelle: blewis199125@yahoo.com
A Performance Dedicated to Family
The concert holds special significance as Lewis dedicates the performance to his adoptive mother Patricia Whitley, who passed away on November 15, 2022, while he was still in the nursing home. She had been his biggest supporter throughout his athletic and artistic endeavors.
“I’m doing this for Mi, Rosa, which is my Rose in Spanish,” Lewis said. “She used to tell me I was the strongest person in the world, and I know she will be so proud.”
Both his adoptive father and biological mother plan to attend, along with members of his biological family whom he reconnected with later in life.
Looking Toward the Future
The festival performance represents just the beginning of Lewis’s expanded touring plans. He intends to tour with his upcoming “Mr. Nice Guy” album, which focuses on uplifting relationships and bringing back positive R&B music.
“This isn’t going to be the last show,” Lewis stated. “I’m definitely going on tour next year. This is just the first step.”
Festival Details and Community Impact
The Princeton Fall Festival will offer extensive family-friendly activities alongside Lewis’s headline performance. The event will feature food, drinks, vendors, games, inflatables, firetrucks, EMS and police demonstrations, a pie eating contest, face painting, an art show, and much more. Lewis will be available for free photos and autographs following his performance.
Lewis continues to serve his community as an educator and coach at Rosewood while organizing local events including the Goldsboro Family Fun Night with police, community gatherings, and sneaker conventions. He challenges local residents to support homegrown talent.
“If you can go to the club, you can come to the festival,” Lewis said. “This is a chance to support someone positive who has been serving the community.”
The Princeton Fall Festival takes place October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on North Center Street in Princeton, featuring live music by Bryan “BNICE” Lewis along with food, drinks, vendors, games, inflatables, firetrucks, EMS and police demonstrations, pie eating contests, face painting, art shows and much more for the entire family. Donations can be made via CashApp ($BillyRUReady), PayPal, or Zelle (blewis199125@yahoo.com).
Lewis’s story exemplifies resilience and the power of refusing to accept limitations, promising an inspirational celebration of life, music, and community on the 15th anniversary of the day that changed everything.
