Dustin Weiss is on his way to making his singing dreams in Nashville come true.
    Weiss is launching his big stage debut in August when he opens for Kenny Chesney at the 2008 WE Fest held at the Soo Pass Ranch and Amphitheater near Detroit Lakes, Minn. Following that show, he will be moving to Nashville.
    The Nashua High School graduate got his first break when he took second place at the WE Fest Karaoke Roundup finals in May at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minn. From 60 finalists, the top three singers were booked to perform on the main stage at WE Fest.
    “Singing has always been my true passion,” Weiss said. “I always knew it was something I wanted to do. I love singing and music.”
    As a boy, Weiss sang at church and in school musicals, and he has been writing his own songs. His family owns Ionia Meat Processing Inc., and he has been working there while going to Kirkwood Community College.
    “I’m not going to be cutting meat the rest of my life,” Weiss said.
    In addition to helping out at his family’s business, Weiss worked for Club 2000 in Waterloo. That is where he won his chance to perform in the karaoke finals.
    Weiss said his family is very supportive of his career ambitions. “They have funded some of my trips to auditions,” he added.
    Weiss will perform two songs before Chesney takes the stage. The WE Fest will be held Aug. 7-9 and the show draws about 60,000 people every year. Weiss said a CD of the top three karaoke winners will be available during the festival. He described his musical style as a mix between soft rock, country and pop music similar to Edwin McCain and Nick Lachey. Weiss can be heard on MySpace at dweissmusic@myspace.com.
    “A lot of good opportunities can come out of this. It’s the next closest thing to an instant spotlight. I want to share my music and connect with people of all ages,” he said.