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Z100's Zootopia brings out teen stars, fans

BY GLENN GAMBOA | glenn.gamboa@newsday.com

9:38 AM EDT, May 18, 2008

Miley Cyrus performs at Z100's Zootopia'08 concert at the Izod Center. (Photo by Charles Eckert / May 17, 2008)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Even Miley Cyrus started the Zootopia celebration early yesterday afternoon in the Izod Center parking lot.

Though she was headlining hit-radio powerhouse Z100's annual summer kickoff concert, Cyrus, along with thousands of fans, arrived early to catch a free, pre-concert concert that included her brother Trace's band Metro Station and Long Island teen phenoms Push Play.

Z100 DJ Shelley Wade said she was surprised when she spotted Cyrus backstage rocking out to Flyleaf.

Maybe just as surprising was the massive ovation for Push Play, which was the only unsigned band to land a coveted spot on yesterday's bill.

The Long Island band, which has built its fan base through its MySpace page and high-profile concerts, drew a big crowd for its short set, which included a new song, "Away Away," and even a pop-punk version of the Rihanna hit "Umbrella," and their meet-and-greet with fans.

"Oh my god, they were amazing," said Brianne DeFlora, 17, of Bergen County, N.J., wearing a homemade Push Play T-shirt. "'Away Away' was my favorite."

Push Play's pop sound fit in well with this year's Zootopia slate of artists, including teen pop stars Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney and New Kids on the Block, making their first concert appearance since reuniting after 15 years.