When Boca Raton native Montana Tucker moved away to pursue her dream of becoming a performer, she never forgot about her love for her hometown and the people in it.
On Jan. 15, the 29-year-old (who will turn 30 on Jan. 18) admirably dubbed as superstar Jennifer Lopez’s modern-day protegé will be bringing her talent to the campus of Florida Atlantic University to perform in Concert-4-Kindness. This first-ever event will include Tucker and her dancers, poetry readings and performances by local artists, including FAU’s very own director of dance, Clarence Brooks. Everyone will have the same mission — to promote goodwill.
“If people were kinder to each other, the world would be so different,” says Tucker, a singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and social media icon.
It turns out that Tucker’s mission to tout kindness stems from some hurtful moments of her own. She recalls her school days and being bigger than the other girls. She was teased because of it and spent many days eating lunch while hiding in the bathroom stalls.
“I was really bullied. That’s why I’m encouraging people to be good,” Tucker says.
She is also an advocate for Holocaust education. Her grandparents were Holocaust survivors, and pride resonates in Tucker’s voice as she talks about her recent journey to Poland to retrace her family’s roots. She documented her experience on social media and recently spoke about it on “Good Morning America.”
Scrolling through her social media accounts — which have racked up a combined 14 million followers — one can see Tucker’s passion for her craft. She posts videos about bullying and body image, some by way of dance. Tucker moves her body flawlessly in stilettos and flashy outfits and she always looks like she’s having fun.
But her schedule isn’t for the meek. She works constantly and has opened for icons like JLo and Pitbull. Tucker’s body is always in motion, which means she appreciates her downtime. Lounging on her couch, watching Netflix, fills her cup. And once she’s rested, Tucker is ready to jump into her fast-paced life once more.
When asked how she manages to keep her positive energy in a line of work that isn’t always kind, Tucker says she’s built a thicker skin since her younger days and knows how to tune out the bad noise. Plus, she says, she adores her work.
“I truly do love it,” she says.
Concert tickets can be purchased at fauevents.com. Proceeds will be donated to FAU’s future Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust & Jewish Studies building.