PHOTO GALLERY: Peterik, 'American Idol' Finalists Lead Music Camp

While two of the most popular athletes in professional sports—Dwyane Wade and Devin Hester—gathered in the Lincoln-Way Central field house Friday amid a flurry of media attention, with hundreds of kids in their sports camps and many parents hanging on their every word (and dunk), music lovers gathered in the performing arts theater for an intimate discussion of the music industry from four successful artists.

The music camp was led by Grammy-winning songwriter Jim Peterik, best known for his Eye of the Tiger fame in the band Survivor. He shared his love of music, his need for singing and songwriting and he shared his songs.

The small group of about 30 campers shared the stage with Peterik, as did Leslie Hunt (American Idol finalist), Andrew Salgado, (three semi-finalist awards won from Billboard Magazine's World Songwriter Contest) and Bo Bice, the Season 4 Idol runner-up to Carrie Underwood.

The artists have worked together on various projects and Peterik has mentored and been a friend to all of them. At 60 years old, he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

"I write and sing because I need to," Peterik said.

As a child, the world was a scary place to him. Any illness or tragedy that he saw on television was something he believed could soon happen to him. When he began writing and performing, he realized that the fears were kept at bay and he felt safe. He's continued ever since. He said that the words from Eye of a Tiger still counsel him to this day and keep him strong.

Bice spoke of his humble beginnings as a musician. At just 3 years old, he would sing Charlie Daniels' songs for family and friends and charge them a quarter to hear him sing. One afternoon, a neighbor down the street gave him a dollar to sing. He told the campers that he learned about contract negotiation that day and began charging a dollar. Bo Bice also shared a lesson about the word "no"

"You need to learn to love the word no in this business," he said. "Because you will hear the word no a thousand times for every time you hear yes."

He went on to share that it doesn't mean the kids aren't talented, it just means that they weren't right for that audition. Salgado, a soulful country music performer and songwriter, encouraged the kids to stay in school and go to college. He could be earning a living as a pharmacist right now, but is able to work as a professional musician. He also said it's important to have a back-up plan to support yourself while pursuing your dream.

Two local teens, Danny Provis and Lanie Kap, asked if they could sing a duet for the artists and the campers. Peterik and the others played music and even sand a little back-up for the two as they performed Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovie. Bo Bice encouraged them from the crowd and gave them a thumbs up on their performance. For music lovers, it was an incredible opportunity to gain insight into the industry from successful artists who worked their way up. The artists were humble, kind and warm and a pleasure to hear.