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Billy Currington Performing Saturday Night!
Entertainment Schedule |
Artist Bios
Billy Currington
Although success has carried Mercury Records recording artist/songwriter Billy Currington far away from his beloved hometown of Rincon, Georgia, he remains the same simple man who was indelibly shaped by his upbringing in this small Southern town with a population of 4,376.
Currington burst onto the music scene in 2003 with his eponymous debut CD, which contained the powerful Top 10 hit “Walk a Little Straighter” and the fun Top 5 smash “I Got a Feelin’,” which was accompanied by the memorable video co-starring Baywatch beauty Gena Lee Nolin. When superstar Shania Twain heard Currington’s soulful Southern voice, she knew she had found the perfect partner for the country duet “Party for Two.”
His musical success brought national media attention, including People magazine and USA Today, which named Currington an “On the Verge” artist. Nashville Lifestyles magazine named him one of its “25 Most Beautiful People.”
In his sophomore CD, Doin’ Somethin’ Right, Currington unveils a more mature Southern sound of blues-tinged country in songs such as the debut single, “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” “Why, Why, Why,” “Whole Lot More,” and “She’s Got A Way With Me.” Currington’s single “Good Directions” became his second number one single.
His music captures the lives of hard-working people who often live off the beaten path. The only luxury they can afford perhaps is time, so they relish the few moments they have off the clock, when their time is finally their own. Sometimes it’s the thought of Saturday night that gets them through an exhausting week, so when the weekend rolls around, it’s time to forget their troubles and celebrate.
Angela Hacker
Nashville Star Season 5 winner, Angela Hacker always wanted to be a singer and wrote her first song at age ten. Growing up in Muscle Shoals, she was steeped in the musical tradition of the city. Hacker played bar gigs with a rock band by night and worked day jobs to pay bills. At 25, she knew she had to make a change so she quit her day job so she would have time to write songs and hone her craft. Angela caught the attention of legendary publisher/producer, Rick Hall, and signed with his company where she found her place as a songwriter. At home with a supportive publishing company and secure with herself on stage, Angela took another leap outside her comfort zone by auditioning for Nashville Star. No one was surprised when both she, and brother, Zac, made it not only to the top ten but the final two. Over the weeks on the show, Angela won fans with her soulful renditions of songs like “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Strawberry Wine.”
The Jake Landers’ Band
If every band on the Bluegrass music circuit was categorized according to material probably not more than one or two could come close to the Jake Landers’ Band in terms of originality and popularity. Jake Landers is recognized nationally and worldwide as one of Bluegrass Music’s premier songwriters having penned such Bluegrass classics as: “Secrets of the Waterfall”, “The Girl I Love”, “The Last Request”, and the crossover hit “Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine”, which sold over two million copies for the Kentucky Headhunters. The current Jake Landers’ Band consists of Jake on guitar and vocals, Tony Robertson on mandolin guitar and vocals, Ricky Rogers on bass and vocals, and Rod Carter on banjo. All are among the very best bluegrass musicians on today’s bluegrass circuit.
Renewed
Renewed is an acappella gospel group based in the Shoals area. They have been singing together for twelve years and are all members of area Churches of Christ. Group members include Johnny Burns – manager, Jeffrey Brothers, Deborah Burns, Taressa Nance-Foster, Antoinne King, Wanda King, Latria King-Mason, Dena Nance, James Rowlett, and Howell “Flipper” Sledge.
Shane Baker
Shane is an artist/songwriter based out of Muscle Shoals, AL where he writes for NoiseBlock Music Publishing and serves as worship leader for 1st United Methodist Church of Sheffield and for “The Well”, a college ministry of 200 plus students in Florence, AL. Shane was formerly the lead singer for Christian Modern Rock band “Cadence” and released his solo project in April 2008. Shane has opened for bands and artists such as Audio Adrenaline, Superchick, Skillet, NewSong, Lenny LeBlanc, Day of Fire, The Wedding, Joel Engle, Avalon, and more.
Nate Sallie
This gifted singer/songwriter grew up in the Washington, D.C. area, the son of a preacher man. His unmistakable music brand began at the age of five with the arrival of a Baldwin upright piano. He would sit in his family’s living room, as a young boy, banging away at the keys and creating fascinating melodies, for hours on end. These living room sessions eventually led to stints with jazz bands and gospel choirs. He continued his musical refining with a degree in music as a classically trained pianist which resulted in recordings, record deals, Dove Award nominations, and hit songs. Over the past ten years, Nate’s family, friends, and fans have witnessed as the accolades, awards, and applause have taken a back seat to his relationship with the Lord. This new found freedom in Christ has resulted in a powerful project entitled, “Ruined for Ordinary.” Nate has been quoted saying, “The mission and vision in the melodies that pour out from the Creator of Creation, is for the children of God to leave with more than just a CD and a smile, but to leave encouraged, edified, and having encountered the transforming power of Jesus Christ.” As you worship with Nate in concert, you will be led into the presence of the Almighty, not merely entertained, but engaged in a symphony of praise being raised to the King! Nate currently resides in Franklin, TN with his wife Sarah, and daughter, Morgyn.
Vintage Deluxe
Vintage Deluxe are classic rockers playing hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s with a touch of Muscle Shoals soul. These 5 veteran musicians each bring years of performance and studio talent to the stage, individually opening for acts such as Charlie Daniels, Greg Allman Band, Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Cheap Trick, Molly Hatchett, Leroux, Rossington Collins Band, John Berry, Lee Roy Parnell, Ty Herndon, Wade Hayes, Ronnie Milsap, and Black Oak Arkansas. Members of the group are Eugene Landers–rhythm guitar/lead vocals, Steve Butler–lead guitar, David Goins–bass guitar, Jerry Goins–drums/background vocals, and Wade Wimberly – keys/piano. Whether it’s classic rock ‘n roll, rhythm and soul, or slow ballads, this versatile band delivers!
Jukebox Jim
Get ready for a taste of Muscle Shoals soul. Jukebox Jim, named after Shoals area legendary jukebox operator, Jim Henson, brings a combination of soul and southern rock to the Helen Keller Festival. Jukebox Jim consists of Jeff Henson-lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Muscle Shoals Sound and FCC band member, Jimmy “BeBop” Evans-drums/percussion; Jordan “The Kid” Denton-vocals/lead guitar; original Jackson Highway band member, Tommy Patterson-vocals/keyboard; and George Henley-bass. Jeff’s musical talent was first heard at taverns in Tuscaloosa as a student at the University of Alabama singing live music and playing the acoustic guitar. As Muscle Shoals Sound members, both Be-Bop and Tommy bring a classic vibe to the band that reflects the rich sound of Muscle Shoals music. They have played sessions and performed with many stars all over the country. Jordan is the grandson of Muscle Shoals recording artist and Alabama state senator Bobby Denton. George has brought great talent to the band with his relentless energy to set the stage on fire at each performance. You can catch this great local band just about every weekend at the area’s hotspots performing live with a faithful following of fans.
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Kelsey Self
Kelsey Self is eighteen years old and a recent graduate of Muscle Shoals High School. Her love of music began, when at the age of five, she started playing the piano and when she was seven, Kelsey sang in her first play, Annie. Since then, Kelsey has continued singing in churches, choirs, and theatre productions. Some of her favorite roles include Dorothy, Snoopy, Tuptim in The King and I, and most recently Anita in West Side Story. Last summer, Kelsey was accepted into Oklahoma City Universities Musical Theatre Intensive where they performed the popular musical Les Miserables. In high school, she was chorus president and involved in All State Choir and All State Show Choir. Kelsey also likes to participate in pageants and has been Miss Trojan Beauty and is the reigning Colbert County Junior Miss. In the fall, she will attend Belmont University in Nashville after being accepted into their musical theatre program. After college, Kelsey plans to pursue a music career in hopes of fulfilling her dream of performing on the Broadway stage.
Lee Taylor
Lee Taylor is a University of North Alabama junior from Pensacola, Florida. Lee is a commercial music major and plans to pursue a career in the music industry after college. His songs are inspired by everything from his faith in God, the world around him, and everything in between. He is also the premier recording artist for UNA’s own record label, Singing River Records. His first album, “Someone Like Me”, a 6 track EP, was released in November 2007 and is sold around the Shoals area and all of Lee’s live performances. You will not want to miss Lee’s performance.
Malcolm & Gaylon
Malcolm Singleton simply loves music, especially the sound of the classic pop-rock songs. He is an energetic singer/songwriter who loves the art of performing the concise and well-written song. Drawing inspiration from a number of genres, Malcolm’s musical style cannot be classified; it is unique and innovative. Malcolm gets some of his songwriting influences from European bands. He joined his first band in the seventh grade, and has been performing ever since. His songs have won numerous songwriting competitions; two of his award-winning songs, “Counting on You” and “I’m Over You”, are included on his debut CD, “This Feeling”. The project features Malcolm playing every instrument and singing all lead and background vocals. Malcolm is a graduate of UNA and also attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. His resume includes an internship with Rounder Records, also located in Boston. Malcolm’s music is recorded on the Independent label, TRI-OOMPH Entertainment. You can listen to song clips from his EP, “This Feeling”, at www.malcolmsingleton.com
Gaylon Partain grew up in Russellville, AL. A current resident of Decatur, he is a graduate of the University of North Alabama, where he earned a degree in Commercial Music. Gaylon has been a performing guitarist in various bands, and along with Malcolm Singleton, since junior high school. He is currently employed at Jacobs Technology in Huntsville, AL.
Austin Cunningham
Originally from Garland, Texas, Austin Cunningham has been making himself heard from Nashville’s Music Row, to kicking up dust on the Texas music scene. As a songwriter, Austin has had songs recorded by Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Tracy Byrd, Wynonna, Chris Knight, and Del McCoury. He has songs on feature film tracks starring Ashley Judd and Richard Gere. Austin is the recipient of the coveted Johnny Mercer Award for “Emerging American Songwriters”. As a performer, Austin is one of the most versatile artists in the business. His performances are captivating, leaving listeners hanging onto every word of every song….songs that mean something, songs that tell great stories. Austin is an awesome musician and is entertainment at its best.
The Ray Brothers
The Ray Brothers are a new group from Florence, AL. Heavily influenced by the rich musical heritage of the Shoals area, The Ray Brothers recently released their debut album, Missing the Point, featuring all original music. Playing their own compositions, along with a little pop, funk and rock, The Ray Brothers are sure to entertain you. For more information, including samples of their music, visit http://www.myspace.com/raybros.
Hillbilly Delux
With twin guitars screaming and hard pounding Waylonesque bass and drums, Hillbilly Delux’s sound comes to life. It is best described as hard-driving, rocking Country – colored with the flavor of Hank Jr., Montgomery Gentry, Skynrd and Waylon. This Muscle Shoals, AL based band is consistently turning heads with sharply written original songs combined with the best covers from the past and present. They grab the crowd’s attention with rocking Country groove and lead vocalist Craig Putnam’s high-flying stage antics and engaging stage presence. Other members of Hillbilly Delux include Mitch Clemmons – lead guitar, Terry Harvey – rhythm guitar/background vocals, Chris Stanphill – bass, and Matt Mchargue – drums. |
