With the ever-popular W.C. Handy Music Festival kicking off this past Thursday, Franklin County residents may not realize that they don’t even have to travel over to the Shoals to enjoy one of the festival’s events.
The 12th annual “Evening at the Roxy” featuring the Great Pretenders will take place in downtown Russellville on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
The event, which is sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Council, features local talent who will be doing their best impressions of famous artists such as Marty Robbins, Reba McEntire, Adele, Hank Williams, Sr., Jerry Lee Lewis, Ronnie Milsap and Elvis.
This year some of the performers include Jacob Green, Bert Fowler, Danyelle Hillman, Jayne Wells, Buford Parker, Brooklyn Hall, Adam Green, Chase Holland, Haley Peters, Hudson Copeland, Kaydee Holland, Kody Madden, Lucas Sheppard, Blaze Bishop the Shaggy Bottom Boys and more.
Local artist Brandi Gholston will also be doing an original song.
“Each year the W.C. Handy Festival grows larger and brings people from all over the state as well as from other states to Northwest Alabama,” arts council president Susie Malone said. “Sponsoring one of the Handy events here in Russellville promotes the tourism in our area and helps our local economy.”
Malone said the event will also help the Roxy Theater directly since the $5 admission cost for anyone over age six goes towards the restoration of the theater.
“The Arts Council wants to present quality, wholesome programs that the entire family can enjoy,” Malone said. “This will be an entertaining evening that you do not want to miss.”