The Franklin County Arts Council is sponsoring the 18^th annual Evening at the Roxy during the week of the W. C. Handy Music Festival. Entertainment will be presented by local talent featured as The Great Pretenders July 26 at 7 p.m.

According to Susie Malone, the following are just some of the entertainers scheduled to perform:  Hailey Peters,  Alissa Young, Dana Hill, Jayne Wells, Angela Townsel, Anna Beth and Ally Oliver, Hudson Copeland, Sydney Medley, Gary Cummings, Robin Wigginton, Layne Boyd, Will Brown, Leah Nix, Avery Guinn,  RHS A Capella Ensemble, John Pilati, Jeff Allen, Layla Rush, Buford Parker, Lucas Shepard,  Mike Byrd, Bruce Hamilton, Lauren Sturdivant, Suzanne Pitt, Gene Grubbs, Ella West, Tammy West, “Still Here Gospel Group” consisting of the Rev. William Freeman, Wash Bates, William Nelson, Eric Goodloe, Willie Buchanan, Bryant Bonds, Treabean Williams and other entertainers.

Katerina Cole-Coffey will serve as emcee.

Tammy West, who has participated in past years, said she always enjoys performing with The Great Pretenders.

“I love the fact that Mrs. Malone has brought something to Russellville for all of us to get together and enjoy,” West said.

West will be performing a comedy act, which she has done at the Roxy before.

“I love making people laugh, and the people make you feel so at home. It’s a great feeling,” West said.

All proceeds will go to the Historic Roxy Theatre.  Tickets, which will be sold at the door, are $5 or free for children younger than 6.

Each year the W. C. Handy Festival grows larger, bringing people from all over the state as well as from other states to northwest Alabama.

“This event promotes tourism in our area and helps our local economy,” Malone said. “Several local businesses, industries and individuals support this program by sponsorships. They will be acknowledged in the official W. C. Handy brochures, on the W.C Handy website, the Roxy movie screen and the program.

“The Arts Council takes pride in the restoration of the Historic Roxy Theatre,” Malone added. “The Arts Council wants to present quality wholesome programs the entire family can enjoy.  This will be an entertaining evening you will not want to miss.”