Archive for the ‘News’ Category
GRAMMY@-WINNING AMERICAN IDOL TAYOR HICKS TO PERFORM AT THE PASTIME THEATRE
American Idol Taylor Hicks will be performing a Rod Stewart tribute along with select originals at Winfield’s Pastime Theatre on Saturday, August 27th, at 7:00 p.m. This will be the last concert of the 2022 season at The Pastime.
Winning “American Idol’s” blockbuster fifth season was just the beginning for Taylor Hicks. Hailed as “part Stax, part Motown and part honky-tonk” by The New York Times, Hicks’ intoxicating blend of soul, blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll quickly rendered him a household name as he progressed to the show’s record-breaking finale in 2006, a historic television event which drew an audience of more than 200 million viewers. Hicks immediately followed his Idol victory with a No. 1 Billboard single and an RIAA®-certified Platinum debut, and soon went on to make history as both the first male Idol champion featured on a GRAMMY®-winning record (Jimmy Fallon’s Blow Your Pants Off), and the first to land a prestigious Las Vegas residency. A versatile artist, actor and advocate, Hicks has since ventured into theater and television, touring as Teen Angel in the popular Broadway musical “Grease” in addition to appearing on “Law & Order: SVU” and hosting the INSP series “State Plate,” which won the CynopsisTV Award for Best Reality Series (Travel). After a lengthy hiatus from recording, Hicks returned in 2017 with “Six Strings and Diamond Rings,” the first single since his beloved 2009 sophomore album, The Distance. The stirring, stripped-down track offers up a tantalizing preview of Hicks’ highly anticipated third album, a deeply personal, roots-inspired collection recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground studio in Nashville with contributions from four-time GRAMMY®-winning musician Keb’ Mo’ and more. Produced by Hicks along with GRAMMY®-winning guitarist Bryan Sutton (Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley), the album is slated for release in 2022 and will bring Hicks back on the road for extensive touring. He recently performed at the closing ceremony of the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.
“Taylor Hicks is one of The Pastime Theatre’s most asked for repeat performers, said Mary Hyche, theatre chairman. His first appearance on our stage was to a sold-out crowd in 2016 and then again last December as he performed Bob Seger’s hits and Christmas classics. We expect this to be another great show.” Tickets are $35 and may be purchased (cash or check) in person at the theatre office, city hall, Gold Connection and The Kemp Foundation office in Winfield or by phone 205/487-3002. Online credit card purchases may be made at https://www.itickets.com/events/462269. For information , please call 205/487-3002.
BACKDRAFT at The Pastime Theatre
It’s HOT in Winfield and The Pastime Theatre is bringing even more heat on July 23rd when BACKDRAFT takes the stage!
July 23rd at 7pm, the Pastime Theatre welcomes back the most asked for local band, Backdraft with special guest JJ Hadder. “For the past few years, we have showcased local talent during the summer months and for the third year in a row, the most asked for band has been Backdraft, so we are thrilled to give the public what they want”, stated Mary Hyche Pastime Theatre chairman.
Backdraft got its name because original band members were all firemen or the wife of a fireman. The Walker County-based country rock band has been performing now for over 2 decades. According to lead singer, Vickie Cosby, Backdraft offers a variety of music styles from Oldies to Country to Rock & Pop. Since its formation, Backdraft has performed all over Alabama and neighboring states, increasing their popularity. They have gained such a following and notoriety, two of Backdraft’s members, Vickie Cosby and Jeff Parnell, were even featured in 78 Magazine. Backdraft has received rave reviews at every venue they have played. Add in the Pastime Theatre’s state of the art sound and lights and you get a full concert experience like bigger venues, just more affordable and in a safer environment.
Backdraft is composed of Vickie Cosby, Terry Merchant, Tony Long, Jeff Parnell, Randy Mott and Ricky Naramore. For the July 23rd show, Backdraft will be joined by special guest, JJ Hadder.
“We anticipate this being a sold out show, so get your tickets in advance”, stated Tammy Brashier, Pastime Theatre office manager. Tickets for this performance are $15.Tickets are available , cash or check only, at the Pastime Theatre office, Winfield City Hall, Gold Connection and The Kemp Foundation. Online ticket sales available at itickets.com. For more information call 205-487-3002
Black Jacket Symphony at Pastime Theatre on August 7th!
Our concert Saturday night, August 7, at The Pastime Theatre is a major production!
Black Jacket Symphony at 7:00 pm. There are 12 musicians- vocals, guitars, keyboard, drums, cello, trumpet, saxophone, bass and violin! They are bringing their own sound and lighting engineers.
Please tell all your friends and family and share on social media
They will do “Abbey Road” in its entirety, have intermission, then do a set of Greatest Hits of The Beatles.
Tickets $35. Hope you can come!
Tickets (cash or check) Theatre/Main Street office Gold Connection Winfield City Hall Kemp Foundation
Live music returns to The Pastime Theatre in July!
July 31st at 7pm, the Pastime Theatre will begin its come back with local talent favorites and Walker County-based country rock band Backdraft. Original band members were all firemen or the wife of a fireman, hence the name Backdraft. Backdraft has now spanned over 2 decades and continues to offer a variety of music styles from Oldies to Country to Rock & Pop. Backdraft has performed all over Alabama and neighboring states. Recently two of Backdraft’s members, Vickie Cosby and Jeff Parnell, were featured in 78 Magazine. Now let’s meet the band….
Vickie Cosby, the lead singer for Backdraft, grew up with a love for music and singing in church. Singing has always been a passion for her and she was instrumental in forming the band Backdraft.
Tony Long is one of the original members of Backdraft. Tony played a short while in the 80’s with the group Shenandoah.
Terry Merchant, also a longtime member of Backdraft, is the drummer and band manager and has had a long career in entertainment. He also plays drums for his gospel group.
Jeff Parnell has entertained audiences all over the southeast. Now a member of Backdraft, he plays both bass and acoustic guitar and also adds his vocal talent.
Unfortunately, band member Barry Key will be unable to perform due to illness, but the following friends of Backdraft will be performing:
Danny Long, an amazing bass guitarist, started playing as a teenager and has played in many bands throughout his musical career.
J J Hadder is an awesome vocalist that grew up with a love for music and has been entertaining all his life. He sang with the well-known gospel group Gold City and today continues to entertain crowds with his heartfelt harmony and vocals.
Wayne Walker is a well-known keyboard talent and soulful harmony singer. He has played music all over the southeast with various bands. Backdraft welcomes his unique style of music along with other friends of Backdraft to offer the audience a memorable night!
“The Pastime Theatre sends well wishes to Barry Key and appreciates the guest band members. We are looking forward to a great comeback after Covid show”, stated Pastime Theatre chairman Mary Hyche.
This concert is not part of the original concert series that now been rescheduled. Tickets for this performance are $10.Tickets are available , cash or check only, at the Pastime Theatre office, Winfield City Hall, Gold Connection and The Kemp Foundation. For more information call 205-487-3002
Renovation complete!!
Winfield Main Street Program purchased the dilapidated empty building located at 136 Bankhead Highway, across the street from City Hall in downtown Winfield in late 2019. The building had sat vacant for over twenty years. According to local historian Yank Burgess, the property was at one time the location of a furniture store and shoe repair shop owned by Claude Young and John Sullivan, the post office was there for a time, and later was home to Western Auto (Albert Holt and John Berry). Mrs. Edril Hubbert McCaleb owned the property for many years. Main Street Program purchased this property from the family of William Vaughn McCaleb, Jr. Main Street renovated the area and donated the property to the City of Winfield. It has now become The Patio which is an open-air area with various colorful business facades including a restaurant (Café 136), Hometown Bakery, a Barber Shop, Friends Coffee – N – Books, Happiness Unlimited Pets, a theater,and a Chinese Restaurant, Chef Foo Linn Yoo. “Ideally, we wish these were actual, thriving businesses, but if that were not possible, our goal was to make this an attractive, useful addition to our downtown,” said Don Studdard, president of Main Street.
The Patio has a gazebo, tables, chairs and benches, and offers free Wi-Fi and covered plugs for charging electronics. It is a very safe, inviting atmosphere with decorative lighting, beautiful flowers, herbs, and various plants. There are two photo op areas which feature a butterfly and a balloon bouquet.
Contractor for the renovation was J & M Construction. “Mike Pridmore was wonderful to work with. He was meticulous with the little details and provided many useful ideas and suggestions,” said Studdard.
Main Street would like to thank RC&D who provided a grant in the amount of $4,000.00 to be used in this project. The grant was used to purchase tables and chairs.
“We do appreciate all those who stepped up and helped us with this project. Special thanks to Casey Coats, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, Turkey Creek Sand and Gravel, Derek Green of Green’s Mills, Winfield Police Chief Brett Burleson, Rob Bolton and Winfield Street Department, Melissa Pate, Main Street director Tammy Brashier and Main Street secretary Jeana Estes,” added Mary Hyche, treasurer of Main Street. “Of course, I’m not sure we could have ever completed this project without Don Studdard. As he has been for so many projects over theyears, he was there from the planning stages to completion making sure everything was done to perfection.”
Main Street had wanted to do this project since being organized in 1996. Hyche and Studdard agreed this has been an incredibly special, fun project and are overjoyed to see it completed. “We love seeing people gathering outside, bringing lunch to The Patio, taking pictures or using the internet there. We hope our citizens will enjoy The Patio,” said Studdard.
Pastime Theatre Concert Series Starts Up Again – July 31st!!
The Pastime Theatre is welcoming the month of July with its first concert since the pandemic.
Like many other venues, The Pastime Theatre has been at a standstill since the Coronavirus Pandemic hit in spring of 2020. The last concert held was March of 2020 featuring Jazz legend, Eric Essix. Although the theatre office remained open during the mandatoryshutdown, the music was silenced. But after 16 months that changes this month!
July 31st at 7pm, the Pastime Theatre will begin its comeback with local talent favorites and Walker County-based country rock band Backdraft. Original band members were all firemen or the wife of a fireman, hence the name Backdraft. Backdraft has now spanned over 2 decades and continues to offer a variety of music styles from Oldies to Country to Rock & Pop. Backdraft has performed all over Alabama and neighboring states. Recently two of Backdraft’s members, Vickie Cosby and Jeff Parnell, were featured in 78 Magazine.
This concert is not part of the original concert series that had been postponed. Tickets for this performance will be $10 per person. Tickets are available at the Pastime Theatre office, Gold Connection, City Hall andThe Nelson and Charlene Kemp Foundation. Ticketsare also available via postal service. No credit card purchases for this performance. For more information contact 205-487-3002
Pastime Theatre proudly announces…..We’re Back!!!
The Pastime Theatre in Winfield is excited to announce that performances will be returning to The Pastime Theatre stage this July!
July 31st at 7pm, the Pastime Theatre will begin its comeback with local talent favorites and Walker County based country rock band BACKDRAFT. BACKDRAFT has performed all over Alabama and neighboring states. This concert is not part of the original concert series that had been postponed. Tickets for this performance will be $10.
As part of the original 2020 concert series, The Band Steele has been rescheduled for August 21 at 7pm. Tickets to The Band Steele are $25. The Band Steele is the singer/songwriter duo of Bo Steele and Ben Rubino. Both are Alabama natives from Double Springs. Their original track “Good Times” is featured in the John Travolta/Sharon Stone film “Life on the Line”. In addition to performing nationally, the Band Steele enjoys performing at our military bases and their latest single “Sit Awhile” is a tribute to the men and women that serve. The Band Steele celebrated its first Top 30 at Country Radio with “Waitin’ On Sunshine” (MusicRow Country Breakout Chart) in March 2020, and its second close behind with “You’re Gonna Have to Miss Me” in October 2020.
Finishing out the 2020 concert series that had been postponed due to the pandemic will be the 7 Bridges Band on September 11 at 7pm. Tickets are $35 each. Dinner will be offered prior to this show at an additional $20 per person. This band is a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of The Eagles. They faithfully recreate the experience of an Eagles concert from their most prolific period. The Eagles are arguably one of America’s most famous bands with their music spanning over five decades. 7 Bridges is recognized as the “Ultimate Eagles Experience”. Rolling Stone Magazine has called them “the greatest Eagles tribute band on earth”. Mary Hyche, Pastime Theatre Chairman says, “The 7 Bridges Band is our most requested repeat performers.”
We’ve missed you and can’t wait to see you at The Pastime. Call 205-487-3002 for tickets and info. Previously purchased tickets are still good
THE UNITED WAY AND THE US MARINES ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE – HAMILTON CITY HALL
HAMILTON CITY HALL WILL BE PARTICIPATING WITH THE UNITED WAY AND THE US MARINES IN THEIR ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE. PLEASE BRING A NEW, UNOPENED TOY TO THE CITY HALL, WHERE A COLLECTION BOX IS LOCATED. THE DEADLINE FOR PARTICIPATION IS DECEMBER 8.
New Hamilton Garbage Route Map
YELLOW SECTION (Southside of Hwy 278 East to US Hwy 43 South) – Monday
ORANGE SECTION (Northside of Hwy 278 to County Hwy 1) – Tuesday
BLUE SECTION (From Marion County Courthouse up North on Military Trail to Northside of Bexar Ave West) – Wednesday
GREEN SECTION (From Courthouse West to Sentry Road to County Hwy 81 through Oak Hill Subdivision to Northside of State Hwy 17 back to intersection at the Middle School) – Thursday
2nd ORANGE SECTION (From intersection of Sentry Road West and South of Bexar Ave West to City Limits South of I22 on State Hwy 17 to Fulton Bridge community back to US Hwy 43 South) – Friday
Hamilton Municipal Runoff Election Results – Unofficial
PLACE # 1: Wesley Steele – 539 ; Scott Tyra – 714
PLACE # 3: Neil Sellman – 571 ; Matt Sims – 668
PLACE # 5: Sherry Pickard Armstrong – 606 ; Scott Robertson – 641
Guin Municipal Runoff Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR: Max Maddox – 284 ; Phil Segraves – 364
Bear Creek Municipal Runoff Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR: Tammy Rowe Batchelor – 139 ; Robert Taylor – 161
PLACE # 1: Mark Cofield – 129 ; James T. Weeks – 166
Bear Creek Municipal Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR : Tammy Rowe Batchelor (I) – 81 ; Ronnie Freeman – 78 ; Robert Taylor – 135
PLACE # 1 : Mark Cofield – 100 ; Jesse Gilbert – 55 ; James T. Weeks – 135
PLACE # 2 – Lamar Dickerson – 93 ; Eric Loden – 175 ; Mark Townsend – 20
PLACE # 3 : Lisa Jordan – 105 ; Alex Price – 178
PLACE # 4 : Chris Hyde – 209 ; Brian Talley – 80
PLACE # 5 : Ricky Hines – 126 ; Eric Mills – 158
Brilliant Municipal Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR : Perry Franks
PLACE # 1 : Kevin Farley
PLACE # 2 : Lori Colley
PLACE # 3 : Heath Sanderson
PLACE # 4 : Mary Ann Hardin – 66 ; Danny Berryhill – 36
PLACE # 5 : Ricky Pollard
Hackleburg Municipal Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR : Darryl Colburn (I) – 288 ; Tim Howard – 41 ; Eugene Marbutt – 52
PLACE # 1 : Pam Pickens – 213 ; Clint Carter – 156
PLACE # 2 : Kenny Hallmark
PLACE # 3 : Don Barnwell (I) – 291 ; Barry McCarley – 89
PLACE # 4 : Jerry Williams
PLACE # 5 : Darrin Wiginton (I) – 275 ; Rodney McCarley – 98
Guin Municipal Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR : Max Maddox (I) – 230 ; Willie Joe Hollis – 62 ; Phil Segraves – 290
PLACE # 1 : Bobby Bellew
PLACE # 2 : Mineo Lindsey
PLACE # 3 : Regina Salter – 290 ; Jimmie Casey – 286
PLACE # 4 : Kelee Baker Williams – 418 ; Curt M. Hubbert – 157
PLACE # 5 : Dr. Gary Randolph – 213 ; Joseph Benton – 369
Winfield Municipal Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR : Randy Price (I) – 625 ; Chris Ballard – 287 ; Clay Johnson – 298
PLACE # 1 : Rusty Barnes (I) – 597 ; Ed Posey – 595
PLACE # 2 : Tim Garrison (I) – 657 ; Steve Martin – 521
PLACE # 3 : Reggie Hall – 266 ; Keith “Termite” Pollard – 893
PLACE # 4 : Jeana Roberts Estes – 616 ; Jeff Hughes – 164 ; Chuck Mullins – 402
PLACE # 5 : Anthony Hallmark (I) – 591 ; James Odum – 599
Hamilton Municipal Election Results – Unofficial
MAYOR : Bob Page (I) – 1002 ; Tami Lewis Williams – 739
PLACE # 1 : Lenn Holloway – 365 ; Jerry Norris – 73 ; Wesley Steele – 513 ; Scott Tyra – 793
PLACE # 2 : Wade Sullins (I) – 608 ; Ross Reed – 1131
PLACE # 3 : McDavid Franks – 160 ; Tim Holcomb – 292 ; Neil Sellman – 693 ; Matt Sims – 582
PLACE # 4 : Gene Sanderson (I) – 474 ; Wade Williams – 1260
PLACE # 5 : Sherry Armstrong – 587 ; Dale Reese – 77 ; Chris Rich – 503 ; Scott Robertson – 569
USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP
Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 11, and Producers Who Have Approved Applications to Receive Final Payments
Final Candidate Lists for Marion County Municipal Elections
World’s Longest Yard Sale Will Go on As Planned
Decatur, Ala. (July 22, 2020) – Each year, bargain hunters, yard sale connoisseurs and treasure seekers make their way through northeastern Alabama for the biggest yard sale shopping spree in the world. The World’s Longest Yard Sale, a once-a-year, 690-mile shopping trip, will take place as planned, August 6-9, 2020, and as a mostly outdoor event, there is more than enough space to allow for social distancing among shoppers.
Many shoppers begin the 690-mile, six state journey in Gadsden, taking the scenic Lookout Mountain Parkway to Chattanooga and following Highway 127 all the way north to Addison, Mich. Everything from antiques, collectibles, furniture, and dishwares to fresh garden produce and homemade jams and jellies along with food vendors and live entertainment can be found. It is estimated to be more than 1,000 vendors in Alabama alone. Vendors are typically up and running by 8 a.m. and operate until late in the evening each day of the event.
Along with an incredible shopping adventure, the World’s Longest Yard Sale takes visitors through some of the most scenic rural America in the United States. The 93-mile Lookout Mountain Parkway has been touted “A Must See” by Reader’s Digest, the National Geographic and Southern Living magazines. Along with four days of shopping, visitors can experience true southern hospitality, a world of nature, including breathtaking vistas and majestic waterfalls, and a variety of locally-owned restaurants and accommodations.
In addition to providing outdoor recreation, this event takes place in mostly rural areas in the states where the route passes through. Many of the vendors who participate earn a significant portion of their yearly income at this event. It also provides a significant positive economic impact to many hotels, motels, RV parks and campgrounds, restaurants and other retail businesses.
Shoppers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen and to bring a face mask (when indoors or social distancing is not possible), plenty of hand sanitizer and water. Vendors will sanitize booth/tables frequently and are encouraged to offer contact-free payments and to display all items in the open rather than leaving them in a box to prevent unnecessary contact. For lodging information, directions, road closures and more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/worlds-longest-yard-sale/ or call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or Greater Gadsden Area Tourism at 888.565.0411.
49 County News.Net 