Music is good for the heart and soul, which should make for a great evening in Demopolis when artists will perform their original music for the audience at this year’s Highway 80 Songwriter’s Festival on Saturday, July 2.
The event is a joint of the City of Demopolis and the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and is presented free to the public on the square in downtown Demopolis.
“The Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to this year’s Songwriter’s Festival on Saturday, July 2. There is a great group of talented songwriters ready to perform for our community,” said Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Coplin. “This event is listed as one of the Chamber’s 20 Things to Do this Summer in Demopolis. When attending this year’s event, don’t forget to post your picture on Facebook with the #diveintodemop.”
The festival will feature nine artists, some of which are local, and will last from 6 to 9 p.m. and features hour long sets with three artists each.
The first group will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. with Alan Hartzell, Megan McMillan and Ted McVay. The second group will perform from 7 to 8 p.m. featuring Christina Christian, Taylor Craven and Derek Norsworthy. To wrap up the show, Jacob Broussard, Kenny Smitherman, and Shawn Pffafman are scheduled to perform druing the final set, scheduled for 8 to 9 p.m.
“The festival is something unique and interesting right here at home. It has a three-year history of being a well-attended fun event and there will be food vendors and something for the kids,” said Demopolis Mayor Mike Grayson. “It’s a great opportunity to hear songwriters and original songs that one day in the future you may hear on the radio, TV or in the movies. Best of all, it’s free, just bring your lawn chairs and coolers. The city has declared the park area block as a limited entertainment district meaning that open container rules are relaxed as long as you stay in the area. It’s a great way to start off the Independence Day weekend.”
There will be vendors for food and drinks and door prizes will be given throughout the evening with a grand prize — a signed guitar by all the artists —awarded at the end of the night. There will also be T-shirts available for purchase for $20 throughout the evening.