Gatlin concert set
for Will Rogers Fest
Larry Gatlin played the lead in “The Will Rogers Follies“ on Broadway, but he’ll be playing himself at a concert during the Will Rogers Heritage Festival next month.
The 2nd annual festival, scheduled for June 5-8, has been named by the state as one of the top 10 events for June 2008. Most of the events will be held at Civitan Park.
Some big productions are planned.
¥ “The Will Rogers Follies“ will go on each night at the Whole Backstage.
¥ A free bluegrass concert will be held Friday night at Civitan Park.
¥ On Saturday, free music will be provided by local musicians, and a Will Rogers impersonator and a trick roper and gun twirler will perform.
Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will perform Saturday night. Mr. Gatlin and his 2 brothers, Steve and Rudy, practiced close harmonies to become one of the most popular country groups in the industry during the 1970s and 1980s. They went into semi-retirement in the 1990s, when they relocated to Branson, Missouri and bought and operated a theater.
Their hits include “All the Gold in California“ and “Broken Lady.“
Tickets are on sale at the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce, 582-3612, and at www.-ticketweb.com. Ticket prices range from $8 to $40. VIP tickets include a barbecue dinner before the concert and VIP seating.
New elements have been added to the Festival this year. The Mountain Valley Arts Council Songwriters’ Contest will be held and the winning songs performed during the festival. The Cowboy Corral includes horse demonstrations, a mechanical bull, sheep riding, Western re-enactments and mounted shooting. The Alabama Fast Draw state championship will also be part of the Festival.
An old-time midway with rides for all ages will be set up near Kiwanis Pier, and a kids’ area will offer a puppet show, train, duck pond, wood projects and other attractions.
The Pooch Parade, the Cherokee Indian Pow-Wow, the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-in at the airport, the antique car show, downtown walking tours and other favorites from the first festival will return this year.
A complete list of events can be found at the web site, www.will-rogersheritagefestival.com.