SHEFFIELD-Patterson Hood and John Paul White will be among the featured performers at the upcoming “Swampathon” virtual fundraising event for the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation. The event, which will be held on Saturday, May 8 from 1-7pm will be patterned after an old-fashioned telethon and will feature performances, a silent auction, and appearances by local community leaders. Hood and White will be playing live at Muscle Shoals Sound studio at 3614 Jackson Highway. Spooner Oldham, David Hood and Kevin Holly have also committed to support the fundraiser with live performances.
“Swampathon is shaping up to be anything but ordinary,” said MSMF Executive Director Debbie Wilson. “We are bringing on the fun, the funk, the corded phones and the groovy t-shirts to support the studio’s economic recovery plan. Expect great music, passionate fans, and sneak peeks into the studio’s most sacred corners.”
Debbie Wilson
The money raised will be used for operational expenses though our non-profit Muscle Shoals Music Foundation. “Like everybody else, we took a substantial financial hit due from the COVID crisis, said Wilson. “While we were able to procure a couple of grants and received some help from the Paycheck Protection Program, we lost almost all of our tourist revenue, which is critical to our survival. We did well with our online merch sales and that helped, but there’s still a big gap that has to be filled to get us back on track.”
John Paul White
Single Lock recording artist, John Paul White said, “All of us in the Shoals are standing on the shoulders of the Swampers and the records made in that little block building. Knowing one of the more storied recording studios was in my area made my dreams seem much more attainable. I could never repay that debt, but I’ll do my best.”
Judy Hood, chairman of the MSMF board, said that sponsorship packages are available. “We’ve already had some local agencies and businesses step up with financial support for the Swampathon”, said Hood. “That means a lot to us because it signifies the community’s commitment to keeping the Muscle Shoals music dream alive.”
Broadcast journalist Greg Screws, who is the evening news anchor for WHNT-TV, will emcee the event. “Greg is the perfect fit for this,” said Hood. “He is one of the most respected broadcast journalists in the state and he is an unwavering supporter and connoisseur of Muscle Shoals music.” 
For sponsorships call 256-710-5088 or email ana@msmusicfoundation.org Information on how to view the event in the live stream will be on our website www.muscleshoalssoundstudio.org and on our social media platforms.
Media Release/Debbie Wilson
Executive Director
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
