ATHENS-Tuesday morning didn’t only bring sunny weather and mild temperatures to Athens-Limestone but also Marc Stakenburg, a travel writer from the Netherlands. Tourism Director Teresa Todd escorted Marc from Florence to Athens and helped him get situated before taking him on a tour of our community.
Marc’s itinerary was packed for his two day visit. The Delmore Museum and Debbie Delmore, as well as Athens State University, were part of his first day activities as he became
Marc Stakenburg
immersed in the music heritage and history of Limestone County. After a two hour interview and tour from Debbie Delmore they returned to the Visitor Center to end the day with an interview with American Idol contestant, Lillian Glanton. Stakenburg was totally blown away with the personality of this awesome young singer/songwriter and her outlook of where she will be one day soon. Day two had interviews starting at 
the High Cotton Arts with managers Bill and Tina Swindell who are also music artists. Before long Milton Sledge, (Country Hall of Fame inductee) was walking through the door and the three men were reminiscing and discussing all the artist and songs they had in common. There was a phone interview with Roger Murrah, lunch with Mayor Ronnie Marks at LuVici’s, another phone interview with Atlantic Records hottest new artist, Anderson East (from Athens). Stakenburg encountered many Athenians on the Square as he walked through downtown who quickly gave their high approval of the Alabama Shakes as being the best artists to come from Athens and the most generous. There was a stop off at the local music store, Railroad Bazaar, where he met Austin and enjoyed all the great equipment they carried.
The moment that capped Marc’s visit was taking a moment to compose his article for his Dutch Magazine at Village Pizza when Zac Cockrell of Alabama Shakes walked in. Marc approached him and Zac graciously agreed to be interviewed for the article. Marc was thrilled to meet Zac especially in downtown Athens and was the perfect note for his article to be published in a major music magazine in the Netherlands.
Alabama Shakes
Before Marc left Athens for Birmingham for his flight home to his family, he became enchanted by our architecture and beautiful Antebellum homes. He walked the Beaty Historic District taking photos and enjoying history the Athens-Limestone Tourism Director, Teresa Todd, had provided him.
Once Marc’s article is published on the Alabama Shakes and our music history on Athens-Limestone County, don’t be surprised if you meet a friendly Dutchman or Dutchwoman visiting our community to explore the roots of the Shakes, our music and our Southern Hospitality.
Media Release/Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County
Tourism Association
