TUSCUMBIA-Organizers of the Helen Keller Festival said this year’s event will celebrate the life of America’s First Lady of Courage and the music that made the Shoals famous.
The festival is Thursday, June 21-Sunday, June 24 in Tuscumbia.
Red Marlow, a finalist from the 2017 season of “The Voice, will headline the concert on Friday, June 22. Marlow is originally from Rogersville. Also performing on Friday will be The Haley Crowell Band, Showdown and The Springs. The concert begins at 5 p.m.
The Muscle Shoals Music All-Stars, made up of legendary musicians from The Shoals, Nashville and Memphis, will headline the performances on Saturday, June 23. All of their music for the concert will have a Muscle Shoals connection. Also performing on Saturday will be Déjà vu, Russell Medford and Friends, and Travis Wammack, Junior Lowe and Jerry Phillips. The concert begins at 5 p.m.
Christian artist Jamie Grace will headline the Sunday, June 24 concert. Also performing will be Asleep By Ten, Three Wheel Drive and McKenzie Lockhart with Payton Pruitt. The concert begins at 4 p.m.
Entertainment coordinator Fletch Brown, said Muscle Shoals music is the perfect way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Helen Keller Festival. “I run into people all of the time from all over the world who know about Muscle Shoals music and know about Helen Keller. We will be celebrating the impact both have had on our nation and the world.”
Admission is $5 for the Friday and Saturday night concerts and free on Sunday.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, June 21 with a parade down Main Street in Tuscumbia that begins at 6 p.m. Tuscumbia native Bill Johnson is this year’s grand marshal. A free concert by Ben Bradford and Ben Parker Project begins at 7 p.m. in Spring Park.
“The Miracle Worker” play will be performed on Friday and Saturday nights at Ivy Green, the Home of Helen Keller. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the play gets underway at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for reserved seats and $10 for general admission. Purchase tickets at Ivy Green or by calling 256-383-4066.
A marketplace, featuring more than 70 vendors, will be at Spring Park throughout the festival. Festival chair Mary Ellen McIlwain Mayfield said it’s the largest marketplace ever for event.
More details about the festival are available by downloading the Helen Keller Festival app for Apple or Android devices or by calling 256-383-0783.
