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Alex Harvey to perform at Hatchie Fall Fest

Alex Harvey to perform at Hatchie Fall Fest

Posted: Friday, October 8, 2010 8:01 pm

He could be called Delta blues or country rock, depending on the song he is singing, but the one consistent thread is definitely “soul.”
On Oct. 16, Alex Harvey will bring that soul to the seventh annual Hatchie Fall Fest in Brownsville. Sharing his unique style and sound, Harvey comes home to perform at 6 p.m. on the historic court square.
Harvey was born and raised in Delta country, just outside Brownsville. The multitude of influences such as the blues his neighbors used to play on their porches, country his mother loved, big band swing his father favored and splashes of rock and roll and folk are obvious in his music, but just when listeners think they’ve got a pot full of “gris gris” out come deep, intimate, soulful songs like “Rueben James” and “Delta Dawn.” It’s no wonder he is hard to put into one category.
Harvey has been successful throughout the years, selling over 80 million recordings, with each song recorded by performers as diverse as his list of influences. Artists such as the late Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Eydie Gormé and the late Peggy Lee have recorded songs of his which were written for film. Other artists like Bette Midler, Tanya Tucker, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jimmy Buffet have been successful in their own careers utilizing one or several of Alex’s songs, with Kenny Rogers recording more than 17.
Even with such songwriting acclaim, his creativity led him in a variety of other avenues. He earned a master’s degree from Murray (Ky.) State University and taught music for two years, later exchanging a career in the classroom for the stage. Not long after, he found himself in Los Angeles studying acting with classmates such as the late Patrick Swayze, Tony Danza, Priscilla Presley and Michelle Pfiffer. He soon began accepting roles in film and television, with his first role being opposite friend and mentor James Garner in “The Long Summer of George Adams.”
Even with a substantial career in the film industry, this talented artist could not deny the passion that called him home. Claiming a new Christian music CD, he continues to work hard to be worthy of the ministry it has spawned. To learn more about Harvey, visit www.deltadawn.org.
In addition to Harvey, participants in the festival can expect a a fun-filled day of children’s games and activities, cooking and eating contests, live music and arts and crafts.
Back by popular demand will be the frozen T-shirt contest for all ages and the salsa-eating contest. The pet show and blessing of the pets is another event that both adults and children flock to. Participants also get a chance to show off their skills during the cake- and pie-baking contest and the chili-cooking contest.
For a bit of nostalgia, participants can visit the quilt display that will feature heirloom and modern- day fabric creations. While the children are busy in the bouncy house, getting their faces painted and enjoying the many games, adults can find great bargains at the arts and crafts booths. Local merchants will have sidewalk sales and great festival food will be available around every corner.
Opening ceremonies begin on the square at 10 a.m., and the music line-up for the day will include local favorites like the Singing Firefighter David Smith, The Barnett Family, HHS Show Choir, Blair Simpson, HHS Gospel Choir, Haywood’s Got Talent Winner Katherine Tritt, Roses Unread and Christ Church Praise Band.
Also appearing at this year’s festival is another Haywood County native and festival favorite, Mickey Utley, who recently released his single, “Cry Like Memphis.” In conjunction with the Hatchie Fall Fest, the Haywood County Amateur Radio Group will be set up at Oneal Lake, on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Oct. 16-17. Admission to the Hatchie Fall Fest is free. For more information, visit www.hatchiefallfest.com.

Published in The Messenger 10.08.10

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