Haskins to headline Peach Jam

Published 1:32 pm Thursday, June 26, 2008

Bryan Haskins is the featured performer for tomorrow night’s Peach Jam Jubilee in downtown Clanton.

Haskins has gained notoriety as one of Birmingham’s hottest vocal talents and is a highly sought after background vocalist. He has worked for the likes of 2003 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, John P. Kee and David Hollister (former lead singer for Black Street) to name a few.

Haskins is one of seven performers slated for this year’s Peach Jam. The entertainment will begin at 5:45 in Corner Park with a dance routine from Chilton Medical Center’s Perfect Peaches exercise class, followed by Attitudes Dance from Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness.

Next on the bill is Maggie Jones, an 11-year-old star from Springville, Ala., backed up by the popular Birmingham band 59 North.

Then, Chilton County’s own Wayne Langston, better known as Soundshifter, will take to the stage followed by cast members from Chilton County High School’s “Blast from the Past.”

Bridging the gap between “Blast” and Haskins will be local praise and worship band Elevate.

While attendees fill their souls with music, they can fill their stomachs with food from the 17 food vendors that will be set up around the Chilton County Courthouse.

More than 100 other booths will line Sixth Street and Second Avenue North, with arts and crafts and other attractions.

Vendors will begin setting up about 4 p.m., meaning the streets will be closed to thru traffic starting then.

The Chamber hopes to top last year’s attendance of 7,000 and is hoping the weather will hold up for that reason.

Chamber Executive Assistant Keri Smith said a good number of out-of-towners have called inquiring about directions and event times.

“They’re excited about coming,” Smith said, urging all locals to “have a good time and enjoy yourself.”

During the night, Chilton County Homebuilders and Habitat for Humanity will be giving away a child’s playhouse for which the two organizations teamed up to sell tickets. All proceeds go to Habitat.

Also, radio station Peach 97.7 and Mims Marine will give away a bass boat between the Elevate and Bryan Haskins performances.