Summer Reunion Blast brings back memories

Published 4:42 pm Wednesday, June 29, 2016

John Gray (left) and Trent Hughes perform as the Blues Brothers during a previous “Blast From the Past.” (Contributed Photo)

John Gray (left) and Trent Hughes perform as the Blues Brothers during a previous “Blast From the Past.” (Contributed Photo)

“Blast From the Past” will hold a summer reunion show coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Chilton County High School.

The show is scheduled for July 22 and 23 in the auditorium at Chilton County High School.

Just over 80 members have made the commitment to return and perform once again. The youngest member is 15 years old, while the oldest is 40.

“It’s definitely a mix of people,” said Rick McKee, in charge of the event along with his wife Sheri.

Performers will make the trip to the show from Nashville, Atlanta, Mobile and as far as Detroit.

“It shows how much they loved the school, and what performing in the show meant to them,” McKee said.

The first “Blast From the Past” was held in 1993, while the first reunion show took place in 2001.

“We had so many people that moved on and didn’t have an opportunity to perform anymore, but they just loved the stage,” McKee said.

Since then, there have been four other reunion performances in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014.

According to McKee, the process of contacting former participants to gauge their interest began in April.

“The practices usually tend to be a little more laid back, because you’re trying to work around people’s schedules,” McKee said.

Blast practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights leading up to the main event.

Songs will be performed from throughout the decades, such as “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley and “Baby You’ve Got What it Takes” by Michael Buble and Sharon Jones.

Tickets go on sale Thursday and cost $7 for each night and can be purchased at the Chilton County High School office, which will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased from any cast member or Rick and Sheri McKee by calling (205) 389-0489, and available during practice sessions.

“They’re will always be something that the school can use the money toward,” McKee said.

Proceeds from the most recent “Blast From the Past” totaled $13,000 and were given to help in the addition of the new auditorium seats at Chilton County High School.

“Come enjoy the talent in the comfort of the new seats,” McKee said. “It has been a long time coming.”