Local gospel and country singer Gary McKee will perform on the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Saturday, April 16.

The two–hour long cruise will set sail at 2 p.m., traveling up and down the river with approximately 150 to 200 passengers.

Born and raised in Clanton, McKee, 48, has sung for eight years locally, performing at churches and events.

“He loves to sing for the Lord,” said his wife, Lisa McKee. “He has a good testimony for kids to hear. He’d rather sing than do anything else.”

McKee was provided the opportunity to sing on the cruise through his affiliation with the Georgia Country/Gospel Association.

His wife and several of his relatives and friends will make the trip to Tennessee to support one of Clanton’s own.

“He’s a mixture of Trace Adkins and Alan Jackson,” said his wife. “Country gospel is what he is. It’s for all ages.”

McKee has had the opportunity to perform in the Kentucky Quartet Convention, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Living for Faith TV in Irvington, Va.

He has recently been invited to perform at Hard Rock Café in Nashville in May.

Admission for the boat ride is $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Lunch will be included.