Local Music & Makers Day Florence AL

Florence is celebrating its Bicentennial throughout 2018 with events being held each month to commemorate 200 years of being a city. Each month has a specific theme with May celebrating the arts. As a way to feature our many talented artisans, Florence/Lauderdale Tourism and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area are hosting the Local Makers and Music Day around the grounds of the Visitor Center in McFarland Park. The event is free to the public and will be held May 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The various vendors will include handmade bow ties, pen and ink drawings, paintings, local authors, jewelry, clothing, t-shirts and producers. According to Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Director of Operations Alison Stanfield, “The Shoals has a large community of unique arts and craft makers, artists, authors and musicians. As a way to showcase them, we have invited a wide variety of vendors to set up booths at the Visitor Center. We will have a tribute to Arthur Alexander and other performances throughout the day for attendees to enjoy. People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.”

The Arthur Alexander Tribute featuring Donnie Fritts, Andreas Werner of Crazy Chester Music and others will begin at 11:00 a.m. The Florence native’s song “You Better Move On” was the first hit for FAME and Rick Hall. The song was later recorded by the Rolling Stones while the Beatles recorded Alexander’s “Anna (Go To Him)”. Alexander wrote and recorded with many Muscle Shoals legends such as Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, Donnie Fritts, Peanut Montgomery, Norbert Putnam and more. There will be a question and answer session, followed by a performance by Donnie Fritts including some of Alexander’s songs.

Other music entertainment will include Mitch Mann and the Mojo Mixers. They will perform a rare acoustic set from 2:00 to 3:30. The group is made up of Mitch Mann, Andreas Werner and David McKay. The performance will feature songs from the Muscle Shoals songbook as well as original songs. Mark Narmore will also perform!

For additional information on the event or becoming a vendor, please email alison@visitflorenceal.com or call 256-740-4141.