The 14th annual “Evening at the Roxy” featuring the Great Pretenders will take place in downtown Russellville at the historic Roxy Theatre on Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m.

The W.C. Handy Music Festival officially kicks off this week and there is a full slate of entertainment planned throughout the festival, including a popular event held right here in Franklin County.

The 14th annual “Evening at the Roxy” featuring the Great Pretenders will take place in downtown Russellville at the historic Roxy Theatre on Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m.

The event, which is sponsored by the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, features local talent who will be doing their best impressions of famous artists such as Hank Williams, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Ray Charles, Sonny and Cher, Martina McBride, Johnny Cash and Adele.

This year some of the performers include Hudson Copeland, Jayne Wells, Kelli Wells, Rodney Smith, Gary Cummings, Jamie Copeland, Ashley Cummins, Angela Potter, Chase Holland, Lucas Shepherd, Mollie Flanagan, Brooklyn Hall, Bert Fowler, Debbie and William Nale, Kellie Copeland Hargett, and several others.

Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council president Susie Malone said this will be a fun night that will have guests entertained the whole time they were there.

“This is shaping up to be a really great show,” Malone said.

“And of course we are excited to be part of the Handy Festival once again.”

Malone said this is the 14th year the arts council has sponsored this particular Handy event.

“Each year the W.C. Handy Festival grows larger and brings people from all over the state as well as from other states to Northwest Alabama,” Malone said.

“Sponsoring one of the Handy events here in Russellville promotes the tourism in our area and helps our local economy.”

Malone said the event will also help the Roxy Theatre directly since the $5 admission cost for anyone over age six goes toward the continued restoration of the theater.

“The Arts Council wants to present quality, wholesome programs that the entire family can enjoy,” Malone said.

“This will be an entertaining evening that you do not want to miss.”