Hacker to perform at festival
By Staff
Melissa Cason
A familiar face will be found on the entertainment stage during the Watermelon Festival. Local talent Zac Hacker will be performing as a special guest of the Kerry Gilbert Band Friday, Aug. 15.
Hacker, along with his sister Angela, performed for a nationwide audience on the USA Network's "Nashville Star." Since coming in second place on the show, Hacker has been busy working on his music career.
"I am busy with a couple of different things now," Hacker said during a recent interview. "I am working with my sister on her album, and I have plans to launch a single with a video."
Hacker has found the backing of Randy Gidrey and Debby Holly, who were behind other recording artists such as Tracy Lawrence.
"They saw me on 'Nashville Star' and they really got behind me," Hacker said.
Hacker said that fate brought both Hackers on the show, but once producers found out they were related, it was used as a marketing tool.
"We tried out in different places, and nobody knew we were related until we arrived to do the show," Hacker said. "There was nothing set up about the situation."
Hacker said he was overwhelmed by the response he received from Franklin County and north Alabama.
"It was amazing to see the support," Hacker said.
Even though Hacker is from Shoals area, he has never been to the Franklin County Watermelon Festival and looks forward to being a guest of the event. He plans to have a booth at the event to sell CDs and T-shirts and to sign autographs.
"I will be there until the last fan leaves," Hacker said.
After the festival, Hacker plans to tour with other country artists, but he isn't sure when his single will hit country airplay.
"In the music business, everything is about timing," he said. "Randy and Debby have been doing this a long time, and it [my single] will get released when they feel it's the right time," he said.
Until then, Hacker is having a blast playing music, writing songs and getting to know his fans.
"The kids are the best," Hacker said. "I love to see the kids come out and ask for autographs because they are so honest."
