Percy Sledge highlights fundraiser
SHEFFIELD – It’s been half a decade since the Shoals has seen a musical performance from the legendary Percy Sledge, where he recorded the hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” and nearly 20 years since Terry Woodford and the Mystics or Mickey Buckins and the New Breed played their classic 1960’s hits. So, it’s no surprise that there is a lot of excitement surrounding their return to the area for a benefit concert this Saturday, in downtown Sheffield.
The “Back to the ‘60s on a Saturday Night” street party reunites these talents, along with Travis Wammack and Eddie Floyd. Advance tickets are $20, and available at First Metro Bank and Valley Credit Union locations; tickets are $25 the day of the show and can be purchased on-site. To buy tickets online, visit www.DJohnsonProductions.com. For information on VIP packages, call 256-810-3030.
The idea for the concert was born out of Northwest-Shoals Community College’s need to raise money to fund its scholarship program. David Johnson, producer of the event, recalled his meeting with NW-SCC President Dr. Humphrey Lee.
“We had a lengthy discussion on how scholarship funds might be raised. I suggested that I could put together a special music event, asking the artists to perform for expenses only. He loved the idea,” Johnson said.
Sheffield Mayor Ian Sanford was also keen on the idea, offering his historic downtown district as the venue.
“We’re excited that the city will host the concert. We’re glad to accommodate the college in its efforts to raise money for scholarships,” Sanford said.
Those who lived in the area in the 1960’s will likely recall such hits as “Where Is My Little Girl” by Terry Woodford and The Mystics and “Silly Girl” by Mickey Buckins and The New Breed.
“People all over the world pay higher prices to see and hear Percy Sledge, and he is going to be performing about half a block from where he recorded ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ for only $20,” Sanford said.
David Johnson envisions the concert as a family reunion of sorts, overflowing with nostalgia. “We’re recommending that everyone bring their lawn chairs, and we’ll have food vendors on site. We’re recreating a special time in our lives. The concert will be an amazing experience for the artists, former classmates of that period and young fans of 60s music,” Johnson said.
