HANCEVILLE, Ala. – A small but lively crowd came out to Hanceville’s Veterans Park Saturday night to enjoy the Hanceville Music Fest featuring country rock band Confederate Railroad. Many of those in attendance travelled from neighboring states to see the show despite threatening skies. Their gamble paid off as the weather cooperated to allow for a “rockin’” Saturday night.
The Willie Underwood Family Gospel Singers kicked off the show with a fabulous tribute to Motown. The Tommy Crowder Band kept the good times going with some great country and rock classics. Finally, the Confederate Railroad took the stage, bringing many to their feet and to the dance floor.
The band performed many of their classic hits including, “Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind,” “Jesus and Mama” and “White Trash with Money.” They saved their biggest hit, “Trashy Women,” for last. The song brought the crowd to their feet and was a great finish to a great night.
Nine members of the Kilburn Family came from Tennessee and Florida to see the Confederate Railroad. Logan made the 11-hour drive from Tampa to take in the show with his Aunt Sandy, who is wheelchair bound. She has regularly attended the Angelus Charity Event each year in Tampa. The Angelus is a group home and activity center for severely handicapped people and the Confederate Railroad have been supporters of the charity for many years.
Sandy said of Saturday’s show, “Oh, I loved it. It was a lot of fun. I used to go to all of them.” Following the show, the band held a meet and greet with fans and when lead singer Danny Shirley saw Sandy, he knew her instantly and wished her a belated happy birthday.
This was the second year for the growing music festival that was sidetracked in 2020 because of Covid. Though Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail was disappointed with the turnout, he vowed to continue efforts to bring fun events to the city. He said, “We stepped up from the last one and we want to step up next year.”
The number of out-of-town guests was encouraging but Nail thought the threat of rain, along with both Alabama and Auburn facing tough opponents, contributed to people staying home. Nail said, “It is discouraging. We tried to plan this for ages, and we just do the best we can.” He thanked all the employees of Hanceville for their hard work and the sponsors of the concert including Bud Light and Cullman Savings Bank.
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