Local musicians to jam at Madison Street Festival

MADISON – “Who doesn’t like a good LIVE band?” You can’t argue with that point from Crystal McBrayer, President of Madison Street Festival, who is anticipating the entertainment on Oct. 1.

This year, the Entertainment Stage is in Madison United Methodist Church’s parking lot, 127 Church Street. “We are beyond excited to showcase these wonderful artists. Make sure to come and sing, dance and have a great time,” McBrayer said.

Beth Heflin, MSF Entertainment Committee Chair, is “an organizer by nature and lives vicariously through talented people.” She recruited musicians for the MSF stage.

Heflin has booked bands for Huntsville, and her husband is a musician. “We know lots of locals, so I didn’t have to do much to prepare. I appealed to everyone’s sense of community, so that they would volunteer their time for this amazing cause.”

Chris Davis, Entertainment Stage Emcee, also volunteers. “He’s a former local TV meteorologist and will be quite entertaining in his own right,” Heflin said.

All age groups will enjoy the four scheduled acts:

* JEDeye, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – “Has quite the following,” McBrayer said. “JEDeye consists of five talented musicians who came together to share their music with the great State of Alabama.” Playing at many festivals, JEDeye keeps audiences on their feet. Their music covers 3 Doors Down, Pearl Jam to the Stones and ZZ Top.

* Calypso Vision, noon to 1 p.m. — Super energetic and a real crowd pleaser. Since 2014, Calypso Vision has brought folks good ole rock ‘n roll and a chance to dream of good times. For their ready-to-go beach party, the band has an eclectic “Gumbo Mix” of classic rock, alternative roots and Hippie Surprises.

* Unleash the Pterodactyls, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Alternative rock band formed by Marty Fore, Frankie Cotton, Dylan Shrout and Sam Benefield in Madison. The Pterodactyls boast fresh and progressive songwriting chops, along with eclectic covers.

* Kelly Abraham Joyner, 3 to 4 p.m. — Singer/songwriter from New York state who now lives in Madison. She is married with three children. Kelly’s musical influences are Tori Amos, Sarah Slean, Jewel, Counting Crows, Joni Mitchell and Damion Rice.

“We’re so very excited about the lineup!” Heflin said.

“What has surprised me in my work for this committee is the willingness of the participants to lend their talents and time to the cause. They’re all excited to be participating, and we’re so very thankful,” Heflin said.

“We hope to welcome lots of folks throughout the day to dance, singalong and just cut loose! It’s going to be a grand time,” Heflin said.

Tuyet Clark, a new member of the Entertainment Committee, said she feels “an appreciation of how much the people that volunteer, whether in entertainment or across other areas, believe in the mission this event promotes. We’re all here to raise money for our community but most importantly our children.”

“I hope people will come out to enjoy the entertainment, see friends and know the money they spend goes back into their community in a positive way,” Clark said.