The 'comeback' show

Well, I’d call it a “comeback” show, but — for me anyway — it’s more like limping back onto the stage.

Forgive the personal reference, but I thought I’d tell you that I’m participating in an extended concert engagement for the first time since December 1997.

For those who weren’t in Halls then, I performed a Tribute to Elvis show in the mid-1990s with musicians, singers, dancers and others who had more talent than I did. We had a big time, raised a little money for good causes and created some good memories. The Halls community was kind enough to fill the middle school auditorium for us. I give all of that credit to the others involved in the show.

The Elvis days are long gone, but I’m singing at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in Fountain City Park with the Word Herders — fellow Shopper employees Emily Shane and Larry Van Guilder. Both have musical backgrounds.

Emily is an accomplished musician and singer. She has performed in a jazz group, opened for the Monkees’ Peter Tork and for the Fleshtones. She plays bass and rhythm guitar and continues to perform with local groups and musicians. Find out more at www.myspace.com/emilyshane

Larry Van Guilder and his brother Harold performed on Cas Walker’s “Farm and Home Hour” and the “Bonnie Lou and Buster Show,” singing gospel tunes. He was a singer in two rock and roll bands, The Continentals and the Stitches of Time. These days, he listens to classic rock, bluegrass and classical music.

I already told you about my Elvis days. The rest of my musical experience includes church choirs, singing “Amanda” from time to time with local favorite Robinella and driving my relatives crazy by singing Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” when I was 16 months old.

Our selections will include classic country (Larry Gatlin, Dan Seals, Don Williams), folk music (“Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues”) and a little rock and roll (Ricky Nelson and others). Emily and Larry will also do a solo selection or two.

But, trust me, we’re not the big draw. The event is part of Art-a-palooza, a fundraiser for the Fountain City Art Center. Artists and crafters will be displaying and selling their work from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Columnist and author Jack Neely will speak at 1 p.m. Kids can have fun at the art tables. And a bunch of talented musicians will also appear, including Lynn Clapp and Broadway Swing at 11 a.m. and the all girl rock and roll band Stump, who will follow the Word Herders.

So, if you’re not doing anything Oct. 24, come on out and help a good cause. I guarantee you it will be a good time.

You can even make it home before that big Alabama game.