This is Fan Appreciation Weekend for country supergroup Alabama.
Though the band officially retired in 2003, the three Fort Payne musicians – Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook – have upheld the tradition of giving back to their fans with a series of June gatherings.
As is also tradition, charities will benefit from the musicians’ philanthropic efforts.
Though not a fan-club event, the biggest of these projects is Tuesday’s Bama Rising concert in Birmingham. Alabama is spearheading the benefit show for tornado recovery that will bring, at last count, 17 top country artists to the Birmingham BJCC Arena. Among others scheduled to perform are Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry and Darius Rucker.
Fan-club members may attend a Songwriters Showcase tonight at City Auditorium in Fort Payne and a Randy Owen and Jeff Cook concert Saturday in Owen’s barn. Proceeds from tonight’s event go to John Croyle’s Big Oak Ranch.