Musical Spotlight: A Q&A with Reese Burke
I had the opportunity to chat with Reese Burke, a local singer-songwriter who is charming the ears off of folks in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties with her silky, soulish voice and heartfelt lyrics. Whether it’s a cover song by Taylor Swift or Harry Styles, or an original tune such as her stirring “Searching,” Reese Burke […]
Artist Spotlight: Stadium Drive
Remember the days when bands were formed in a garage with your friends? Well, It’s 2021, and in the era of technology; the days of the garage band are far and few between. One group of musically talented friends from Calhoun County have something to say about that. Meet Stadium Drive: An “up and coming” […]
The Highfalutin Hitchhikers
Brad Burke and Mark Hanson make up the country music duo, The Highfalutin Hitchhikers. “What we’re all about is more of a classic country sound,” Hanson explains. “We’re kind of for that crowd that’s looking for what they call ‘real country’.” Burke and Hanson were introduced by a mutual friend and have been playing together […]
EX’S and OH’S
by Kelsey Butler Local cover band Ex’s and Oh’s is best described as a family that rocks. “These guys are like my brothers,” explains lead vocalist Christina Mangham. “We’re like family.” Ric Turner, backup vocals and guitar; Christina Mangham, vocals; Maxx FX Vanover, lead guitar; Andy Decker, bass; and Jamin Hoover, drums make up the […]
Wes Walters Music – Husband, Father, Preacher, Musician
by Kelsey Butler Wes Walters has performed in choirs, operas, and touring rock bands. He’s produced two albums in his career and traveled the country to find his home. Walters and his wife live in Southside with their two children. He performs two or three times a month, calling music his “third job”. Walters and […]
StoneRollers – Living the dream on the weekend
by Kelsey Butler Local band StoneRollers bings a fresh soulful southern rock sound to the Anniston music scene. Nick Preston, vocals, bass, and keys; John Flannagan, vocals and lead guitar; Justin Ridley, drums; and Jagadeesh Owens, vocals and keys make up the four-piece band. StoneRollers committed to creating music in 2014. The band’s members grew […]
Tony Irby
by Kelsey Butler “It’s amazing how music touches the soul and the mind and the heart. And how it can change and inspire people.” Local musician Tony Irby explains why he’s spent so much of his life behind a guitar. “That’s why I keep pushing forward and keep doing what I’m doing.” Irby is a […]
Author Stephanie Bain
by Stephen Hartsfield The sun was near its noon day high on a Sunday when I sat down with local author Stephanie Bain. It was hot and humid on the front porch so we stepped inside to soak up some air conditioning as we spoke. Hailing from Oxford, Alabama in southern Calhoun County, Ms. Bain […]
Tony Yardley
Tony Yardley says he fell in love with music the same as everyone his age, “I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show and it just blew me away.” Yardley, 67, remembers being fascinated by The Beatles, “The next thing that came to my mind was, ‘I need to be able to do that’ […]
Caldonia
Caldonia brings a fresh take on Southern soul with the new EP, “Caldonia …Is Hurtin’ For You”. “This album paints a hot and humid picture where dance-able rhythms combine with polished vocals, invoking pure soul.” Get your copy of the album recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL today for just $10. BUY NOW […]