Singing on the Square Opens 2013 with Ashlyn Maine and The Valley Roots

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association is excited to bring two groups from North Alabama to kick off Singing on the Square on April 19th. Ashley Maine will perform at 6:00 PM followed by The Valley Roots at 7:00 PM. The younger generation should really enjoy these two bands. The Valley Roots style is very similar to Alabama Shakes.

Ashlyn Maine is an Indie Folk band born out of the backwoods of Madison County, Alabama in a sleepy and small community known as Harvest. Influenced by bands such as City and Colour, Brand New, and Mumford and Sons, Ashlyn Maine has slowly and steadily been making a name for themselves in the North Alabama area.

Formed in mid 2011, Ashlyn Maine has been touring extensively in the North Alabama area and recording in both home-grown and professional studios. The band has also made a name for themselves by having their debut LP titled “Cigar Clouds” chart in the top 40 on the Amazon.com folk category. Their hit songs “The Weather on Fridays” and “Ben City” have also been featured on WTAK 106.1 FM in Huntsville, Alabama, as well as WFMH Big 95.5 FM in Russellville, Alabama.

Born out of both Modern Rock and Southern Soul, The Valley Roots are leading the way in the new revitalization of the Muscle Shoals Sound. Hailing from Florence, Alabama, The Valley Roots combine the best of the old school and the new in a unique sound that’s equally down home southern Rock and Roll as it is Alabama rhythm.

The Valley Roots are known locally for their raucous live shows which usually include dancing not only from the crowds enjoying them, but from band members joining in on the fun too. Songs from The Valley Roots come at the audience in not only a fast paced rock show, but also in a soulful groove perfect for a summertime slow dance with a sweetheart.

Singing on the Square is sponsored by Champion Chevrolet every 3rd Friday night. The 2013 Schedule follows:

April 19 – 6:00 PM – Ashlyn Maine ~ 7:00 PM – The Valley Roots

May 17 – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Just Down the Road

June 21 – 6:00 PM – Dixie Bluegrass Boys ~ 7:00 PM Tilford Sellers & the Wagon Burners

July 19 – 6:00 PM – Dixon Todd ~ 7:00 PM – Southern Splendor Chorus

August 16 – 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Athens State University Community Band

September 20 – 6:00 PM – Nedia Keel – 7:00 PM – Rocket City Chorus

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the free concert on the east side of the courthouse in historic downtown Athens, AL. For a complete list of all the 2013 Singing on the Square entertainers, visit our website, www.VisitAthensAL.com. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside. Please call 256-232-5411 or 256-867-1438 to get the rain location. Visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 Beaty Street North for information on this event and other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone County.
By Jeanette Dunnavant Jones, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association