This weekend Fayette Countians will be entertained at the Villages Amphitheater both Friday and Saturday night. On Friday, local singers will lift their voices in hopes of becoming the next Fayette Idol, and on Saturday audiences will be out in force for the free July Jam concert featuring the Swingin’ Medallions.

Fayette Idol

Millions of people tuned into their television sets every Tuesday and Wednesday night this spring to watch talented performers from across the country compete in one of the nation’s most popular television shows, “American Idol.”

While their won’t be millions tuning into their televisions this Friday, July 7 to watch the third annual Fayette Idol, there will be plenty of home-grown talent gracing the stage at the Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville before a cheering audience.

Watch as two groups of contestants, ages five through 12 and age 13 to adult, compete in this popular show. A panel of judges will narrow the two age groups down to five contestants each.

Verizon Wireless again is partnering with Main Street to allow the audience to vote for their favorite Fayette Idol. The top text vote winner’s points will account for a portion of their overall score. Audience members can vote as many times as they wish from any phone with text messaging capabilities, however normal text message rates may apply.

Contestants were required to turn in an application with a $10 registration fee by June 30, 2006 to the Main Street Tourism Association in order to participate in this event.

Steve Geyer, professional humorist and minister of outreach at Heritage Christian Church, will serve as the emcee. Some of the judges include Marilyn Hass, editor of Arts & Expressions magazine, Heather Lynn, radio personality for Midwest Georgia’s Magic 98.1 and past voice coach, Ron Simpson, owner and president of talent booking RCS Productions, and Paula Langworthy, vocal coach and past lead vocalist for a national entertainment company.

The performers will not only be judged by their singing ability but will be judged on each of the four categories equally: appearance, stage presence, voice quality and star quality. The judges will choose one winner from each age category to reign as this year’s Fayette Idol.

Along with a cash prize of $200 and other prizes donated by local merchants, the winners will be given the opportunity to perform at the Crystal Gayle concert, Christmas Tree Lighting and Old Courthouse Art Show.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. The gates open at 7 p.m. and the first Fayette hopeful sings at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available for the remaining 2006 Summer Concert Series concerts. Blood Sweat & Tears with Chuck Negron will perform July 22, Crystal Gayle will perform on Aug. 19 and Diamond Rio with Danielle Peck will perform on Aug. 26. For tickets, visit www.villagesamphitheater.com or call 770-719-4173.

Swingin’ Medallions

Dust off your dancing shoes and enjoy the sounds of the Swingin’ Medallions at the Villages Amphitheater on Sat., July 8 for a free July Jam concert.

The Main Street Tourism Association is sponsoring this free concert from the proceeds of past community events.

Grab a partner, or two, as the tables will be removed from the orchestra area down front and dance the night away. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and their rhythm to the free concert. Concessions will be provided by Backyard Burgers.

The Swingin’ Medallions have been based out of the Greenwood, South Carolina area since the early 1960's. The music most often associated with the band is beach music, frat rock, R&B, or shaggin' music. Audiences will recognize their signature song, “Double Shot.” Whether young or old, they offer a little bit of everything for everyone.

Gates open at 7 p.m. and the Swingin’ Medallions will start the party at 8 p.m. The free concert offers general and lawn seats on a first come, first serve basis. For tickets, visit www.villagesamphitheater.com or call 770-719-4173.

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