Words by Hannah Manasco | Images by Justin Hunter
Every year, as the harsh Alabama heat begins to give way to the cooler temps of fall, thousands of excited Foothills Festival attendees flock to the historic downtown Jasper strip to celebrate the local tradition and Jasper’s ever-flourishing community. This year, the festival will be held from September 13-14 in the city square and throughout the downtown entertainment district.
In an exclusive interview with The Walker Leader, Foothills talent hire Zack Baker discussed the upcoming stage lineup. End of the Line, an Allman Brothers tribute band based out of Nashville, will open the festival at 6:30 on Friday night. Following will be Mark Chesnutt at 8:00 and Sammy Kershaw at 9:30. On Saturday evening at 6:00, Cowboy Mouth will take the stage, followed by Fuel at 7:30, and to close out the festival, Better Than Ezra will perform at 9:00. In addition to the primary lineup, local talents will offer a constant soundtrack on Saturday from noon until 5:00 in front of Alabama Back Institute.
When asked what visitors can expect from the weekend festival, Baker said, “Music and vendors. That’s really what people come for, is the music and the shops.”
Aside from the main musical events, visitors can expect activities for all ages. Whether viewing antique cars or playing games in the kid’s zone, there will be something for the whole family.
Though Baker has been involved with the festival since it originated in 1996, the talent buyer only began coordinating the annual lineups in 2013. Since then, the Foothills Festival has featured artists such as Deana Carter, North Mississippi Allstars, and Scott Stapp of Creed.
Baker also highlighted how the Foothills Festival has contributed to the continuous growth of downtown Jasper. “When I was young, you only came downtown to get your driver’s license or tag renewed. Now, something is happening every day of the week. Never in a million years could you have convinced me this place would look the way it does now.” WL
For more information on the 2024 Foothills Festival, visit www.foothillsjasper.com.
