May 20, 2008 Helen Keller Festival

The Helen Keller Festival began in 1979 as a tribute to the life of Helen Keller (see image: Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan 1898). Thousands of visitors from around the world come to Tuscumbia, Alabama each year to celebrate the achievements of the remarkable woman who has come to be known as America's First Lady of Courage. The 2008 Helen Keller Festival will take place at Tuscumbia, Alabama from June 23 to 29. The Festival remains a volunteer project, annually attracting over 75,000 people to events held throughout the city. It has grown to include award-winning arts and crafts vendors, art exhibits, athletic events, a parade, concerts, and performances of William Gibson's world famous drama, The Miracle Worker.

Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was born and raised in Northwest Alabama, and it was in Tuscumbia that she learned to communicate through the tireless efforts of her equally famous teacher, Annie Sullivan. She was an American author, activist and lecturer. She was the first deafblind person to graduate from college. The story of how Keller's teacher, Annie Sullivan, broke through the isolation imposed by a near complete lack of language, allowing the girl to blossom as she learned to communicate, has become known worldwide through the dramatic depictions of the play The Miracle Worker. What is less well known is how Keller's life developed after she completed her education. A prolific author, she was well traveled, and was outspoken in her opposition to war. She campaigned for women's suffrage, workers' rights and socialism, as well as many other progressive causes. Concert/Entertainment Schedule of 2008 Helen Keller Festival

Thursday, June 26	7:15 p.m. Shane Baker 8:30 p.m. Nate Sallie of NewSong
Friday, June 27	6:00 p.m. Vintage Deluxe 7:00 p.m. Jukebox Jim 8:30 p.m. Angela Hacker
Saturday, June 28	10:00 a.m. Jake Landers Band 11:45 a.m. Renewed 12:30 p.m. Kelsey Self 1:30 p.m. Lee Taylor 2:30 p.m. Malcolm & Gaylon 3:45 p.m. Austin Cunningham 5:00 p.m. Keller Kids 5:30 p.m. Ray Brothers 6:30 p.m. Hillbilly Delux 8:30 p.m. Billy Currington

Billy Currington is an American country singer-songwriter. Signed to Mercury Nashville Records in 2003, Currington made his debut on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts with the Top 10 single "Walk a Little Straighter". To date, Currington has recorded two studio albums, and has charted seven singles (including two Number Ones) on the Billboard country singles charts.

Angela Hacker is an American country music singer currently signed to Warner Bros. Records. In 2007, she was the fifth winner of the USA Network talent show Nashville Star.

Renewed is an acappella gospel group based in the Shoals area. They have been singing together for twelve years and are all members of area Churches of Christ.

Nate Allen Sallie is a Contemporary Christian music singer. He is signed to Curb Records. Sallie was born and raised in Washington D.C. He played in several bands and competed in numerous competitions.


Event:
Helen Keller Festival 2008

Date:
June 23 (Monday) – 29 (Sunday), 2008

Location:
Spring Park
Tuscumbia, Alabama
USA

SOURCE: Helen Keller Festival

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