Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the legendary country band Alabama will headline West Virginia’s America250 Capital City Celebration on the Friday evening heading into Fourth of July weekend.
This is part of West Virginia’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States that the governor first announced May 19. Such United States Semiquincentennial celebrations are taking place all across the country.
“When America turns 250, we want a celebration that families can enjoy together and remember for the rest of their lives,” Morrisey said in announcing Alabama as a headliner today.
“Alabama’s music has brought generations of Americans together, and we’re excited to welcome them to West Virginia as we celebrate this historic milestone.”
The four-day celebration will also feature a performance by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, July 4, and Southern rock icons The Marshall Tucker Band on Sunday, July 5. There will also be a fireworks extravaganza about 10 p.m. July 3.
Alabama was formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969 by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry, who were soon joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook.
They scored 21 consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including: Mountain Music, Dixieland Delight, Song of the South, Love in the First Degree, If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band), Feels So Right and Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler).
Alabama disbanded in 2004 following a farewell tour and two albums of inspirational music, but they reunited in 2010. Cook, the group’s legendary guitarist and fiddler, died in 2022 from complications with Parkinson’s disease. Owen and Gentry remain active.
After the performance in Charleston, Alabama continues to appearances July 10 at Fort Loramie, Ohio, and July 12 in Scranton, Pa.
Alabama played The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta 35 years ago, August 31, 1991.
The West Virginia celebration of America coincides with this year’s Charleston Sternwheel Regatta across town. The governor has described them as complementary events, with shuttles available for people who want to attend both.
On the Friday night that Alabama will be playing at the state Capitol grounds, the Regatta features an R&B lineup of Montell Jordan, Bow Wow and Bobby Brown.
Regatta’s lineup also includes Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd on Thursday, July 2; rockers Lita Ford and Bret Michaels on the Fourth of July; and Vertical Horizon and Tonic on Sunday, July 5.
The patriotic Capital City Celebration, scheduled for July 2 to 5, will feature the America250 Wheel, billed as the world’s tallest portable Ferris Wheel, nightly 3D projection light shows on the State Capitol and other family-friendly activities and special events.
“America250 is about more than a single event or a single weekend,” Morrisey said.
“From murals and bell-ringing ceremonies to community celebrations across all 55 counties, we’re creating opportunities for West Virginians to come together, honor our history, and celebrate the freedoms that have made America the greatest nation in the world.”
For more information about West Virginia’s America250 celebration, visit wv250.com and follow @westvirginia250 on Facebook and Instagram.