Live Music & Entertainment
On the James M. Barnett, Jr. Foundation Stage
10:45 AM: Ballet Theatre South (scenes from The Nutcracker)
11:30 AM: Brilynn Nevaeh
AFTERNOON PERFORMERS
Songwriters in The Row
Cliff Corr & Aaron Lee
Noon-2 PM
Cliff Corr and Aaron Lee comprise two-thirds of Songwriters in The Row with Franklin Engram. Earlier this year, they booked at Eddie’s Attic, sharing stories and original songs with the community.
While Engram cannot be at The Heart of Albany Festival because of a scheduling conflict, Corr says that he and Lee are excited to perform in their hometown, where the three songwriters played music together while attending college.
“We always love an opportunity to return to our hometown,” Corr said. “Being able to play some music and support the Albany Museum of Art is even more special. It will be a blast to see some old friends and make some new ones.”
Corr, now a resident of Decatur, grew up in a musical home environment. His father, Dr. Price Corr, played in a band, and Motown and Beatles music were the soundtracks of his childhood at home.
He describes his style as acoustic with pop, Americana, alternative, country, and folk influences. While the tech and marketing pro isn’t planning on a full-time music career, he is currently working on a full album of his music.
Lee, who now resides in France, also grew up with music in the air from church choirs and his grandmother’s piano. A self-taught guitarist, he and Engram recorded an album-length cassette of their music at the beach when they were high school freshmen.
During COVID, Lee decided to pursue music full-time. He recorded a debut album of his top 20 songs, and is currently mapping out more collections of his work.
Evan Barber
2:30-4:30 PM
Evan Barber, no stranger to the Americana/roots music scene in the South, is an Albany native who has been writing, recording, and touring across his native territory for the better part of the past decade. He’s cut his teeth sharing the stage with the likes of Chris Stapleton, Blackberry Smoke, Jason Isbell, and the Drive-by Truckers.
Barber’s songs are sketches of the American South. His latest offering, Until The Thunder, plays out like a daydream on the front porch swing after an evening spent under the stars, reminiscing about what has passed and pondering what is yet to come. Guitars awash in reverb blend with Barber’s warm, crooning vocals to offer a unique listening experience, something that wouldn’t be unfairly labeled as country/folk-tinged Explosions in the Sky at times. It’s Southern comfort amidst Southern struggle; finding a warmth in the cold.
Until The Thunder, his first solo release, draws heavily from his upbringing as well as road-worn experiences from time spent touring with his band, the Dead Gamblers. These songs are truly from the heart; his heart being that of a lifelong Southerner.
MORNING PERFORMERS
DJ Planet X
10 AM and Between Sets
Ryan Smith, a.k.a. DJ Planet X, will be back on stage to get the festival off to a rocking start! He also will keep the music going between sets by the other performers throughout the day.
The Illustrious Ladies of DC
10:15 AM
The Illustrious Ladies of DC, Dougherty Comprehensive High School’s cheer and dance team, will bring a high-energy performance to the stage.
Ballet Theatre South
10:45 AM
Get a preview of Ballet Theatre South’s performance of The Nutcracker. An Albany holiday tradition, the full performances of The Nutcracker are set for Dec 1-3 at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.
Brilynn Nevaeh
11:30 AM
Wrap up the morning with the beautiful sounds of Brilynn Nevaeh, a high school students whose voice is earning her a following in the Albany area and on social media.
