By Michael Butler

The Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center has announced plans to put on a concert featuring four local bands. The event is planned for Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.

The lineup will include Bryson Rigsby, Split River, BEARHEAD and Hopes on Hold.

“I think it’s awesome to have this in our town,” said Rigsby. “I’m so excited to play in this historic venue in my hometown. It means so much to me.”

Split River was the winner of “Alabama Has Talent” in August. The competition was held at Mount Vernon.

“We love the venue’s environment and are more than happy to come back,” Split River’s Jack Butler said. “I’m excited to hear the other guys perform.”

Fellow band member Donavan Aldridge agreed.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to play at Mount Vernon,” Aldridge added. “I can’t wait to play there again.”

All Split River members are in high school or college, as is Rigsby. The members of BEARHEAD and Hopes on Hold are a little older.

BEARHEAD’s Derek Scott is a 2006 Tallassee High School graduate. This year is the class’s 20-year reunion. Jordan Cunningham of Hopes on Hold is also a THS alum from the Class of 2009.

““What started as a simple conversation between me and Jordan grew into pulling together local acts,” Scott said. “This will be BEARHEAD’s first show in 14 years. It feels full circle for us—just like when we first started. It’s all about bringing live music back to Tallassee and creating a night the community can be part of.”

Cunningham has been around the music scene for many years from those high school days to handling sound and lighting for events like the recent Alabama Has Talent competition held at Mount Vernon.

“It’s a really cool thing for us to get the chance to play in such a historical venue,” Cunningham said. “For me personally as a native Tallasseean, it’s always fun to be able to play at home to a crowd that I mostly know.”

Tickets are $10 each. Doors will open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center on Facebook.