This Fall, the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) is bringing a local talent series featuring singer / songwriters from the surrounding areas. The event, called Local Sounds, will feature skilled performers on the stage playing both original and cover songs.

“Over the past year, we learned that acoustic performances sound incredible in our theater,” Executive Director Jeff Thompson said. “With that in mind, we set out to find musicians from the area that can be considered top-tier talent in that field.”

Thompson said the series will help build community identity by providing a performance space for local artists. He plans to continue the series to build it into something bigger while keeping a low price point for tickets.

On August 24, Rachel Hebert and Jamison Taylor will begin the series.

Jamison Taylor is the Director of Modern Worship at FUMC of Alabaster. He also operates Jamison Taylor’s School of Music in Pell City where he teaches guitar, piano, drums, voice, bass, mandolin, music theory and more to over 100 students per week. He still writes, records, produces, and performs but his heart is in Ministry. You would have a hard time finding him without a smile on his face and a kind word.

Rachel is a folk singer-songwriter who grew up in Hoover. With roots in Louisiana, North Carolina, and Alabama, Rachel Hebert’s songs grow up from the swamp and peat and clay of the American Southeast. When asked for a representation of her style, Hebert told al.com, “The music invites you inside, the lyrics ask if you’ll stay and sit a spell. They’re the sort of front-porch songs you’ll come to consider old friends.”

On September 14, Megan Kane and Khris Reaves will take the stage.

Megan Kane is a country music singer/songwriter and self-taught musician from central Alabama. Writing songs from her small town point of view, Megan is bringing stories to life in her own sassy yet soulful style. Her heartfelt songs and belting voice is something you won’t soon forget.

Khris Reaves is a singer/songwriter, artist, creative, and Birmingham native – he’s been playing music in Alabama for most of his life. “After years of playing in bands and at church I decided to share some of my more personal songs with friends.” Reaves said. “With their encouragement, I figured it was time to share my passion for music with my city and I began to assemble a band – The Boulevard Affair. These are some of the best musicians I’ve had the pleasure of playing with and I’m excited to share with you what we’ve created.”

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, August 11. Prices are $7 prior to the event. On the day of the event, tickets will be sold at the door for $10.

To purchase tickets, visit pellcitycepa.com/tickets on or after August 11. You can also call the center at (205) 338-1974 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays or visit us during the same times at our office next to Pell City High School (25 Williamson Drive, Pell City, AL 35125).