The stage will be set Friday for Columbia’s own Elsie to premier her new single, “River Avenue.”
“A Night on River Avenue” is a short film and music video of the song and also the name of the downtown event at 7 p.m. A 20-foot outdoor theater screen will be set up on Second Street by Second Street Bean.
“Bring lawn chairs, bring friends and bring good vibes and energy. We are going to have a good time,” the singer said.
Bailey Montgomery Alford, better known as Elsie in the music world, won the 2018 Country Showdown in Nashville. She is the daughter of the Rev. Terry and Nawasa Montgomery of Columbia and a Columbia High School graduate.
Elsie wrote the song “River Avenue” five years ago after being inspired by her husband, Anthony Alford, now a professional baseball player in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. She was driving on River Avenue in downtown Hattiesburg and an incident happened that inspired the chorus. Verse one and two are real life experiences she and her husband have been through. The rest of the song came to her while she was driving.
“Now it’s time to present it to the world, which is a little scary but also very exciting,” she said.
Not only is Elsie performing but also up-and-coming Columbia artist Rich. Shabulous and Artwistic will have their art displayed out front. Bea’s Sweet Shop will be selling sno-balls, and there will be jumpers for children.
“I also wanted to highlight the local artists from Columbia and just the arts period. We have so much talent in Columbia,” said Elsie.
Regarding being a black woman in country music, Elsie said she hasn’t had any issues. She said there are more African Americans in country music and cowboys than most people realized.
“This is a God thing. I grew up with gospel music. But when you think about it gospel, country and blues are all cousins. It came easy for me. I don’t chose the songs that I write, God gives me these songs and often times these songs are country.”
When asked why hold this event in Columbia, Elsie had this say.
“Columbia can do the same thing any other city can do. There is limitless potential in this city. We are on the brink of a new era almost like a Renaissance in this city. We have yet to tap into the full potential of this city. We have had Freedom Fest and Experience Columbia at Christmas time. I think we need to carry the momentum and show you can just as much fun here as anywhere else in the state,” Elsie said.
In the beginning of June, Elsie was able to attend the Country Music Television Awards in Nashville.
“God just moves in mysterious ways. I was not expecting to go or planning to go,” Elsie said.
Elsie said she has battled with self-doubt on deciding whether or not she should go to the event. After praying about it, she said every time she thought about it, her spirit told her to go. In addition she was able to “rub elbows” with some of the bigger names in country music. The trip just motivated her all the more.
“Last year I was at my mother’s house watching the CMTs and I said next year I am going to be there. I just put it in the atmosphere and God made a way,” Elsie said.
Tickets for “A Night on River Avenue” are available online at Eventbrite.com or can be purchased at the door at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission; $15 for general admission plus food and $25 for general admission plus food and drink. Tickets for children 5-11 are $5 and children under 5 are free.
The film was produced by MOCs, and the public relations firm handling this is IATA Creative.
Pictured Above: Country music singer Elsie’s new single will be shown on 20-foot screen Friday night on Second Street. | Photo Submitted
