11th Annual Hank Williams Tribute Night: Dec. 30 At Iron City

BIRMINGHAM, AL — One of Birmingham's most beloved musical traditions is back for its 11th year, as local music icon Chad Fisher hosts the annual Hank Night, a tribute to the music of Hank Williams, Dec. 30.

As the story goes, Williams stayed at the Redmont Hotel in Birmingham the night of Dec. 30, 1952. When he left in his Cadillac the following day, he died in the back seat of heart failure on his way to a gig in Tennessee.The significance of the date of Fisher's tribute coincides with the fact that Birmingham was the last place he slept before he died.

"For a couple of years I was pretty Hank obsessed and in 2009 I decided to get together with old friends and play Hank songs for a night," Fisher said. "We booked ourselves at the old Speakeasy bar on December 30th. The date has significance for Birmingham because it was the date that Hank stayed here on his famous 'last ride.' He died the following night."

Fosher said even the casual music fan is familiar with Hank Williams, which adds to the widespread appeal of the tribute night. "Everyone knows Hank Williams' songs. That's honestly one of the best parts of Hank Night," Fisher said. "People of all ages and backgrounds come out to celebrate. People that aren't even familiar Hank Williams come out and walk away fans. It's really a lot of fun."

Fisher, who spends most of the year touring and recording as the trombone player in St. Paul & The Broken Bones has put together another all-star roster of Birmingham musicians to perform at Iron City this year to pay tribute to the life and music of Hank Williams.

Artists joining Fisher on stage this year include:

• Rick Carter
• Heath Green
• James Mullis (Early James)
• Zach Austin
• Will Stewart
• Janet Simpson
• Taylor & Kate Hollingsworth
• Steve Lewis
• Carole Griffin
• Bo Butler
• Noel Johnson

Tickets are only $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.