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Legendary Beach Music Band The Tams to Headline Celebration 2015

The ocean may be hours away from Martinsville Speedway, but that won’t stop Celebration 2015 from having a beach-type atmosphere. The Tams, a Carolina-style Beach Music band from Atlanta, will headline Celebration 2015 on July 3.

 

Best known for the hit “What Kind of Fool” and their version of “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, The Tams have been recognized as the Beach Band of the Decade and inducted into the Georgia, the Atlanta and the Beach Music halls of fame.

 

“When picking a band for Celebration, we want to find one that not only will people know, but that everyone will enjoy,” Martinsville President Clay Campbell said. “With The Tams, I know we’re getting both. They’ve been around for decades and I think people of all-ages will have a good time with them.”

 

Celebration 2015 is a free event with music, carnival rides and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. In addition to no admission charge, the carnival rides are also free. Concession items will be on sale.

 

In addition to The Tams, more bands will be named later.

 

The music begins at 4 p.m., with The Tams taking the stage around 7 o’clock.  Celebration 2015 kicks off at 3 p.m. when the carnival rides open. The night will culminate with the fireworks display at the conclusion of The Tams concert.

 

Celebration 2015 marks the 17th year Martinsville Speedway has hosted the event.

 

“The community really recognizes this event as a tradition around Independence Day and a family tradition,” said Jeb Bassett, who is in his seventh year of leading the fundraising for the event. “The clean, safe environment that the speedway offers is unmatched anywhere.”

 

Bassett said fundraising for this year’s event is at about 75 percent of the goal, and sponsors are still needed to make the event a success.

 

“The area businesses have been very receptive to continuing their support and most of the new ones we contact are excited to help support the event,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of guys help me that have had some fresh ideas and fresh potential sponsors to contact. Those guys are Eddie White, Tom Prato and Carter Underwood.”

 

The Tams were formed in 1962, making just enough money to buy what has now become a signature look for the band; matching Tam O’Shanter hats. In the years since they have gone on to release more than 15 albums and been honored with one Platinum and two Gold records. They have toured and recorded with Jimmy Buffett and performed with such greats as Gladys Knight, Jackie Wilson and many more.

 

For information on becoming a sponsor for Celebration 2015 contact Jeb Bassett at Bassett Furniture.