"Fernando never showed." The above is a line sung by Russell Smith of Amazing Rhythm Aces fame. Unfortunately paying customers for the Alabama Music Hall of Fame may take their cue from Fernando.
The Aces are scheduled to open a series of concerts to raise money for the HOF. We believe, as well as hope, that the concerts will be successful; however, we're not as sure where the HOF will eventually locate, so paying concert-goers should be aware that they may very well be supporting moving the HOF from this area.
Might it remain at its current location? We offer this quote from Wiley Barnard, executive director of the HOF:
“We can’t afford this place. It’s just falling apart.”
Might it remain in the Shoals area? One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
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Also from the TimesDaily:
Thumbs up to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame board for listening to proposals from Huntsville and Birmingham about possibly moving the attraction from Tuscumbia. Board members through the years have created the mess at the hall of fame by poorly managing resources and not providing long-term strategy to keep the facility vibrant. They should do everything possible to keep the hall of fame in the Shoals, but it would be irresponsible to ignore other options. The goal has to be what's best for the heritage of Alabama music.
We have to ask what resources have been misused. Donations? Exhibits? Display space? Manpower? Perhaps all of them?
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A final word: The TD states the goal has to be what's best for our musical heritage. There is a school of thought that incorporates the premise of making an entity the best by utilizing a person's/area's unique qualities. It's a long road. More people/areas should take it.
Shoalanda