Musical Legends Descend Upon Decatur for 2007 AJC Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical

Billy Childish, John Wesley Harding, Peter Case, Shawn Mullins to Perform

Don’t let the name of the festival fool you, because the 2007 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical (DBF) is hosting renowned singer/songwriters of yesteryear and today. The festival is Labor Day weekend, August 31-September 2, opening Friday morning and continuing through Sunday evening with nearly non-stop events and activities.

“We’re thrilled with the musical lineup we have this year,” said Daren Wang, DBF Executive Director. “We have some truly awe-inspiring musicians participating in the festival.”

Legendary rocker Billy Childish kicks off the musical festivities with a solo blues performance Friday, August 31, at 9 p.m., on the Vinson Gallery Stage at Sweet Melissa’s restaurant (127 East Court Square). $20 advance; $25 door. Contact Vinson Gallery for purchasing information (www.vinsongallery.com).

Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins will close out the festival Sunday, September 2, at 7 p.m., with a concert on the square.

Performing in between Childish’s Friday night gig and Mullins’ Sunday finale will be:

• Bobby Braddock: prolific country hit maker; his memoir, Down in Orburndale: A Songwriter's Youth in Old Florida, was published this year; his song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” was voted Song of the Century by Radio and Records magazine; penned hits such as “"D.I.V.O.R.C.E." and “Time Marches On”
• Wesley Stace: has released 15 albums under the name John Wesley Harding, ranging from traditional folk to full-on pop music; his second novel, by George: A Novel, written under his real name (Wesley Stace), was published this summer
• Peter Case: American singer-songwriter; diverse career ranges from new wave music to folk rock to solo acoustic performance; his memoir, As Far as You Can Get without a Passport, was published in December of 2006
• Tommy Womack: American singer-songwriter of folk/rock/county/alt-country/indie songs; his book, Cheese Chronicles: The True Story of a Rock and Roll Band You’ve Never Heard of, was published in 1995