By Karah Wilson

karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.—On Dec. 31, Jess Goggans hosted a New Year’s Eve show at The Barnyard with her band and other musicians. Featured at this event was Soul Karnival, Will Dooley, Elisha Tatum, Tony Brook, Bert David Newton, and the Jess Goggans Band.

“There was a huge turnout,” Goggans said. “All through the evening there was a great crowd. We had kids on stage and people from 4 years old to 80 years old.” Goggans said all the bands went “above and beyond” with their performances. Goggans said she might even do a summer concert. “I loved watching everyone come together. Kids got on stage to sing ‘I’ll Take You Away’ and they put their souls into it. It was one of my favorite moments on stage from 2015.”

Braxton Harris, drummer for Soul Karnival said he was “honored” for the band to be asked to play. “Jess is a huge inspiration and an amazing musician,” Harris said. “I played with her once or twice at Mainstreet Deli. It was a lot of fun.” Harris will be filling in as drummer for the Jess Goggans Band on Feb. 27. “I would be more than happy to play another New Year’s Eve show. Tons of people love music on New Year’s Eve and it would be a lot of fun.”