Hackers will perform at Alabama Music Hall on Saturday

TUSCUMBIA -- Hometown favorites Zac and Angela Hacker will return to the Shoals on Saturday, hot off their most recent performances on the USA Network show "Nashville Star."

The two finalists will appear at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for a performance and a "meet and greet" with fans.

The event begins at 5 p.m. in the hall of the lobby, said Florence attorney Tina Parker.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is on U.S. 72 in Tuscumbia.

Parker and her law partner, Elizabeth Berry, have been involved in promoting the Hackers through viewing and voting parties at Brinley Bros. Downtown Bistro in Florence.

The Hacker siblings will each perform an acoustic set of songs and possibly treat fans to a duet. There will also be an opportunity for fans to get autographs and photos.

"Nashville Star" is an "American Idol"-type program that is seeking out the next big country music star.

The Hackers were selected out of 20,000 contestants nationwide to be two of 10 finalists on the show.

They are among the remaining five contestants vying for a Warner Brothers recording contract, a new Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a chance to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Two contestants will be eliminated on tonight's show.

"Nashville Star" airs at 9 p.m. locally on Comcast Cable channel 41.

The USA Network will be on hand to film the Hackers' homecoming and will feature clips from the event on the Feb. 22 episode of the show.

"You might be able to get on TV if you show up," Parker said.

According to a news release from FAME Studios, Shoals mayors will be presenting the Hackers with the keys to Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia.

At 9 p.m. Saturday, the Hackers will perform with a "who's who" of Shoals musicians at P.J.'s Club in Muscle Shoals. There is a $5 cover charge for that show.

Zac Hacker is a songwriter for House of FAME Publishing, while Angela Hacker is employed by Rick Hall Music, both located at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals.

"All of us in Muscle Shoals are so very proud of Angela and Zac," Hall said. "There's a lot of talent on the show, but I believe what makes them stand out is what's inside. They've got soul."

Parker said the viewing parties at Brinley have been very successful. "We're packing it out on Thursday's."

Fans begin gathering well before the show starts and are fairly rowdy, until the Hackers perform.

Once the show ends, the voting begins. Fans can vote for their favorite contestant over the phone or on the Internet. Parker said votes are accepted up to three hours after the show ends.

Mercury Records recording artist Gary Nichols will provide entertainment after the party, Parker said.

George Castell, owner of LaFonda Mexicana in Florence, said fans gather in a part of the restaurant normally reserved for bands and watch the show on a big screen TV. They can also watch the show in the bar.

"People rush over here from work," Castell said. "Everybody gets quiet when (the Hackers) come on."

Fans also gather at Bayou Blue and Logan's Roadhouse in Florence, where all the televisions are tuned to "Nashville Star" on Thursday nights.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.