By Hannah Caver, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE — Local Trussville family host the 7th Annual Sing-A-Thon at Slagheap Brewery on Tuesday, October 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in honor of Zac Langford benefiting Down Syndrome Alabama.
Rob Langford has hosted the event for the past seven years and will sing any song for a donation. The Sing-A-Thon will be broadcasted live on Facebook, and Langford asks if anyone has any song requests to post them to his Facebook page or in person at Slagheap Brewery.
Langford has always enjoyed singing and even dresses like Elvis; Langford also produces Elvis Rob Productions, where he and his team personalized each event to ensure that your specific needs are fulfilled. Langford not only draws on his experience as an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist who knows not only how to keep a crowd energized and engaged he demonstrates versatility as an entertainer that is unparalleled in the industry today.
“I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself,” Langford said. “I dress up like a dead man for money, like Elvis, and it was like I’ve always been a singer and stuff for as long as I can remember, so why not?”
Langford explained the first year he created the Sing-A-Thon, he raised $800, and every year since then, the Sing-A-Thon continues to grow. Last year the event raised $1200, and Langford said this year the goal is to raise $1500.
“I’ve been all over the map with the music selections, I get,” Langford said. “So, it’s a lot of fun; when it comes to music, I’m not scared I’ll give it a shot, and having the words in front of you doing the karaoke helps a lot.”
Langford said that fellow Tribute Artists are also taking part in the Sing-A-Thon, such as an Aretha Franklin impersonator. Langford said he looks forward to these events and having families with Down Syndrome come out and spend time together.
He explained that these events help overcome the stigma that comes with Down Syndrome.
“There are so many misconceptions about what they can do and what they can’t do,” Langford said.
Langford said that he had been involved with the Down Syndrome community even before his son, Zac, was born with Down Syndrome.
“Zac is such a blessing to people, and it’s like people have this guard up when they meet him, and he totally changes their demeanor,” Langford said. “He can literally go for a walk in the park and stops to smells the flowers.”
This event helps families in the community come together, raise awareness for Down Syndrome, and let those who have Down Syndrome know they are not alone. Langford said that he believes that people with Down Syndrome are a blessing from God, and if this Sing-A-Thon can raise money for Down Syndrome Alabama, he has done his job.
“It’s just a laid back, fun environment where you get to see me make a fool out of myself for a good cause,” Langford said.
Donations can be made at secure.downsyndromealabama.org/zac.