Gatlin comes home to Fandango

This year's Firecracker Fandango boasts something for everyone - unless you're not into three stages worth of continuous music, lots of food, even more games and an enormous fireworks show.

Nancy Wells, executive director of Main Street Odessa, said Fandango's newest addition is aimed toward teens - a group she says hasn't had anything specific for them at past Fandangos.

"We got together and asked, ‘What can we do to draw (teens) in?' " Wells said. She said she tried hard to bring bands that teens were listening to and was able to book 3 Nails, Since October and Decyfer Down, all Christian-rock bands, "with emphasis on the ‘rock.' "

Another big talent Wells mentioned were Odessa natives Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, who will be performing with the First Baptist Chancel Choir and Orchestra.

"This is Odessa; everybody loves Larry," Wells said.

Gatlin will be performing a lot of his hits, some with the First Baptist Chancel Choir and Orchestra. Curtis Brewer, associate pastor of worship and celebration, said the orchestra was set to play up to 20 numbers along with Gatlin. But Gatlin's also got some new tricks up his sleeve, namely his new single "Johnny Cash is Dead And His House Burned Down" off the album "Pilgrimage" which is due out in August.

Gatlin said he expects it will be good to see his old friends when he returns.

"It's still my hometown. It's always very nice to come back, and I'm always grateful to come back," Gatlin said.

Fond memories of celebrating the Fourth of July in Odessa haven't left Gatlin, and he said that the Fourth continues to be an important day for Americans to remember.

"I mean, holy cow, this is the land of the free and the home of the brave!" he said. "I'm just glad - so far, there hasn't been country singer bailout, because then they'd tell me where to sing, when to sing and who to sing to."
Brewer said he's excited about the chance to perform alongside Gatlin.

"(The Chancel Orchestra) hasn't done anything like this, not to this magnitude," Brewer said. "We're looking for a great performance."

In addition to Gatlin, Wells said David Lee Garza would also perform, "so you can do all the boot scootin' you want to."

But the Fourth of July isn't the Fourth without the real main event - fireworks. The spectacle in the sky will begin at 10 p.m., and Wells said this year's show could last up to 20 minutes.

Twenty minutes ... bring a lawn chair.

IF YOU GO
>> What: Firecracker Fandango.
>> Where: Downtown Odessa, with entrances to the festival at Fourth and Lee, and at Fourth and Sam Houston.
>> When: 6 p.m. Saturday with the fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m.
>> How much: $5 in advance at any Blockbuster, $7 at the door, children 7 and under get in free.

Patriotic Stage
>> 8:30 p.m., First Baptist Chancel Choir & Orchestra with special guests Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers.

Texas Stage
>> 7 p.m., Chad Johnson  & Down 1450.
>> 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., David Lee Garza y Los Musicales.

Teen Stage
>> 7:30 p.m., 3 Nails.
>> 8:45 p.m., Since October.
>> 10:30 p.m., Decyfer Down.

Children's Stage-Noël Plaza.
>> 6 p.m., First Baptist Children.
>> 6:30 p.m., Shout Little Ones.
>> 7 p.m., Cuts N Cardio.
>> 7:30 p.m., ATA Tae Kwon Do.
>> 8:30 p.m., Shout Cheerleading.