By JESSA PEASE

PELHAM—Echosmith and American Idol’s Casey James are making their way to Pelham July 17-18, along with a long list of other performers and vendors, as a part of the city’s annual celebration, Pelham Palooza.

“We’ve just broadened our horizons to encompass everything that’s great about our city,” said event coordinator Paula Holly. “We have gotten great feedback, especially about having Echo. I’ve had people as far away from North Carolina call…The music is a big draw.”

The event kicks off at Oak Mountain Amphitheater July 17 at 7 p.m. as a part of 103.7’s free Just Show Up Show featuring Echosmith. The indie, 80s dance-rock-influenced band is composed of Graham, Sydney, Noah and Jamie Sierota and is most know for its songs “Cool Kids” and “Bright.”

Musical performances on Saturday, July 17 will be outside at the Pelham Civic Center & Ice Arena, kicking off with Alabama’s own Sweet Tea Trio at 11:50 a.m. Country musicians Henri’s Notions will take the stage at 12:55 p.m. followed by Earthbound a 2 p.m., Rollin In the Hay  at 3:05 p.m. and Act of Congress at 4:10 p.m.

The evening’s performances end with American Idol competitor Casey James at 5:15 p.m. This alternative, acoustic and bluegrass singer will be sharing songs from his self-titled debut that was released in 2012. He is most well known for his single “Crying on a Suitcase.”

Pelham Palooza features more than just music though. Inside the complex, Pelham will showcase some of the most popular outdoor sports available to the city including demonstrations from Harley-Davidson, Oak Mountain State Park and the Alabama Wild Life Center.

The main arena will host local favorites such as Grebel Dance (10 a.m.), Magic by Kevin (11 a.m.), Workplay Rock School (1 p.m.) and the Senior Center Line Dancers (3 p.m.), along with chef demonstrations by Radical Creations (12 p.m.) and Cliff Beach author of Beach Family Cookbook (2 p.m.).

In addition to dishes prepared by chef demonstrations, Pelham Palooza will feature food vendors from local restaurants such as Frios Gourmet Pops and Bayou Billy Sweet Dixie Tea. There will be about 100 vendors and organizations represented from all over Pelham.

Pelham Palooza is a free event open to the public. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit pelhamonline.com/pelhampalooza/.