Finebaum to speak in G’dale on Sept. 14

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News




North Jefferson residents will have a chance to see a nationally-known radio celebrity speak next week.

Paul Finebaum will be the guest speaker at Thursday’s Gardendale Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Gardendale Civic Center.

The meeting, to be held at 11:30 a.m., will be open to the public. Tickets will be sold at the door for $9. Lunch is included in the ticket price.

Chamber Executive Director Joy Clayton said the meeting will be held in the civic center’s exhibition hall because of an anticipated large crowd.

Clayton said Finebaum was approached to come speak by her husband, Tim Clayton, who had been a Finebaum “sidekick” back in March. She said his visit comes during the ideal time of year.

“We thought with September being the start of football season and this being such a sports-loving region, it’s a good fit,” she said. “We’re getting a lot of great response. … The chamber is very excited.”

Finebaum, a Memphis native, hosts his popular radio show Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. on the Paul Finebaum Radio Network. The show is broadcast in Birmingham on WJOX at 100.5 FM.

According to Finebaum’s bio on his Web site, he was called “the state’s most influential sports columnist and talk show host.

During his four-hour program, Finebaum covers a variety of topics, but the show focuses mainly on southern collegiate athletics. It’s his knowledge of Alabama football, in particular, that will bring Gardendale resident Alan Hall to the civic center for Finebaum’s appearance.

“I’m very excited about it,” Hall said. “I hope he talks about NIck Saban and what his thoughts are on Saban coming to Alabama and what the future holds for Alabama.”

Hall said Finebaum was “one of those guys you love and hate at the same time.” He compared the talk show host to Steve Spurrier. “He does some things you hate, but you love to watch him coach.”

Clayton said anyone interested in attending Thursday’s meeting should RSVP with the chamber by Monday at noon. For more information, call 631-9195 or visit the chamber’s Web site at www.gardendalechamberofcommerce.com.