Since Issues usually plays private events, lead singer Phillip McClung said that it is very exciting for the band to play in a public setting at July Jamz.

“We mostly play private parties,” McClung said. “But July Jamz is a great opportunity for friends and family to come and watch us.”

Issues has been a perennial favorite at July Jamz, the summer concert series sponsored by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Last year, they had Kenny Heard, the Covington County native also known as Kenny on the Keys, join them. They’ll be playing together again tonight.

“He is awesome,” McClung said. “He puts that extra flair in our set.”

McClung said that it is rewarding to be playing for his home community.

“I think it is very rewarding,” McClung said. “That is if everyone doesn’t melt before we start playing.”

Heard has played with the band multiple times over the years, but since signing a contract with Crescent Moon Entertainment in Nashville, the only opportunity he’s had to play with the band has been at July Jamz.

“I think the best thing about playing at July Jamz is being able to come back and play with Issues,” Heard said. “It’s our home ground so it is always a great time when I get to come back, but I’m three hours away and it is hard to do it with such a tight schedule.”

Heard is based in the Auburn area, but travels all over the southeast playing shows. Like Issues, he mostly plays private events.

“It feels really good to play a public show for once,” Heard said. “I play a lot of private events, so being able to come back to Andalusia is a good feeling.”

Heard has played with the band on and off since 2002, after meeting McClung while he was in the LBW Community College Ensemble.

“It is always a pleasure to play with Issues,” Heard said. “They are all like big brothers to me.”

Heard will be off after July Jamz for a month, and then will be on the road again on his Greek Life tour, in which he travels to several different college fraternity parties.

“I go to pretty much every single university in Alabama,” Heard said. “Then I’ll make stops at Clemson and Louisiana State University. I am booked every weekend basically.”

Heard and McClung both said that it feels good to be the headliner on the final night of the Jamz.

“What else can I say, it feels good,” McClung said. “I mean there were so many quality bands and a lot of good music, but to see your name on the banner, it’s exciting.”

Issues will take the stage with their southern rock sound at 7 p.m., on Thursday with Jeff Sellers opening at 6 p.m.