George Huff to perform before the opening of Karle's new film

HUNTINGTON -- American Idol finalist George Huff will bring his soulful sounds to Huntington on Thursday night.

The singer will perform during the festivities preceding the world premier of Francesca Karle's new documentary film about substance abuse titled "Back to the Bottle." The film will be shown in conjunction with the annual Appalachian Film Festival, which is scheduled for April 17-19, but it is not a competing film.

The red carpet arrivals for the premier will start at 7:15 p.m. with the evening's program beginning at 7:45 p.m. Performances by local and national artists, including Huff, will be followed by the premiere showing of "Back to the Bottle" at 9 p.m.

Huff was a finalist on season three of American Idol in 2004, finishing in fifth place. Other standout performers from that season include Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London, and future Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.

Huff's life took a different turn, however, when his family's home in New Orleans was affected by Hurricane Katrina one year later, which prompted a move to his new home in Dallas, Texas. He will release his second album in a couple of months on the Koch Records label.

Huff has spoken to Karle over the phone, and while he has yet to meet her in person or see her new movie, the impetus behind her new documentary is something that appeals to him.

"There is nothing better than to be able to really express yourself, and express who you really are, which brings me to why I am so excited to be coming to this event," said Huff. "It's just wonderful that she is doing this movie. It seems as if anybody that does anything for the community and is sincere about it and is persistent, anything can happen. When people are doing things to help better their community as well as themselves, I think it sends a positive shock wave through the community. Everybody wants to see the same for their children and their children's children, so congrats to her. I'm very proud of her."

For Huff, his trials and tribulations of the last couple of years came in the form of Hurricane Katrina hitting his hometown of New Orleans.

"It was devastating," Huff said. "My family moved from there to Dallas, Texas and decided to stay in Dallas because that was a huge move. You move from one place to another, and then a year later, if you have to pick up everything and go back, it's a lot to do. They all got good jobs in Dallas and decided to stay."

Huff has gone back to New Orleans recently to visit his father and see the progress.

"It's coming back, but I definitely do not think New Orleans will be the same New Orleans, as far as the spirit of the city is concerned," said Huff. "Because, so many people have left and have not been able to come back. When I was there, for those that did go back and are trying to get back on their feet, you focus more on trying to get back on your feet rather than just living your life, and enjoying your life."