59th Annual Jimmie Rodgers Festival
Boasts Music Lineup As Eclectic
As Its Legendary Namesake
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Meridian, Mississippi, Roster Features Country, Folk, Blues, Rock and More at Multiple Venues! |
(MERIDIAN,MS) – May 9, 2012 – He’s known as the Father of Country Music, butduring his brief-but-spectacular career, Jimmie Rodgers’ music embracedeverything from blues and jazz to gospel and folk and his recordingswent on to inspire future music forms including bluegrass and rock. It’sonly fitting then that the festival that bears his name should boastsuch a diverse and eclectic lineup of artists. The 59th annual Jimmie Rodgers Festivaltakes place in his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi this month, andthe featured artists and events are sure to please music lovers of allstripes.
Theheart of the festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 16 and continuesdaily through Saturday, May 19. Along the way, festivalgoers will betreated to music ranging from traditional country and folk music toblistering juke joint-style blues.
Festival events listed at www.jimmierodgers.com include:
Wednesday, May 16 – Songwriters Night featuringMac McAnally, Teddy Gentry and Lenny Leblanc. The event kicks off at7:30 p.m. at Temple Theatre. Tickets range from $15 to $25 and areavailable at the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, Temple Theater or online at http://www.itickets.com/events/284272.html.
Thursday, May 17 – Traditional Country Night featuringDaryle Singletary, Southern Justice and Steve Wilkerson. Event beginsat 6 p.m. at Dumont Plaza. Tickets are $10 and are available at http://www.itickets.com/events/285082.html. Lawn chairs are welcome.
Friday, May 18 – Americana Music Symposiumfeaturing Barry Mazor. Event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. at MSU Riley Center.Tickets are $25 and are available at the Jimmie Rodgers Museum. Formore information, call (601) 485-1808.
Friday, May 18 – Juke Joint Nightfeaturing a diverse lineup in venues throughout historic downtownMeridian. Free trolley pick up and drop from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at allparticipating bars, including Rhythm & Brews, Weidmann’s Restaurant,Brickhouse Bar & Grill, Jen’s Place, and The Echo Lounge.
Saturday, May 19 – Talent Competitionfeaturing country and gospel talent. Competition runs from 8 a.m. to 2p.m., at Dumont Plaza. Admission is $5. Lawn chairs are welcome.
Saturday, May 19 – Jimmie’s Jamfeaturing music ranging from bluegrass to blues. Artists includeMichael Grimm, Blue Mountain, The Cedric Burnside Project, Alan Sibley,The Magnolia Ramblers and more. Event runs from 4 to 11 p.m. at DumontPlaza. Admission is $5 and tickets are available at http://www.itickets.com/events/285087.html. Lawn chairs are welcome.
Saturday, May 19 – Stage of Legends featuring Wynonna & The Big Noise. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at MSU Riley Center. Tickets are available online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=22678&pid=7212406
Thetown of Meridian will conclude its annual celebration of its hometownhero at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 with a Wreath Laying Ceremony atJimmie Rodgers’ burial site in Oak Grove Cemetery.
For more information on the festival and on the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation, visit www.jimmierodgers.comor stop by the Jimmie Rodgers Museum at 1725 Jimmie Rodgers Drive inhistoric Meridian, Mississippi (email atjimmierodgersfoundation@gmail.com).