By By Chris Allen Baker / staff writer
April 5, 2002
Gospel singers The McKameys and country music group Confederate Railroad are two of the top acts that will perform at the 2002 Jimmie Rodgers Festival in May.
Officials with the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Foundation were expected to outline this year's festival entertainment line-up at an 8:30 a.m. news conference today at Union Station.
The annual event honors Jimmie Rodgers, the Meridian native known as the "Father of Country Music" and the "Singing Brakeman." The festival is set for May 9-11 in various locations around town.
Adkins said last year's event had a strong turnout, with the proceeds allowing the foundation to attract better talent this year and "build the festival back to the quality that fans expect and deserve."
Past festivals have featured such country music stars as George Strait and Garth Brooks. The 50-year-old event has also seen the likes of Elvis and Faith Hill participate in past talent contests.
This year, the festival will start May 9 with the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Golf Tournament at Briarwood Country Club.
Also that night, The Inspirations and The McKameys will perform gospel music at 7 p.m. at Northcrest Baptist Church.
On May 10, an Adult Talent Contest is set for 10 a.m. at Bonita Lakes Mall.
That night's entertainment will feature Steve Forbert and the North Mississippi All Stars, both at Singing Brakeman Park by Union Station.
On May 11, the Youth Talent Contest is set for 10 a.m. at Bonita Lakes Mall.
That night's entertainment will feature Confederate Railroad at Singing Brakeman Park.
Tickets for all concerts are $10. To purchase tickets, contact the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001 or toll-free (888) 868-7720.
Sponsors for this year's events include Structural Steel Services Inc., CenturyTel, Specialty Roll Products, Rush Foundation Hospital and the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.