Plans made for 50th Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival
By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Feb. 28, 2003
Organizers say they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival by focusing on the future rather than the past.
Plans for the festival were scheduled to be announced today at a press conference at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center.
Two well-known newcomers in the country music industry have been booked to perform, events have been added to the festival, and a larger venue, the agri-center, will be used for entertainment.
Betty Lou Jones, president of the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, said it has the most potential of any event in Meridian to become a huge success because of Rodgers' international legacy and influence in music.
Scotty Ray, program director of radio station WOKK 97 FM and country talent coordinator of the festival, said promotion of the Jimmie Rodgers Festival has become part of Meridian's heritage.
Events scheduled include a talent contest for youth on Saturday, April 5, and an adult talent contest on Sunday, April 6, to be held in conjunction with Art in the Park held at Highland Park.
Scheduled to perform at the agri-center on Friday, April 18, are country music artists Joe Nichols, followed by Blake Shelton.
Ray said Shelton has been in the country music mainstream for about two years and that he currently has a number one ranked song, "The Baby." Other hits to his credit are "Ol' Red," and "Austin."
Nichols, said Ray, has had hits with releases "The Impossible," and "Brokenheartsville."
Tickets to the concert go on sale Saturday at Bonita Lakes Mall. The tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for adults, $8 for children under the age of 12.
Beginning Monday, Jones said tickets to the concert will be available at The Music Emporium, 3100 23rd Ave., Good Vibrations, 2310 North Hills St., and at the agri-center.
Other events associated with the festival planned during May include a golf tournament, two gospel concerts, and a contemporary music concert featuring Meridian-born artist Steve Forbert.
