59th annual Jimmie Rodgers Festival returns to Meridian, Mississippi

59th Annual Jimmie Rodgers Festival Boasts Music Lineup As Eclectic As Its Legendary Namesake 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, but during his brief-but-spectacular career, Jimmie Rodgers’ music embraced everything from blues and jazz to gospel and folk and his recordings went on to inspire future music forms including bluegrass and rock. It’s only fitting then that the festival that bears his name should boast such a diverse and eclectic lineup of artists. The 59th annual Jimmie Rodgers Festival takes place in his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi this month, and the featured artists and events are sure to please music lovers of all stripes. The heart of the festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 16 and continues daily through Saturday, May 19. Along the way, festivalgoers will be treated to music ranging from traditional country and folk music to blistering juke joint-style blues. Festival events listed at www.jimmierodgers.com include: Wednesday, May 16 - Songwriters Night featuring Mac McAnally, Teddy Gentry and Lenny Leblanc. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Theatre. Tickets range from $15 to $25 and are available at the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, Temple Theater or online at http://www.itickets.com/events/284272.html. Thursday, May 17 - Traditional Country Night featuring Daryle Singletary, Southern Justice and Steve Wilkerson. Event begins at 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 Symposium featuring 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. For more information, call (601) 485-1808. Friday, May 18 - Juke Joint Night featuring a diverse lineup in venues throughout historic downtown Meridian. Free trolley pick up and drop from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at all participating bars, including Rhythm & Brews, Weidmann's Restaurant, Brickhouse Bar & Grill, Jen's Place, and The Echo Lounge. Saturday, May 19 - Talent Competition featuring country and gospel talent. Competition runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Dumont Plaza. Admission is $5. Lawn chairs are welcome. Saturday, May 19 - Jimmie’s Jam featuring music ranging from bluegrass to blues. Artists include Michael Grimm, Blue Mountain, The Cedric Burnside Project, Alan Sibley, The Magnolia Ramblers and more. Event runs from 4 to 11 p.m. at Dumont Plaza. 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 The town of Meridian will conclude its annual celebration of its hometown hero at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Jimmie Rodgers’ burial site in Oak Grove Cemetery. For more information on the festival and on the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation, visit www.jimmierodgers.com or stop by the Jimmie Rodgers Museum at 1725 Jimmie Rodgers Drive in historic Meridian, Mississippi (email at jimmierodgersfoundation@gmail.com).