Red Clay Strays will headline Friday , May 17
because then you won ’ t go anywhere ,” Lee said , jokingly .
The talent competition , sponsored by Digio Strategies , will open in April with participants uploading a video , which will be voted on by viewers . Five finalists in each of the youth and adult categories , along with five finalists singing a Jimmie Rodgers song , will be chosen to participate in the live finals on May 15 .
On Thursday , May 16 , Ben Haggard , the son of country music legend Merle Haggard , will perform at 7 p . m . at the historic Ellis Theater , part of Marty Stuart ’ s Congress of Country Music , in Philadelphia .
Haggard , the youngest son of the musician , started playing in his father ’ s band at the age of 15 and toured with the country superstar playing lead guitar . Last summer , Haggard debuted a new song , “ As Haggard As They Come ,” in tribute to his father at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville .
Opening for Haggard will be Meridian ’ s own country legend , Scott McQuaig , and The Tomcats , bringing their traditional county and Americana sounds to the Ellis Theater . A musician , singer , songwriter and recording artist , McQuaig has a faithful and supportive fanbase from his years of performing throughout the region .
General admission for the Ellis Theater show is $ 35 . Tickets can be purchased through the website www . jimmierodgers . com .
On Friday , May 17 , the traditional Jimmie Rodgers parade , which will feature the festival ’ s king and queen , will begin at 5:40 p . m ., starting at Meridian City Hall and ending in front of The MAX on Front Street .
Immediately following at 6 p . m ., The Loch Thornton Band , featuring Meridian ’ s own Lach Thornton , will kick off a night of entertainment at The MAX that will see the Red Clay Strays headlining .
Hailing from the red dirt clay of Mobile , Alabama , the Red Clay Strays are selling out venues across the South with their
blues-infused honky tonk sound .
“ They are pretty well known in their circles , and they sell out everywhere they go , and they sell out quickly ,” Lee said . “ They are originally from Mobile , but they have hit it big and are touring , and we are pretty excited to have them with us this year .”
Opening for the Red Clay Strays will be Heartless Bastards . “ They are one of the most mellow-like easy going Americana bands . They are a lot of fun ,” Lee said . “ They just recently opened for Jason Isbell when he played in Jackson .”
Early bird general admission for the show is $ 25 , but the price will increase to $ 35 on April 15 if any tickets are still available , Lee said . Tickets can be purchased through the website www . jimmierodgers . com .
On Saturday , May 18 , rising country music star and platinum-selling artist Trey Lewis with headline a show at The MAX beginning at 5 p . m . with a performance by local act , Jax Moore Band .
Lewis , who released his highly anticipated new album , “ Troublemaker ,” earlier this month , has an ability to connect with fans during live performances that make his shows a thrilling experience for audiences . The show is recommended for ages 18 and older .
Opening for Lewis will be Paxton Peay , an up-and-coming country music artist who originally hails from Starkville . With songs like “ Missin Mississippi ” and “ Leave Me Too ,” Peay is a rising artist in the Nashville scene .
Also slated to perform Saturday is country singer and former American Idol alum Maurice with special guest King Prinse . After being catapulted to fame by American Idol in 2022 , Maurice has performed on stage with Morgan Wallen in Atlanta and Elle King in New Orleans .
Early bird general admission for the show is $ 25 with the ticket price increasing on April 15 to $ 35 . Tickets can be purchased at jimmierodgers . com .
Closing out the week of Jimmie Rodgers events will be a big , joyous NOLA gospel brunch at 1 p . m ., Sunday , May 19 , featuring the Grammy Award-winning Joyful and the Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir . The choir features members of many world class gospel groups .
“ They are about a 20-piece gospel troupe and they put on the best show you ’ ve ever seen . It is so fun ,” Lee said . “ They really engage the audience .”
Only 300 tickets will be sold for the gourmet brunch , and attendees will be able to enjoy a smorgasbord of New Orleans style brunch delectables while listening to the soulful sounds of the gospel choir . General admission tickets to the brunch , to be held at The MAX , are $ 35 .
For more information on the Jimmie Rodgers Festival or to purchase tickets , check out the foundation ’ s website at jimmierodgers . com . M www . meridianstar . com
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