Jimmie Rodgers Festival adds acts to line-up

By Staff
from staff reports
April 19, 2004
The Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival committee announced today that two guests have been added to this year's line-up of performers Clay Walker and Jeff Bates.
They will perform May 29, during the 51st year of the festival, at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center on Highway 19 South. The concert will be sponsored by the JRMF committee and WOKK radio station.
Organizers made the announcement today during a press conference.
Among Walker's 11 No. 1 singles are "Live Until I Die," "If I Could Make A Living, "This Woman And This Man," "Then What" and the most recent, "Chain Of Love." He is expected to drawn crowds of all ages.
Opening for Walker will be Jeff Bates of Hattiesburg, a newcomer to the country music scene. Bates' "Rainbow Man" debuted at No. 14 on Soundscan's Top Current Country Albums chart.
Tickets will go on sale April 23. They are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets will be sold at Trustmark Bank locations, Good Vibrations, the Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism office, WOKK and online at www.jimmierodgers.com.
Previous festival entertainment already announced includes the Pickin' in the Park at the Singing Brakeman Park on April 25.
A contemporary gospel concert featuring Ray Bolta on April 30 at Northcrest Baptist Church.
RailFest at the Singing Brakeman Park on May 1. The Original Rolling Stones will perform from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
May 6 will be the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival Golf Tournament and finally on May 14, Delbert McClinton will perform at the Singing Brakeman Park.