Music enthusiasts and art patrons joined members of the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation Tuesday as the Foundation announced the lineup for what will be the 72nd Jimmie Rodgers Festival later this spring.

 

The longest running music festival in the country, the annual event draws thousands to Meridian for a week of celebrating the arts and music, concerts and fun. This year’s festival, which is set to run May 12-18, will feature a variety of established, as well as up-and-coming artists across an array of genres and venues.

 

“The magic of the Jimmie Rodgers Festival is the ability to find rising musicians and bands that festival attendees can say, ‘I remember when I saw them,’” Executive Director Leslie Lee said.

 

Festivities will kick off 6 p.m. Monday at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience with a documentary about MS John Hurt titled, “A Man Called Hurt.” The screening will be followed by a performance by Mississippi Blues icon Jimmie “Duck” Holmes.

 

Tuesday’s lineup will feature performances by Bluegrass bands East Nash Grass, of Nashville, and the all-female Sister Sadie Band beginning at 6 p.m. at The MAX.

 

Wednesday will see the return of one of the Jimmie Rodgers Festival’s most anticipated events, with the festival’s talent competition set to kick off at 6 p.m. at The MAX. The annual competition draws budding musicians to the stage and provides a platform for those wanting to showcase their skills.

 

The Festival will head North on Thursday to the Ellis Theater in Philadelphia, where Jake Worthington and local band Daniel Houze & The Honest Thieves are set to perform beginning at 7 p.m.

 

Events will return to Meridian the following day with St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Vasti Jackson and Cuffing Season scheduled to play at The MAX at 5 p.m.

 

Saturday’s lineup, also set for 5 p.m. at The MAX, will include performances by Ole 60, Preston Cooper, American Blonde, and local musicians Britt Gully & The Water Moccasins.

 

The 72nd Jimmie Rodgers Festival will conclude Sunday with the annual NOLA Gospel Brunch and a performance by Joyful & The Spirit of New Orleans at 1 p.m. at The MAX.

 

Tickets for the festival are on sale now, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday concerts costing $35 and Sunday’s gospel brunch set at $40. Attendees can also choose a four-day VIP pass which includes admission to all four concerts, private access and seater, refreshments and more for $175.

 

For more information about the Jimmie Rodgers Festival, the Foundation or to purchase tickets, visit jimmierodgers.com.