Country music artist George Jones takes the MSU Riley Center stage in downtown Meridian on Thursday, May 12 as part of this year’s Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival.

    A pre-show party kicks off at 6 p.m. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65-$71. Visit the Web site www.msurileycenter.com or call (601) 696-2200 for tickets or more information.

    Here’s a rundown of events scheduled for the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival this month:

    • May 12 — George Jones at The MSU Riley Center, 7:30 p.m.

    • May 20 — Robert Earl Keen at The MSU Riley Center, 7:30 p.m.

    • May 21 — 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Jimmie’s Jam at Singing Brakeman Park, Downtown Meridian. Admission is free. This event includes food, cold beer and live music featuring Big Swig, Bo & The Show, Southern Drive and No Request.

    • May 25 — 6:30 p.m., Contemporary Gospel Concert featuring Shane & Shane at Singing Brakeman Park, Downtown Meridian.

    • May 26 — 10:30 a.m., Unveiling of Country Music Trail Marker, Country Music Comes of Age, in honor of the first Jimmie Rodgers Festival held on May 26, 1953. The marker will be in Dumont Plaza, downtown Meridian.

    • May 26 — Noon, Wreath Laying Ceremony, Jimmie Rodgers gravesite in Oak Grove Cemetary.