MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed)- The 73rd Annual Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival will return to Meridian May 7–9, continuing a tradition that has celebrated the city’s musical heritage since 1953. The three-day event honors the legacy of Jimmie Rodgers, known as the Father of Country Music, and features a mix of free and ticketed performances.
The festival opens Thursday, May 7, with a free bluegrass concert at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX). Performers include Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki, Southern Legacy, and The Grascals. The event is free and open to the public.
On Friday, May 8, Jamestown Revival will perform at the MSU Riley Center in a ticketed show hosted and produced by the venue.
The festival concludes Saturday, May 9, with an outdoor concert on the Meridian City Hall lawn. The lineup includes Lach Thornton, Maggie Antone, Brent Cobb, and a headlining performance by The Marcus King Band. The evening will also feature a performance by the winner of the Jimmie Rodgers Talent Competition, which combines online and live elements to highlight emerging artists.
Festival organizers said The Marcus King Band, known for blending country, soul, rock, and blues, has gained national recognition through a Grammy nomination and recent appearances on major music platforms.
Proceeds from the festival support the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation and Museum, funding education, preservation efforts, and music outreach programs that provide instruments and opportunities to young musicians. The event is presented in partnership with Mitchell Distributing, whose continued support has helped expand the festival in recent years.
Tickets and additional information are available through festival and venue websites.
