Annual Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton, TN
Merle Monroe on stage at Friday at 8 p.m. FREE
By Lynn J. Richardson Elizabethton’s upcoming Covered Bridge Days’ organizers are announcing the festival’s line-up of musical entertainment which will include everything from traditional favorites to exciting new acts. The event, filled with activities, attractions, crafts, food and entertainment, is set to begin the evening of Friday, September 24, and continue through Sunday, September 26.
Main Stage entertainment will kick off on Friday evening, 6 – 7:30 p.m., with Songs of the South, an Alabama tribute band led by local musician, Wayne Kelly. They will be playing Alabama favorites like “Tennessee River,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Dancing On The Blvd.,” and “Old Flame,” and many more to get the festival officially underway.
They will be followed by Merle Monroe, at 8 p.m., a group that has burst on the bluegrass and country music scene, gathering award nominations including one from the International Bluegrass Music Award — New Artist of the Year. The group is led by Tim Raybon and local musician, Daniel Grindstaff. The group’s album, “Songs Of A Simple Life,” has included four number one songs — “Hello Sunshine,” “God’s Still In Control,” “I’m Leaving Town Tonight,” and “Goodbye Marie.”
On Saturday, The Covered Bridge Days’ special guest and headliner T.G. Sheppard will take the stage at 8 p.m. Sheppard has had 21 number one hits between 1974 and 1986, including “Devil In The Bottle,” “Tryin’ To Beat The Morning Home,” “Last Cheater’s Waltz,” and “Only One You.” The Tennessee native has performed with the likes of Mac Davis, Kenny Rogers, Larry Gatlin, Eddie Rabbitt and B.J. Thomas. He is ranked among the top 100 country artists of all time.
Then, following Sheppard’s performance on Saturday night, Nanney is promising a spectacular fireworks show, beginning at 10 p.m.
The entertainment will begin again on Sunday at 2 p.m., with a group that is the of culmination of different churches and different bands, forming One Church Worship, directed by David Whaley.
For more information, please contact the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department at 423-547-6441.
