2021 PRESS RELEASE
To: Local News Media
From: Derrick Vines, Administrative Assistant
Date: August 20, 2021
Re: Covered Bridge Days 2021 Entertainment Schedule
Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Releases the Entertainment
Schedule for Covered Bridge Days 2021
Staff Reports:
The Covered Bridge Days festival is quickly approaching and the
Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the
entertainment schedule for the September 24-26 weekend. “A lot of time
was spent developing an entertainment schedule that not only included a
variety of music styles, but a variety of local and ‘Superstar’ acts as well,”
said David Nanney, Recreation Manager. “We feel the citizens from our
community and those who are traveling here from other states, will equally
enjoy the acts we have put together.” Covered Bridge Days will be
overflowing with entertainment! So much so, in fact, a secondary stage,
‘Betsy’s Back Porch,’ will be constructed near the mouth of the Covered
Bridge and will include local dance groups and a King and Queen of the Doe
beauty pageant. Please see the entirety of the entertainment schedule below.
Friday, September 24, 2021
6:00pm Songs of The South (Alabama Tribute Band) -Main Stage
Songs of the South is a high-energy Alabama tribute band. Spend a night
traveling through the hits of the mega group Alabama!
8:00pm Merle Monroe- Main Stage
Daniel Grindstaff, born and raised in Elizabethton, Tennessee, is considered
to be among the elite of banjo players. Tim Raybon has a natural vocal
ability that has been described as “real” – so real that it needs no electronic
masking of any sort.
Merle Monroe brings Bluegrass, Authentic Country and Gospel American
Music centered around heartfelt vocals that takes you back to the country.
They are nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association New
Artist of the Year Award.
Saturday, September 25, 2021
11:00am Queen & King of the Doe Beauty Pageant- Betsy’s Back Porch
Stage
Named after the Covered Bridge itself (the Queen of the Doe), this beauty
pageant will be open to boys and girls of all ages. There will be prizes
awarded for different age categories. For more information, contact Amy
Simmons at (540) 392-9138.
12:00pm Downtown Country- Main Stage
Downtown Country is a dynamic, hard driving local band. They specialize
in classic county and are truly a fantastic group of musicians that are always
a top favorite.
1:30pm The Covered Bridge Cloggers- Betsy’s Back Porch Stage
All American hometown clogging team!
2:00pm The Bullseye Band- Main Stage
Michael Little and his two brothers, Patrick and Mark, formed the band in
1982. They have been playing for almost 40 years together. They play a mix
of southern rock, country and a variety of music that appeals to the masses.
3:30pm Appalachian Irish Dance Company- Betsy’s Back Porch Stage
Another great, local dance group that provides traditional Irish dance
performances.
4:00pm The Dimestore Cowboys- Main Stage
The Dimestore Cowboys- modern day pioneers of a traditional country
music revival. Based in Johnson City, Tennessee, this eclectic union of
musicians was originated by James Brashears and Jason Shaffer. This
powerhouse of talent is bonded by their belief that current pop country has
eroded the roots of traditional country music and their desire to get back to
the basics.
5:30pm Trailblazer Cloggers - Betsy’s Back Porch Stage
Keeping the art of clogging alive in East Tennessee. This group has been a
staple of Covered Bridge Days for 50 years.
6:00pm Appalachian Trail Bluegrass- Main Stage
Appalachian Trail Bluegrass Band is a collective group of singers, musicians
and songwriters from Northeast Tennessee. The band has been invited to
play at festivals across the U.S., riverboat weddings in Nashville, are regular
guests at the infamous Carter Fold in Hiltons, Virginia and have played the
“Song of the Mountains” public television series three times.
7:30pm Watts Dancers- In front of the Main Stage
For 60 years, Watts Dance Studio has provided the regions most
comprehensive training in the dance arts. They have been performing at
Covered Bridge Days since the beginning!
8:00pm T.G. Sheppard- Main Stage
TG Sheppard has always had an unstoppable passion for music. This
passion, along with 21 number one hits and being ranked among the top 100
country artists of all time, has made him one of the most popular live
performers on tour today. It’s only natural with a show chock full of chart
topping hits like “Last Cheaters Waltz”, “I Loved ‘Em Everyone”, “Do You
Wanna Go To Heaven”, and “Party Time” that TG has developed a
reputation as a solid performer who delivers exactly what audiences want.
All this and more combined with a steadfast dedication to entertainment has
truly made him one of the great Legends in country music.
Sunday, September 25, 2021
2:00pm One Church Worship - Main Stage
This group is a collection of Praise Bands from local churches and are sure
to be a highlight of the weekend’s entertainment.
4:00pm Sacred Harmony- Main Stage
With 15 years in music ministry, Sacred Harmony is singing to sold out
crowds and garnering attention across the nation with their own unique
sound. The Tennessee based trio has captivated crowds with their stage
performance, ushering them into a place of worship through the message
they deliver.
A huge thanks to all the sponsors of Covered Bridge Days! Events like this
would not be possible without your support. Carter County Bank,
Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank, Carter County Parks and Recreation
Board ‘In memory of Rusty Barnett’, Life Care Center of Elizabethton, the
Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, Tour Carter County, the
Elizabethton Star, WBEJ Radio, Northeast Community Credit Union, Dr.
Enuf, Select Seven, Goodwill Industries of TN & VA and United Way of
East TN Highlands.
To stay up to date on Covered Bridge Days, visit our new website
www.coveredbridgedays.org or our Facebook @CoveredBridgeDaysTN.
You may also contact the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department at
423-547-6441.
