If you go
› What and when: Ninth annual John Studdard Memorial Bluegrass Gospel Concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 3; and 23rd annual Cousin Jake Memorial Bluegrass Festival, noon Saturday, March 4; doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday.› Where: Gem Theater, 700 S. Tennessee Ave., Etowah, Tenn.› Admission: $12 Friday, $18 Saturday, $25 two-day combo.› Phone: 423-263-7608.› Website: www.etowaharts.org.› Note: Tickets available noon-6 p.m. weekdays in the Etowah Arts Commission office (at the Gem Theater).
Band of Ruhks, one of five bands set to perform at the Cousin Jake Memorial Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, March 4, features three former alumni of the chart-topping Lonesome River Band: Kenny Smith, Ronnie Bowman and Don Rigsby, from left. They're been performing together since 2010.
The names associated with back-to-back concerts in Etowah, Tenn., this weekend should be familiar to anyone who's spent much time in bluegrass circles, especially in McMinn County.
Friday, March 3, is the John Studdard Memorial Bluegrass Gospel Concert, named for the founder of the Cousin Jake Memorial Bluegrass Festival, which is the following day, Saturday, March 4. It's named for the Etowah bluegrass musician who found fame with Flatt & Scruggs.
"Cousin Jake" Tullock (1922-1988) began his professional music career on the old Cas Walker and "Midday Merry Go Round" radio shows in Knoxville before joining Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs as a bass player and comic. He performed with their band, the Foggy Mountain Boys, for 20 years before returning home to Etowah.
Studdard (1949-2008) was a founding member of bluegrass band Hiwassee Ridge and member of the Etowah Arts Commission.
Both events will be held at the historic Gem Theater in Etowah. A two-day combo ticket is available at a discount.
Headlining Friday is the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band. Performing Saturday (afternoon and evening sets) are Band of Ruhks, Flashback, Hamilton County Ramblers and Third Degree. Just Us is the host band both days.
On Saturday, festival goers are invited to bring their own instruments for jam sessions on the lawn of the L&N Depot across the street from the theater.
The Gem Theater and first floor of the L&N Depot are handicap-accessible.