If you go
› What: James Rogers — Home for Christmas› Where: The Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Cir, Ringgold, Ga.› When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14› Admission: $11.50-$20.50› For more information: 706-935-9000› Online: colonnadecenter.org
In this Saturday, May 12, 2012, photo, Dollywood entertainer James Rogers performs at the Pigeon Forge, Tenn., park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., as a salute to military personnel and veterans. (AP Photo/The Mountain Press, Gail Crutchfield)James Rogers has been entertaining people here and in upper East Tennessee for more than 40 years, but presenting his Christmas program near where he grew up has become a special occasion for the singer-songwriter.
"I see old friends and family," he said. "It's a wonderful time."
He will do many of the songs that made him a star in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tenn., including "Fly Eagle Fly," during the show he will present Thursday, Dec. 14, at The Colonnade in Ringgold, Ga. The show begins at 7 p.m.
"I do plan to have an eagle at the show," he said.
The second half of the show will feature holiday songs.
Rogers said he plans to somewhat come out of retirement after four years to do some shows at Country Tonight Theatre in Pigeon Forge beginning in May, and he plans to record a new record this spring.
You can watch his Facebook Live appearance on Music Wednesdays at www.facebook.com/timesfreepress/videos/10159654412220046/.
Rogers has lots of friends and fans on each side of the Tennessee/Georgia state line, having been born in Chattanooga and attending school early on at East Lake Elementary.
The family moved to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and Rogers graduated from Lakeview High School (now Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe). He also attended Dalton Junior College (now Dalton State) and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Rogers became a popular singing attraction at the Light Fantastic and Station House at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in the '70s before becoming a mainstay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
From 1975 to 1983, he performed with some of the biggest names in show business, including Alabama, Suzy Bogguss, Roy Clark, Steve Martin, Ricky Skaggs and Dolly Parton. In 1983, he won the National Mountain Music Festival at Silver Dollar City in Pigeon Forge out of 2,000 contestants.
He would later partner with the Dollywood Co. to headline at Music Mansion in Pigeon Forge. The 2,000-seat theater won numerous awards and set attendance records among venues in the Smokies.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.