Lineup announced for Covered Bridge Days

Published 10:32 am Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Covered Bridge Days, the highly anticipated annual festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Elizabethton, is thrilled to announce an electrifying lineup of musical acts set to captivate audiences from September 22nd through September 24th, 2023. With an eclectic mix of genres and world-renowned performers, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.

Headlining Friday night is the immensely talented and wildly entertaining bluegrass band, Sister Sadie. “This band is a wildfire: raging hot bluegrass combined with breathtaking instrumental drive and awe-inspiring vocals. It’s a sound uniquely their own. It’s undeniably classic, hard driving bluegrass, but much more than that. Rooted in forceful, tight vocal harmonies, this isn’t your grandaddy’s Appalachian high lonesome sound. This is something more powerful than that, it’s the sound of the mountains themselves.” (Sister Sadie – About (sistersadieband.com))

Saturday afternoon will feature two fantastic local favorites with Downtown Country and The Bullseye Band.

That evening will open with Carson Peters & Iron Mountain. Carson is among the group of country music traditionalists making a comeback to the Nashville scene. At only 19 years old, Carson has made the most of his young career. In 2011, 8-year-old Carson made a guest appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” in which he performed for Leno and Betty White. A few years later, in 2014, Ricky Skaggs made one of Peters’ biggest dreams a reality, inviting him to perform “Blue Moon of Kentucky” at the Grand Ole Opry. Carson has made several trips back to the Opry since. In 2016, Peters made the trip back to L.A. to be a guest on NBC’s “Little Big Shots with Steve Harvey.” In 2018, Skaggs once again invited Carson back to Nashville, this time to perform at the 52nd CMA Awards Show, during Skaggs’ Country Music Hall of Fame induction performance.

Most recently, in 2021, Peters was a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice” and received a coveted 4-chair-turn with his rendition of the Don Williams classic, “Tulsa Time.” Peters chose to continue his journey on the show with coach Blake Shelton, getting to work with Dierks Bentley and Ed Sheeran in the following rounds of the competition.

After his time on “The Voice,” Carson has been spending extra time in the studio. His newest project is a single with his Battle round partner, Clint Sherman, entitled “Happy to Drive,” which was released on June 10th. Carson is currently working on a full-length album, which will blend the traditional country sound with his own bluegrass roots.

Joining the stellar lineup on Saturday is the legendary country music group, The Gatlin Brothers. With their unmistakable harmonies and timeless hits, The Gatlin Brothers have become synonymous with the very best of country music. Their chart-topping songs such as “All the Gold in California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You)” have earned them numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and CMA honors. Fans can anticipate an extraordinary night of country music excellence as The Gatlin Brothers take center stage.

As earlier this week, Sunday will be headlined by Colton Dixon, an acclaimed contemporary Christian artist known for his powerful vocals and inspirational lyrics. Rising to prominence as a finalist on American Idol, Colton Dixon has since carved out a successful career, releasing chart-topping albums and captivating audiences around the world. His electrifying live shows, filled with passion and conviction, have made him a favorite among fans of both Christian and pop music. Covered Bridge Days attendees can anticipate an uplifting and soul-stirring performance by Colton Dixon.

Taking place against the picturesque backdrop of Elizabethton’s iconic Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Days has become a beloved tradition spanning over 50 years, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In addition to the extraordinary musical acts, the festival will offer a wide array of activities for the entire family, including artisan vendors, delicious local cuisine, historical exhibits, and exciting games and rides.

“We are thrilled to present such an incredible lineup of talent for Covered Bridge Days 2023,” said David Nanney, Recreation Manager for Elizabethton Parks and Recreation. “Sister Sadie, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, The Gatlin Brothers, and Colton Dixon are all exceptional performers who will bring extraordinary energy and unforgettable moments to our festival. We invite everyone to join us for this three-day celebration of music, culture, and community.”

Covered Bridge Days will take place from September 22nd through September 24th, 2023, at Covered Bridge Park.

Covered Bridge Days is sponsored by Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce, Carter County Tourism, Eastman Credit Union, Carter County Parks and Recreation, Select Seven Credit Union, Dr. Enuf, Citizens Bank, Double Tree of Johnson City, The Carnegie, Lowe’s, WBEJ Radio and The Elizabethton Star