The line-up for the 2024 Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series was announced on Thursday during a special lunch ceremony at Levitt Park.

The free concert series will start on June 20 and continue every Thursday evening through August 22. The series is presented by the Levitt Foundation, Middlesboro Main Street and Bell County Tourism.

Here’s the lineup of headliners:

June 20 — Blair Crimmins & The Hookers

June 27 — The Claudettes

July 4 — Shemekia Copeland
July 11 — The McCrary Sisters

July 18 — Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience

July 25 — Grace Bowers

August 1 — Scythian

August 8 — Wyatt Ellis

August 15 — Evan Honer

August 22 — La Santa Cecilia

 

Blair Crimmins & The Hookers performance on June 20 kicks off not only the Levitt AMP series, but also the Magic City Jazz & Ragtime Festival.

Dana Greene of the Middlesboro Levitt Committee said Crimmins will be performing again that weekend to help conclude the festival.

“If you’re not familiar, Ben Harney is considered by many to be the father of Ragtime and he was living right here in Middlesboro in the 1890s,” Greene said. “It’s a real interesting connection that we have with Ragtime music and traditional American music in general. I think it’s a great idea to get that festival kicked off and we’re pleased to be a part of getting that going.”

The Claudettes bring a great deal of energy to the stage with their combination of Indy Pop, Folk and Rock.

“Their lead singer is an excellent powerhouse. I understand she’s about 6-feet tall, she comes from Texas and everything is bigger and better in Texas,” Greene said.

On July 4 Shemekia Copeland, a four-time Grammy nominee, takes the Levitt AMP stage.

“We’re going to have a big 4th of July party here,” Greene said. “If you’re not already familiar with Shemekia Copeland, you should be. She’s a fantastic performer bringing a dynamite band.”

The McCrary Sisters out of Nashville perform on July 11.

“They are like soul Gospel divas. They have been performing for many, many years together and this will be another special show you should invite everyone out to,” Greene said.

Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience headline the July 18 show.

“Terrance Simien is widely known in the New Orleans music circles and in Zydeco he’s a two-time Grammy winner,” Greene said. “This will be a huge party.”

Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge come to Middlebsoro on July 25.

“She’s a young female guitarist that has just exploded onto the scene,” Greene said. “She plays music, I hate to say it, but like Duane Allman on the guitar. Just an incredibly talented young lady.”

In August Scythian will bring their Celtic sound to the Levitt AMP stage.

“They are an eastern European-based group with a heavy rock sound. This is something a little bit different than what we’re used to hearing here, but it’s something I’m really looking forward to,” Greene said.

On August 8 Wyatt Ellis will be performing in Middlesboro.

“If you haven’t heard of Wyatt Ellis yet, you probably will be in the not too distant future. Wyatt is 14-years-old and plays the mandolin like nobody’s business. He’s already caught the ear of the entire Bluegrass Community,” Greene said.

August 15 will see Evan Honer bring his brand of outlaw Country to the Levitt stage.

“There’s some folk country with tremendous rock influence,” Greene said. “The way he sings music, writes music and performs is really special.”

The summer Middlesboro Music Series wraps up on August 22 with La Santa Cecilia.

“This will be one of the grandest parties on the stage we’ve seen here I believe,” Greene said. “We were lucky to get them here in Middlesboro. They have a heavy Latin influence and they are also a Grammy winner. That speaks to the quality of the artists we are trying to bring to Middlesboro.”

The free concert series will start at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday from June 20-August 22 with opening acts that will be announced later. The headliners will start their performances at about 7:30 p.m. each week.

“This is a great line-up, I hope you all are looking forward to it as much as we are,” Greene added. “It will be one fine show each and every Thursday night. Bring your family and friends, let’s all make this the huge deal it deserves to be.”