CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
The second stop of the 2024 Country Music Highway Tribute Show unfolds Friday and Saturday in downtown Louisa with live performances, local food, arts and crafts, and more. The legendary Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, hometown hero Noah Thompson, and Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Larry Cordle headline the event organized by SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region).
Ricky Skaggs brings his incredible journey full circle back to his Lawrence County roots. With over 60 years of making music, 15 Grammy Awards, and a career that spans bluegrass, country and gospel, he is a true master of his craft. Born in Cordell and having started his musical journey with a mandolin at the age of 5, his story is one of dedication, passion and immense talent.
From performing with bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs to topping the country charts and winning numerous awards, Skaggs’ impact on American music is unparalleled. His own Skaggs Family Records has produced Grammy-nominated classics, and his collaborations with artists across genres have brought his unique sound to audiences worldwide.
Skaggs takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Noah Thompson, American Idol season 20 winner, embodies the true spirit of country music. From a construction worker singing for his crew in Louisa to capturing the hearts of millions across America, his journey is a dream come true.
Before performing for 2.5 million television viewers, Thompson was singing for a group of construction workers near his hometown. Encouraged by his friends, one of whom signed him up for the American Idol auditions in Austin, Texas, Thompson’s raw talent and humble personality shone through. Despite never having been on a plane before, he took the leap and won the hearts of the judges and the nation.
Thompson’s story is one of hard work and undeniable talent. Judge Luke Bryan’s words during his winning season say it all: “You are going to ‘Aw, shucks’ your way to the top.” And that is what he did. From small-town beginnings to national stardom, Thompson’s American Idol dream has become a reality.
Thompson performs at 7:15 p.m.
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Larry Cordle was born and raised on a small family farm in Lawrence County. He is renowned for his songwriting talents, including the No. 1 hit “Highway 40 Blues” recorded by Ricky Skaggs.
Cordle’s songs have been recorded by top artists like Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire and many more.
Cordle is not only a brilliant songwriter but also a chart-topping and award-winning singer. He has provided harmony vocals for artists such as Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton, showcasing his versatile talent. Throughout his career, Cordle has received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations, IBMA awards and a Dove Award.
Cordle’s impressive discography includes the IBMA Album of the Year-winning “Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer” and his recent albums “Tales From East Kentucky” and “Where The Trees Know My Name.” His recent success with the Dove Award-winning song “In the Sweet By and By” and his chart-topping original “East Kentucky Blues” demonstrate his enduring impact on the music scene.
Cordle takes the stage at 6 p.m.
All musical performances are free.
On Friday, performances start at 4:30 p.m. with the last act taking the stage at 9 p.m. Acts include Teagan & Reed Baldridge, Phill Barnett, Rachell Messer and Connor Dale, Adalyn Ramey, Hannah Wheeler, Ben Fugate & The Burning Trash Band.
Saturday’s performances begin at 9:45 a.m. featuring Lawrence County Choir, Hunter Jordan, Laurah Louisa, Them Lasses, Eddie Jenkins & The 606 Sound, Logan Purcell, Luke Trimble, Solid Ground, Kentucky Just Us, Larry Cordle, Noah Thompson, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.
Event Parking & Shuttle Information
There is plenty of FREE public parking downtown and a free shuttle service to ensure show attendees get to enjoy themselves to the fullest. Here is what you need to know:
Free Parking: Convenient parking options are available at no cost. See the interactive parking map at cmhtributeshow.com.
Free Shuttle Service: Easy transportation to and from the event. Parking and shuttle pickup will be available at Lawrence County High School and Louisa Plaza. The shuttle will run Saturday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The third and final stop of the CMHT Show takes place next month in Ashland. Learn more at cmhtributeshow.com.