"Jimmie Rodgers: America's Blue Yodeler" to show at Carter Fold Nov. 16

Barter Theatre’s fall hit musical "Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler" is hitting the road and will be performed at The Carter Family Fold on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.



Step into the life of the only man to influence the likes of Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams as "Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler" is performed in the historic site home to the founding family of country music, the Carter family, in Hiltons, Va. Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $10 for children younger than 12 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Barter Theatre’s Box Office at (276) 628-3991.



"Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler" is a beautiful tale of a man who wanted it all, family and music, and was challenged through his entire, yet brief, career to keep it all.

From the author who brought audiences "Keep on the Sunny Side," the songs and stories of the original Carter family, and "Man of Constant Sorrow," the story that pays tribute to the careers of the Stanley brothers, "Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler" will take you on a ride following one man’s dreams through a career that changed the face of music forever. "Jimmie Rodgers" continues Barter’s commitment to presenting programs that celebrate the careers of those who have had such a dramatic influence on Appalachian culture.



Barter Theatre’s production, written by Douglas Pote, is part of a national effort to recognize and celebrate Rodgers’ work and his influence over several genres and so many artists including Woody Guthrie, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Rodgers (played by Tom Angland) was one of the performers to have the opportunity to make records during the legendary 1927 recordings with music mogul Ralph Peer. From the Bristol Sessions to the jazz of New Orleans, Jimmie Rodgers chronicled the life and spirit of America with songs like “I’m In the Jailhouse Now,” “The Brakeman’s Blues,” “Frankie and Johnny” and “T for Texas.”



The only person to be inducted in both the Rock-n-Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame, Jimmie Rodgers, an incredible entertainer, brought Americans together after World War I with his new style of music. By mixing his love for blues with folk, jazz, gospel and country music and a twist of yodeling, Jimmie Rodgers saw success in his short career. “The Singing Brakeman” entertained with his tales of riding the rails, following his dreams and some comedic optimistic stories that lightened the hearts of the country.



"Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler" stars the talented singer and musician Tom Angland as Jimmie. Angland has been seen in recent Barter productions including "Don’t Hug Me," "Oliver!," and last summer’s smash hit, "I’ll Never Be Hungry Again." Rodgers’ wife Carrie is played by Amy Baldwin, seen in "Lear" and "Blithe Spirit." Jasper McGruder, from Barter’s productions of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "South Pacific" in 2002, returns to Barter to take on the role of Hobo Bill, a mentor to Rodgers. Mike Ostroski, Rick McVey and Julia VanderVeen round out the cast.



The innovative music created by Rodgers is performed by Buddy Woodward, of the successful bluegrass band The Dixie Bee-Liners, and Roger Rasnick whose songs have been performed by Allison Krauss and has himself performed at Down Home, Rhythm and Roots and recently on NPR’s Mountain Stage. "America’s Blue Yodeler" is directed by Mary Lucy Bivins and musically directed by Eugene Wolf. Produced as part of Barter Theatre’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, "Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler" is significant to this region and helps to tell the story of our musical heritage.



Come take a train ride with Jimmie as he looks back over his life, career, family, struggles, success, illness and fame. Let Barter Theatre share with you the story of one man’s journey as a creator, entertainer and Blue Yodeler.



The state theatre of Virginia, the world famous Barter Theatre is celebrating its 74th season of producing professional non-profit theatre in the Appalachian Region. Known for outstanding musicals, comedies, dramas, new and Appalachian works and award-winning educational programming, Barter Theatre, Barter Stage II and The Barter Players present programs several times a week, and patrons can see up to five shows in two days in beautiful downtown Abingdon.



Contact Barter’s Box Office at (276) 628-3991 or www.bartertheatre.com for more information and tickets.