BY SUSAN T. HERRING
Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Chris Sherrill of Athens and Angie Mills of Haynesville are among the entertainers scheduled to perform at the Claiborne Parish Jubilee on Saturday, May 10. Two popular area bands, "Mudd Pi" (formerly with "Militia") and "Next of Kin" will perform at an early evening Street Dance.
Chris Sherrill has been singing across the Ark-La-Tex, Oklahoma, and Tennessee for the past six years. His first hit, "Something's Goin' On In The Graveyard" soared to No. 16 on the CCMA (Christian Country Music Association) chart. Chris' second album, "Positively Christian Country," describes him perfectly. It got rave reviews from Tommy Volinchak in CCMA magazine "The Power Source" in February 2002 and was named Album of the Month. Charlie Daniels and George Jones were among the other 19 albums reviewed that month.
Volinchak said, "This kid can sing. His voice is divine and his talent is pure and legitimate. I loved his record. The songs, playing and production are a killer. The songs Be Like Noah reminds us to follow our hearts and believe in our God. What Then is a nice tune that reminds us to look to God for guidance when we don't know where to step next. Sherrill's third album "Hot Rod Wings" is expected to be released within the year and will feature the song "You Better Believe It."
Angie Mills was carried on stage five years ago by several college friends who insisted she give karaoke a try. There was an immediate connection and Mills was hooked. Karaoke led her to enter the Colgate Country Showdown in Lafayette last August where she won first place, then went on to take second place in Regionals in Florida. Last fall, she became a regular on weekends at the Brass Rail in Bossier City. While there an agent heard her sing and signed her up to tour with upcoming country singer Pat Waters. Since that time, she has put touring on hold to begin work on her first album. On June 14, Mills plans to compete in the Texas Country Colgate Showdown in Greenville, Texas and recently sent auditions to Star Search.
If you've never heard of "Mudd Pi," you might remember "Militia" the band that played across the Ark-La-Tex-Miss over the past two decades. Two of Militia's former members, Rusty White (lead guitar, vocals) and Brian Flynn (bass), both of Athens, formed the new band "Mudd Pi" with drummer Nick Summers of Ruston.
Both Mudd Pi and Militia are known for "packing the house". Over the years, they gained a reputation for having a great time on stage and interacting with their audience. Mudd Pi is also the band for singer-songwriter Monty Russell. Two weeks ago they played in New Braunfels, Texas with the Charlie Daniels Band.
The band has opened shows for a number of performers and played at some of the best live venues in the South-Bluebird Café in Nashville, Juanita's in Little Rock; and Newbys in Memphis. The Bluebird Cafe is a huge mecca for songwriters and was featured in the movie, "That Thing Called Love," starring Sandra Bullock and River Phoenix. The band's website www.muddpi.com is quite unusual, dedicated to people who love Mudd. It also lists their upcoming schedule.
"Next of Kin" Band members--Ken Ash (vocals and guitar), Kevin Keith (vocals and bass guitar), and Melanie Colvin (drums) played for the first time publicly at a cancer benefit held in April 2002 for Melanie's friend Joyce Castille. Since that time, both Joyce and the Band have done well. The band plays regularly at the Roadside Lounge and Country Place in Homer, and at Makin' Tracks in Simsboro. They have also played at the North Louisiana State Fair, La. Tech's Block & Bridle Club, Corney Creek Festival, and Minden Spring Arts Festival. Information on their upcoming performances can be found at www.geocities.com/nokthree/classic_blue.html.
The "Nine Line Bind" Band will perform at 8 pm. The band, who plays regularly at Crossroads Lounge got their name from a oilfield term that means you are in a predicament or one heck of a situation. The band recently performed at the 2003 La. State Harley Rally in Shreveport, on the bill with Steppenwolf and 38 Special. Whit Perry said they play rock, but some country - from Willie Nelson to Kid Rock. He said, "It's all about having a good time."
First Praise was established in April 2000 by a number of local gospel singers. They sing at church events, fairs, jubilees, benefits, and local nursing homes. Members include Tommye Jane English, Nancy Kendrick, Eugene Kendrick, Joann Kendrick, Jon Crumpler, Weyland Smith, Debbie Childress, Tom Ruple, Linda Tuggle, Kenneth Smith, and Linda Hightower.
The Homer High Drama Club, under the direction of Denice Owens will present a brief dramatization of a possible court scenario in Claiborne Parish that occurred several years after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.. Representatives of President Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and Robert Livingston, as well as princesses from Spain and emissaries from France will bring to life what really happened between America, France, Spain and the New World as they tell their side of the story of the Louisiana Purchase, which more than doubled the size of the new nation.. Representatives from a map making and government firm in Natchitoches will also present their story. There will be three performances in the courtroom of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, at 12:00 noon, 1 PM and 2 PM.
There is no charge to enter the Claiborne Parish Jubilee Art Show. Registration will be held from 9:00-10:30 AM. Judging will be held between 11:00 AM - 12 Noon. Divisions include 1) Professional, 2) Non-Professional, and 3) Crafts. Non-Professional division includes acrylic, oil, watercolor, pencil/pastel/ink/charcoal, and photography and is divided in the following age groups: Youth (up to 8 years), Junior (9-12 years), Teen (13-19 years), and Adult (over 20 years). Cash prizes will be awarded for Best of Show ($50), First Place ($35), Second Place ($20), and Third Place ($10). All participants will receive ribbons. Jubilee T-Shirts will be awarded to First Place and Best of Show winners. For more information, contact Rhonda Porter at 927-2826 or 927-6091.
Judging for the Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Contest will begin promptly at 1:00 PM. Entries must bring their ice cream still in the churn between 12:30 and 1:00 PM. No fillers of any kind are allowed, such as chocolate chips, nuts, fruits, etc. Recipes must be made from scratch. No mixes. Ice cream will be judged on aroma, consistency, color, taste, and aftertaste. Scores will be 0-10, with 10 being the highest. For more information, call Wayne Hatfield at 927-2961.
Other Jubilee activities include a Health Fair, Museum Exhibit, silent auction, and hands-on educational arts activities for children. FREE booth space is being offered to craftsman and artists willing to set up a demonstration of their talent. There are 99 10'x10' spaces available around the Town Square on a first come, first serve basis for $25.00, paid in advance. Vendor applications and a map of booth layout are available on the Jubilee website.
For general information, contact Chairman Martha Peters at 318-927-9793 or Susan Herring at 318-927-3541 or 318-927-4352 after 5 PM. or check out the Claiborne Jubilee website beautifully designed by Joel Ponder at www.claiborneone.org/jubilee.html where you can download more information and print a copy of the Claiborne Jubilee poster designed by Bill Ratliff.
