Cotton Junction partners to be recognized at "Concert on the Porch"

Wildwood Express performing on the Porch.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center will recognize Haywood County's Cotton Junction Trail partners during "Concert on the Porch" Saturday, September 15. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a mini-launch of the trail followed by this month's concert featuring HCo2, Tyler Goodson and Wildwood Express.

Officials representing Brownsville, Stanton and Haywood County will conduct the ceremony celebrating the launch of the Cotton Junction Trail, a Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways program. The state officially launched the trail in Jackson, Tenn., June 26.

"We want the community to recognize what Haywood County have to offer," says Center Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark. "Having our own mini-launch gives us an opportunity to introduce the trail to the community and let the partners show off a bit."

Clark says that many of the partners will set-up around the event area and will be sharing information and giveaways. Among the giveaways are Tripp Country Ham and Helen's BBQ.

HCo2

Tyler Goodson

Following the launch ceremony, attendees will enjoy this summer's last "Concert on the Porch." HCo2, a classic rock band featuring Nicci Mayberry, Phil Sanders and Andy Cooper, will be the first to perform. Following HCo2 is Jackson guitarist Tyler Goodson. Goodson will perform traditional and contemporary Blues.

Wildwood Express will round out the evening performing the old time stringed music including bluegrass gospel, instrumentals and old time country. Their instruments of choice include the banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, upright bass and guitar.

The band is made up of Grover Westover, of Brownsville, who does vocals and plays guitar. Paul Jackson is from Bells, Tenn., and does vocals and plays mandolin.  Gary Spraggins is on the upright bass and is from Alamo, Tenn.  Coley and Marilyn Graves are from Bartlett, Tenn.; Coley does vocals, guitar and banjo, while his wife, Marilyn plays the hammered dulcimer. All are members of the Jackson Tennessee Area Plectral Society whose main purpose is the preservation of old time stringed music.

Everyone is invited to this free event. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy an evening of music while learning about Haywood County's points of interest on the Cotton Junction Trail.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a tourist information center and home to three regional museums depicting the history and culture of the West Tennessee people. Inside visitors will enjoy an authentic Southern experience while browsing the Cotton, Hatchie River and Music museums. To learn more, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.