James Rogers 'Home for Christmas'

Sunday, January 1, 1905

IF YOU GO

* What: James Rogers presents "Home for Christmas."* When: 7 p.m. today, Dec. 20.* Where: Catoosa County Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga.* Admission: $11.50 children under 12, $18.50 seniors, $20.50 adults.* Phone: 706-965-3112.

James Rogers understands that going home again can be difficult, but he doesn't believe it is impossible.

"Usually people say that because the place they call home changes," he says. "People move on or they die. I've been coming home every Christmas for this show, and I see many of the people I grew up with in North Georgia. It's wonderful."

For the last 10 years, Rogers has presented a Christmas show at the Catoosa County Colonnade in Ringgold. It's a homecoming that means as much to Rogers as it does the fans who turn out to hear him sing.

The first half of the show will focus on many of the same songs Rogers has been doing as part of his 27-year-career at Silver Dollar City, which became Dollywood, as well as Music Mansion in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. He will sing, for example, "Fly Eagle Fly," the song that was adopted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

John Stokes of Save Our American Raptors, which does shows at Rock City will bring an eagle to the Colonnade show.

The second half will be holiday music.

Rogers retired last year from performing regularly at Dollywood and has moved back to the Chattanooga area. He plans to continue performing, doing charity events and showcases around the country.

Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter @timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.