The Cowboy Gospel Jubilee will kick off its 2011 season Friday.

Mel Strickland, producer of the free musical production, said several accomplished performers are slated.

“We already have artists booked this season who perform a variety of styles including Southern gospel, bluegrass, and inspirational country,” said Strickland. “We have a great line-up scheduled through the first quarter of the year and are taking bookings for the remainder.”

Such notables as Mallory Ledford, David Crawford, Greg Lowery, The Weaver Believer Survival Revival, Northern Lights, Spatial Effects Bluegrass, Chris Smith - The One Man Quartet and The Myles Howard Family are already committed to perform, said Strickland.

“Plus, Elmer Bramlett and Amy McAlister will return as regulars this season,” he added. “And the Cowboy Church Band and Chorale always open the show. I don’t doubt that several of the performers at the jubilee will have successful professional careers.”

Strickland knows a thing or two about the music business, having played stage shows with many notable Grand Ole Opry stars including Loretta Lynn, the Osborne Brothers and Bill Anderson. He envisions the Cowboy Jubilee as tool to help people.

“We help artists and groups by providing a regularly scheduled venue at which to perform and promote their music,” Strickland said.

“And, we support the community by providing a safe and welcoming place to enjoy a quality live show.”

There’s a higher purpose behind the glitz, Strickland noted. He says the jubilee is a ministry of the Cleveland Cowboy Church and is designed to be both entertaining and inspirational, as well as to attract both Christian and non-believing locals and tourists. Their mission is to introduce people to Christ and to the cowboy church.

“It’s a work in progress and a group effort,” Strickland said. “We’re always looking for ways to make the venue more appealing to performers and the audience. Kurt Sutton, owner of Guitar Bandage Music, has helped us improve the sound system and we’ve taken out some front benches to make room for the enlargement of the stage. Hopefully this year we can add a spotlight and make other improvements on the lighting.”

The Cowboy Gospel Jubilee is free and open to the public. It starts at 7p.m. and is located at the Cleveland Cowboy Church, 3040 Blythe Road, in the Dockery Subdivision.

For more information visit ClevelandCowboyChurch.com or call 423/476-7936.