Dirt Pilgrims

The “Dirt Pilgrims,” a folk-Americana cover band, was started by three professors from Jackson State Community College: James Mayo, Associate Professor of English, John Koons, Associate Professor of Biology, and Bob Raines, Professor of Psychology, in 2007. They share a love of acoustic music, and perform an eclectic mix of songs written by some of their favorite artists: Woody Guthrie, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Hank Williams, Flogging Molly, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Josh Ritter, and Old Crow Medicine Show. The “Dirt” has performed at a variety of venues and events across West Tennessee: Memphis, Trenton, Paris, Moscow, Henderson, Jackson, Parsons, churches, wineries, bars, festivals, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, county fairs, fundraisers, charities, political rallies, turkey shoots and fishing tournaments. They have not played for foot-washings, tractor-pulls, hog-calls, exorcisms, dog shows, or yard sales, but they are available. “Dirt Pilgrims blends bluegrass, folk, country, and rock elements into a fusion of mellow acoustic brilliance.” -Matt Meyer, musician and music promoter