Old Wilkes, Inc. and The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame (BRMHoF) committee announced today that Mike Cross will be serving as host and emcee for the first annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held at the Walker Center on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro Friday, June 13.

Mike Cross, originally from Lenoir, is a favorite among everyone in the area covered by the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. He has 13 albums, extensive radio and television experience and has performed at hundreds of concerts from Boston to California.

After 20 years of performing, Cross continues to call North Carolina home while traveling the country playing both guitar and fiddle as well as sharing his own music and stories. His performances have been described as filled with "backwoods humor characteristic of a Mark Twain."

George Childers, member of Old Wilkes and BRMHoF expressed joy that Cross would be hosting the induction ceremony.

"Mike would be an asset in making the induction ceremony for the charter members extra special as he understands the heritage of the Blue Ridge," he said.

Currently, presenters are being confirmed and the program developed.

"We are making every effort to ensure that each inductee is honored in the very special way they deserve," said Nancy Watson, chairperson of the BRMHofF.

The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize and honor musicians and others who have contributed to the special heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, sharing and maintaining it as it has evolved since the first American Indians performed their own musical traditions through today.

The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame will be housed in the Wilkes Heritage Museum located at 100 East Main Street, Wilkesboro.

Charter inductees include: Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs; The Carter Family; Tommy Jarrell; Dolly Parton; David Johnson; Ralph Rinzler; Ralph Epperson; Wayne Henderson; and Sam Love Queen Sr.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased from the Walker Center box office at www.walkercenteronline.org or by phone at (336) 838-6260.

Dinner will start at 6 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 8 p.m. A limited number of dinner tickets are available at a cost of $75. Tickets for the induction ceremony are $25.

For additional information or to inquire about Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame partnerships (sponsorships) or advertising, contact Jennifer Furr at 336-667-3171.