LIVE OAK — The 2019 Suwannee River Jam will draw thousands to North Florida and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park this week.

Known as the South’s Country Music Camping festival, the Jam will feature some of the best-known artists in country music including Hank Williams Jr., Trace Adkins, Clint Black, Chase Rice, Gretchen Wilson, Craig Campbell, Frankie Ballard, A Thousand Horses, Uncle Kracker, Brian Callihan and more. Among these country greats, three young ladies ages 10, 11 and 13 will stand out as part of the SOSMP’s audition winners who could be the next female legends in country music.

Every artist, duo and band performing this year, as always, has been chosen because of their great talent. But sometimes there is an act that just tugs at your heart and thus is the Suwannee Sweethearts Trio. The young ladies — Katie O, Sadie Miller and Brooke Spencer — surely will tug at the audience’s heart when you see and hear them perform together as a trio, as solo artists and as a duo on the 1st Street Music Stage Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. These beautiful, very young country artists have been preparing for months since winning their way to the Jam in January at the first audition in the Music Hall. All three say they are super excited for this performance together as they are all friends and often travel to the same venues for events.

These artists came to the Music Park as they sought venues to perform for the public. Fans could not get enough of these three and when it was announced Jan. 11 at the first 2019 Jam Audition that these young ladies would form a trio to perform at this year’s SRJ, the audience went wild.

Katie O, a 13-year-old from Jacksonville, is a classic country singer, songwriter, recording artist who began performing publicly two years ago. In her short career Katie has opened for country legend Linda Davis and country stars Glen Templeton, Trent Tomlinson and High Valley, performed in Nashville in 2018 and at the 2018 Suwannee River Jam. Katie is excited to perform at the 2019 SRJ also. Katie, who spends a lot of time in Nashville, will travel there in June to perform in several locations during the internationally known CMA Fan Fair. She participates in many North Florida events including events at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Jacksonville Landing, Clay County Fair, Suwannee County Fair and many, many other venues. She opens for country legend Linda Davis in Jacksonville July 14 and Aug. 18 for Nashville country artist Trent Tomlinson at the Mudville Grille where Katie has performed often. Katie records in Nashville and her totally awesome CD is currently available. She is thankful to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His blessings. She is on all social media and at www.katieomusic.com.

Branford’s Sadie Miller, 11, has spent the past two years traveling Florida singing and competing at many events such as fairs, rodeos and festivals where she sang the National Anthem at many. Sadie, always comfortable on stage with that infectious smile, has opened for county music artist Billy Dean, was a finalist in the first You Can Be The Star talent competition at the SOSMP, will again travel to Nashville in June, this time to sing at a young artist showcase during the CMA Fan Fest which draws thousands of country fans. Sadie’s performances have wowed audiences everywhere. Sadie was recognized by the local school board for her selection as a participant for the 2017-2018 Florida Elementary All State Chorus team. And, then there is the yodeling! This young lady knocks it out of the park when she yodels to the delight of the audiences. Sadie has also won the hearts of hundreds of new fans as a finalist in the 2017 Suwannee County Fair, performing all over North and Central Florida including the SOSMP and winning a spot at the 2018 and 2019 Suwannee River Jam. She recently recorded her first CDs which are now available to purchase. You can find Sadie Miller, Branford, Fla. on social media.

Brooke Spencer, 10 and from St. Johns, began singing publicly at age 5 when she stepped on stage to perform a weekend of five shows for more than 3,000 people each time. Not intimidated a bit, this tiny ball of energy hasn’t slowed down since she first asked her mom at age 3 to find her a stage where she could perform. She won the 2018 Amateur Performer of the Year (under age 18) at the Ritz Theater in Jacksonville, performed on the Celebration of Music (PBS TV), Open Mic Night at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, at the Jacksonville Landing Christmas Tree Lighting 2018 and at Suwannee Lights at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park 2018. She is known for her big voice and soulful styling of all genres of music. Brooke has performed with or alongside The Noel Friedline Quartet, Linda Davis and many local/area talented artists. She has shows set for this summer including one where she’s cast to sing Dolly Parton songs and another in a tribute to Aretha Franklin.

Other SRJ events include the Daisy Duke Competition, food and merchandise vendors, US military representatives, golf cart parade, Hope Notes Silent Auction fundraiser for area school bands, Tribute to the Troops’ Soap for Soldiers tent where you may donate small items (soap, shampoo, sun screen, wipes and other small personal items) for America’s soldiers’ care packages. There also is the outstanding, heart-warming, big Saturday Patriotic Tribute held on the main stage each year to honor our heroes.