FARMER CITY - A diverse array of roots music performers, ranging from alternative country to hillbilly swing, have been booked at area venues for Farmer City radio station WWHP-FM's 2008 concert series.

Leading off the pack May 16 at Bloomington's New Lafayette Club will be a "famous sons" twin bill featuring veteran Texas singer-songwriter James McMurtry and rising country singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle.

McMurtry is the son of author Larry McMurtry ("Lonesome Dove," "Brokeback Mountain") and Earle is the son of the country star Steve Earle.

Both artists will release new CDs this spring - McMurtry, with "Just Us Kids," his first release on the new Lightning Rod Records label; and Earle, with "The Good Life," a collection of narrative songs infused with elements of blues, classic country and rock.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $17.00 at the door.

Next up for the series is the "King of Juke Joint Swing," a.k.a. Wayne "The Train" Hancock, who will perform an 8 p.m. show May 22 show at the Shady Nook Pub in Saybrook.

Hancock's trademark sound is comprised of a fusion of honky-tonk, Western swing, blues and big band that he calls "juke joint swing."

Central Illinois' own Greg Baker & The Neon Neighbors (featuring The Fabulous "Muttonhead" of Timothy P & Rural Route 3 and Steve Long) will open. Tickets are $15.00.

The series' remaining concerts are scheduled for Champaign-Urbana venues: Southern roots-rock singer Paul Thorn, 8 p.m. May 31, the High Dive, Champaign ($18 advance, $20 at the door); Texas guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, 8 p.m. June 27, also at the High Dive (advance, $15, $17 at the door); and alternative country singer Dale Watson, 8 p.m. July 13, the Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana ($15).

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to the radio station's Web site, www.wwhp.com.