Red Paden has been offering blues and a good time for – well, a long time.
The third Red Old-Timers Blues Fest will take place at the Martin Luther King Park stage on the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Sunflower Avenue Saturday.
The festival is free for anyone who wishes to attend.
Red Paden, one of the founders of the festival, said the purpose is simple: “just the older guys having a good time.”
James “Super Chikan” Johnson will be the headliner and final performer of the day at 6 p.m.
“He’s been in it a long time and everybody will enjoy him,” Paden said. “You’ve also got guys like Watermelon Slim, Joe Ayers.”
Cadillac John and Bill Abel will open things up at noon, Bill “Watermelon Slim” Homans will follow at 1 p.m., Johnny Drummer is at 2 p.m., Little Joe Ayers is at 3 p.m., RL Boyce is at 4 p.m., and Miss Gladys and Big T is at 5 p.m.
Paden said it will be Boyce’s first time playing at the festival.
Cadillac John, is 94, and you will have to politely ask Bill, Slim, Johnny and the rest how young they are. All are some of the last true Delta bluesmen.
The first two Red’s Old-Timers Blues Fests were on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
Paden said going forward the festival will be on Labor Day Weekend.
“That ought to work out real fine,” Paden said.
COVID precautions will be taken on Saturday.
Paden encouraged everyone to bring their blankets and chairs.
“It’s going to be a family picnic type thing,” Paden said. “We will spread it out so people don’t have to be up on each other and catch anything.
“Just wear a mask.”
Weather could be an issue when it comes to the turnout.
“I don’t know because of the storms,” Paden said. “It’s still going to go on.”
However, Paden said there is supposed to be sunshine on Saturday.
After “Super Chikan” plays, Paden said everyone will be able to go to Red’s Blues Club.
“We’re going to have Big T performing that night,” Paden said.
Paden has plans for Red Old-Timers Blues Fest to continue growing.
“It’s only getting better,” Paden said.
