In a preview of its historic 35 festival next August, the Sunflower River Blues Association is hosting a spectacular lineup for its annual Thanksgiving Eve Party at Ground Zero Blues Club this week.
“We always have an enthusiastic crowd of local and international blues fans attending this holiday event, and we have booked eight talented musicians to perform,” said Maie Smith, booking chairman.
The Wednesday evening, Nov. 23 event also serves at the unofficial kickoff of the Holiday Season for Clarksdale.
Sunflower chairman Melvita Tillis Presley pointed out the event’s festive atmosphere has always been enhanced by visitors traveling from abroad and families with students at home celebrating the holidays. The community is urged to come out and be part of the event.
Music kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with LaLa Craig performing til 6:45 p.m. followed by Mississippi Marshall from 7 p.m. til 7:30; Terry “Big T” Williams from 7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Bill Abel from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Mark “Muleman” Massey 9:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.; James “Super Chikan” Johnson from 10 p.m. to 10:30 ; Sean “Bad Apple” from 10:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.; and Anthony “Big A” Sherrod from 11:30 p.m. to Midnight.
The annual free Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival was organized in 1984 by Jim O’Neal, a founding editor of LIVING BLUES magazine, and Dr. Patricia Johnson.
On its 25th anniversary, it was honored for its excellence with a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker and was cited as one of the Top 10 Places in America to hear authentic blues and gospel music.
Its International Blues Sister City, Notodden, Norway, was also honored with a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker and the two festivals have featured unique exchanges of musicians, cultures, and art.
