Hometown musicians will headline Friday Saturday night
CLARKSDALE – Most blues musicians toiled for years at their craft, producing phenomenal music that continues to influence American culture to this day, but only a few were recognized locally during their day for their artistry and work.
The 32nd Annual Sunflower River Blues Festival brings that next generation of Bluesmen and women on their way to stardom to town this weekend.
Clarksdale’s very own James “Super Chikan” Johnson headlines Friday’s lineup on the Main Stage and native son Anthony “Big A” Sherrod is the final act Saturday. The weekend closes out with Gospel music on Sunday at The City Auditorium.
Super Chikan and Big A are just two of more than a dozen up-and-coming blues artist set to play at Clarksdale’s oldest blues festival.
Also set to sing at indoor acoustic venues around town during the day include Jimmy “Duck” Holmes with his Bentonia-style blues, Pat Thomas and Bill Abel with Delta blues, Kenny Brown, Shardee Turner and Lightnin’ Malcolm with Hill Country blues and the rocking hot styles of Otis “TCB” Taylor and Terry “Big T” Williams.
Acoustic stage sites include Ground Zero Blues Club, Levon’s Bar and Grill, Crossroads Cultural Arts Center, Hattie’s Jeans, Hambone Gallery, Red’s, Blues Berry Café and Messenger’s.
The fun kicks off Thursday night with “Grits, Greens and Barbecue” supper on the lawn at the Blues Museum. The air-cooled VIP Tent adjacent to its main stage sports amenities for patrons who donate to the festival, including seating at linen-covered tables, unlimited beverages for sponsors and patrons.
But the music at Sunflower is always free.
Festival Chairman Melvita Tillis Presley said this year’s festival is dedicated to the late Anthony Saffold, a member of the Delta Blues Museum staff and a tireless supporter of the Sunflower Festival.
The Saffold family will be honored on the festival main stage Saturday night, which happens to be Anthony’s birthday.
Another birthday being celebrated this month is that of Blues legend John Lee Hooker, with special exhibits and programs slated for the Delta Blues Museum throughout August.
But Friday the spotlight will be turned on Johnson.
The recipient of a prestigious Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, Johnson once accompanied then Gov. Haley Barbour to Japan to open Mississippi’s Pavilion at the World’s Fair.
With his unique instruments, Southern “barnyard commentary,” pseudo feuds with LaLa, and his own musical expertise, he has become a frequent world traveler and ambassador welcomed from the Netherlands and Norway to Switzerland and South Africa.
The core of Chikan’s polished professional band includes LaLa Craig on keyboard, Heather Tackett Falduto on bass and daughter Mesa Turner on drums.
MAIN STAGE
Friday, Aug. 10
7 p.m. Delta Blues Museum Band
8 p.m. Lady Trucker
9 p.m. Heather Crosse
10 p.m. The Stone Gas Band
11 p.m. James “Super Chikan” Johnson
Saturday, Aug. 11
7 p.m. ‘Street Lightnin’ Malcolm
8 p.m. David Dunavant
8:45 Sunflower Festival Awards
9 p.m. Otis ‘TCB’ Taylor
10 p.m. Terry ‘Big T’ Williams
11 p.m. Anthony ‘Big A’ Sherrod
THE CITY AUDITORIUM
Sunday, Aug. 11
4 p.m. Pastor Betty Hamilton & McGowan Singers
4:45 p.m. Terry Carr & Clarksdale Mass Choir
5:30 p.m. Dianne & The Spiritual Angels
6:15 p.m. Ned & The Jonestown Crusaders
7 p.m. Minister Ricky Burton & 4Ever Grateful
For more details visit www.sunflowerfest.org
The Sunflower River Blues Association is a non-profit, 501 c 3 organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible.
The festival is staged entirely by volunteers and contributions underwrite the performance fees of musicians and production costs.
Checks may be mailed to Sunflower River Blues Festival, P.O. Box 1562, Clarksdale, Miss. 38614.
