The blues festival recently hosted a vibrant celebration of music and culture, showcasing an array of talented artists and paying tribute to the genre’s rich history.
Lady Adrena and the LA Band kicked off the three-day festival at the Visit Mississippi Crossroads stage, emphasizing the significance of the blues to her home state.
“Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues, the birthplace of America’s music,” Adrena expressed in an interview.
With references to Muddy Waters and the iconic Ground Zero in Biloxi, she highlighted the abundance of blues clubs that contribute to the state’s cultural identity.
Reflecting on her artistry, Adrena shared how blues encapsulates her life experiences, stating, “It’s me. It’s the blues. I just sing the blues from my heart and my experiences and some other people’s experiences.”
The festival began on Friday, June 6, with a show-stopping performance from D.K. Harrell, setting the tone for a day filled with music.
That evening, a special tribute to B.B. King was held, honoring what would have been the late blues icon’s 100th birthday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson declared June 6, 2025, as B.B. King Day, following an electric performance by artists including Jonathan Ellison, D.K. Harrell, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, who delivered passionate renditions of King’s timeless hits.
The second day of the festival continued with poignant performances, including a tribute to the late Denise LaSalle, celebrated as the former “Queen of Blues.”
Mayor Johnson once again proclaimed the day in her honor, featuring compelling performances from artists such as Mzz Reese, Thornetta Davis, and Nora Jean Wallace.
Saturday introduced a new venue space at the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace for a performance titled “Next Generation of Blues.”
One notable group, BandWith, from East Garfield Park, captivated the audience with renditions of classic hits from Etta James to Donell Jones.
Vocalists DeAngelo Davis Jr. and Blake Schaffer shared their excitement about performing at such a historic festival.
“I was very nervous,” Davis Jr. admitted, “but once I got up there on stage… this is where I need to be.”
Schaffer remarked on the overwhelming support from the Rooftop Terrace audience, saying, “This was a great opportunity for me… it really encourages me and also BandWith to keep coming up here.”
During their set, fellow vocalist Harmoni Smith performed a stirring interpretation of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” explaining her choice of the song.
“It just hits the spot that some of us, if we haven’t experienced love, we can still connect to,” she stated, emphasizing the universal connections that blues music fosters.
As the festival progressed, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram returned to headline Saturday night, delivering an electrifying performance that included engaging with the crowd.
Although day three started with a brief downpour that delayed some afternoon performances, the excitement of the festival endured.
From Miss Jody on the Mississippi Crossroads stage to the 75th anniversary celebration of Chess Records by the Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation, the festivities were far from dampened.
On Sunday, June 8, attendees reflected on the weekend’s experiences as the festival prepared to close.
Yolanda Clay-Moore, director of External Affairs with Visit Jackson, expressed her appreciation for the legendary artists she had witnessed over the years.
“One of the things that resonates with me… is the opportunity to see some legendary people, whether they’re past or for the future,” she shared.
The festival culminated with a powerful homecoming performance by Chicago’s own Mavis Staples, bringing the crowd to their feet.
Lorie Smith, a media strategist for 1690 WVON AM Radio, commented on the significance of blues music.
“It is a genre, but it is also a culture. Notice you have every single generation here enjoying the blues,” Smith noted, highlighting the genre’s broad appeal across different demographics.
Audience member Helena Washington Clopton remarked on the deep, intrinsic nature of blues music.
“The blues is in you,” she said, linking it to rhythm and gospel, which she believes uplifts people through difficult times.
Jamiah “Dirty Deacon” Rogers, a performer at Rosa’s Lounge stage, described the spiritual aspect of blues, expressing that music resonates on a profound level.
“The blues is something more spiritual… if you want to know what I’m talking about, just go watch the movie ‘Sinners,’” he urged.
The connection between the festival and its cultural impact has recently grown, thanks in part to the film “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler.
Set in the 1930s Mississippi Delta, the film, which explores the roots of the blues, had a successful run in IMAX theatres, bolstered by public demand.
Blues legend Buddy Guy appeared in the film and contributed the song “Travelin” for its soundtrack, further linking contemporary projects to the genre’s historic significance.
Teeny Tucker, a blues artist from Columbus, Ohio, stressed the importance of preserving the blues for future generations.
“If we don’t continue to do blues, I think that the American roots music will get lost in its history,” Tucker warned, urging community engagement to ensure the music lives on.
The festival served as a poignant reminder of the blues’ importance and the necessity to preserve its legacy as a critical component of American music and culture.
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