A highly influential musical genre, Blues music is so called because it uses “blue” notes which are musical notes played or vocalized slightly lower in pitch than those indicated on a major scale.
Emerging first in early African-American communities, Blues became the roots of jazz, rhythm and blues, and bluegrass and is today a hugely popular music form celebrated in events across the USA.
From a festival celebrating WC Handy, and the legacy of the “Father of the Blues”, to a hometown “party” for legendary blues musician BB King, there is plenty to chose from for fans of the blues.
ALABAMA
WC Handy Music Festival
July
Florence, Alabama
At various locations throughout The Shoals, the WC Handy Music Festival is a week-long celebration honoring the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama and the legacy of the “Father of the Blues” with a parade, concerts, exhibits, theatre, athletic events, music in various venues, and more.
Previous festivals have featured jazz and blues legends including Jimmy Smith, Ramsey Lewis, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby Blue Bland, Diane Schuur, Billy Taylor, Dianne Reeves and Charlie Byrd.
For more information visit: www.wchandymusicfestival.org
MINNESOTA
Bayfront Blues Festival
August
Duluth, Minnesota
One of the largest annual outdoor music festivals in the Midwest , the Bayfront Blues Fetival showcases nearly 30 national performances on two concert stages. Additional weekend events include a Moonlight Mardi Gras Cruise and live Blues at nearly 20 Duluth nightclubs. The event takes place in Canal Park on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.
For more information visit: www.bayfrontblues.com
MISSISSIPPI
BB King Homecoming Festival
June
Indianola, Mississippi
Indianola is the hometown of legendary blues musician BB King. An international icon, BB King has entertained generations and inspired musicians from Elvis Presley to the Rolling Stones.
Each year the BB King Homecoming Festival, which features the BB King Homecoming Concert, is held at Fletcher Park. At BB King's request, children under 12 are admitted free of charge, and regular admission is kept at a low charge with net proceeds going to Indianola Parks and Recreation.
The festival attracts thousands of people every year. The crowds enjoy the music by BB King and other musicians along with food and fireworks.
For more information visit: www.indianolams.org/blues.html
Mississippi Delta Blues Festival
September
Greenville, Mississippi
Mississippi Delta Blues is recognized as one of America's most important musical forms. The Mississippi Delta Blues Festival celebrates and helps to preserve this culture.
When the festival began in 1978 it was little more than a local community gathering. Today it is the second oldest continuously operating blues festival in the country attracting performers such as BB King, Sam Chatmon, Son Thomas, Willie Foster, Ruby Wilson, Robert Cray, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert King, Bobby Rush and Denise LaSalle.
For more information visit: www.deltablues.org
NEVADA
Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest
August
Reno-Tahoe, Nevada
Annually, the Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest celebrates the history, culture and spirit of the blues with a two-day festival attracting audiences from around the country to hear some of the biggest names in blues. The event’s mission is to support music education for youth in the Reno-Tahoe area through a scholarship program and ongoing assistance for school music equipment purchases and jazz band programs.
Headliners in the past have included Gladys Knight, The Whispers, Jonny Lang, Betty Wright, and Bobby Rush.
For more information visit: www.renotahoebluesfest.com
TENNESSEE
Memphis in May International Festival
May
Memphis, Tennessee
Music lovers from around the globe gather at the Beale Street Music Festival, part of the Memphis in May International Festival, for three magical days and four big stages on thirty-three acres overlooking the Mississippi, right on the heels of historic Beale Street. More than sixty top artists take part in one outrageous party.
Blues, rock, gospel, R&B, alternative, and soul a spine-tingling musical variety guaranteed to shake your soul. With a growing fan base and worldwide media coverage, this stellar event sells out annually. Events include the World Championship Barbecue Contest, and Sunset Symphony.
For more information visit: www.memphisinmay.org
