SPECIAL CLARKSDALE "JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL 2010" EDITION

(PHOTO: Big George Brock and yours truly outside Windsor Castle on tour in the UK.)

WELCOME to a brand new edition of the sporadic CAT HEAD UPDATE e-newsletter, coming at you live from the Mississippi Delta. (Receive this from a friend? Email "add me to list" to roger@cathead.biz, and join our free e-list.)

SPRING HAS SPRUNG in the Mississippi Delta, and Clarksdale's 7th annual Juke Joint Festival & Related Events is the perfect way to celebrate. From monkeys riding dogs and racing pigs to real-deal juke joints and over 50 blues acts, it really is a ridiculously fun event. Go to www.jukejointfestival.com ... or read on below for more information. ALSO, pre-sale wristbands are on sale on-line now at http://www.jukejointfestival.com, or you can buy them out front of Cat Head on Thursday and Friday.

RECENT DELTA NEWS AND UPDATES... include a successful Terry "Big T" Williams CD Release Party for "Jump Back, Big T's in the House CD" at Ground Zero Blues Club. Big T will be at Tricia's for Juke Fest, and of course, Cat Head has his new CD for sale. Oh, and, Theo "The Boogieman" Dasbach of the Rock & Blues Museum in C'dale is set to release his own new CD during Juke Fest, www.blues2rock.com. Tupelo's Film Commission screened "M for Mississippi" a couple weeks back; thanks to Pat Rasberry and her team for a fun night; great Q&A and dinner afterwards! Mudpuppy Recording artist James "T-Model" Ford just came back off tour with Gravel Road; he's so special, he'll play twice during Juke Fest weekend. Cat Head recording artist Big George Brock (shown in photo above) will be riding his off-the-hook, mural-covered "blues bus" down to Hopson and Cat Head for Juke Fest; you won't be able to miss him or it; trust me. Our buddy Jeff Konkel (Broke & Hungry Records) is getting ready to take Jimmy "Duck" Holmes on a road-trip that will end up with the fine folks at 651 Arts in NYC around the end of the month.

LOOKING FOR JUKE FEST HOTEL ROOMS?? TRY ONE OF THESE OPTIONS:
-- 1-800-The-Isle and provide promo code "JUKE"; they may still have some rooms and will be running a Saturday bus shuttle (noon-midnight).
-- The Delma Furniss Mississippi Welcome Center in near by Lula; they will help you find and book a hotel room near Clarksdale, 662-337-2305.
-- Cat Head's "Clarksdale Guide" (including hotel info) at www.cathead.biz; if hotels are booked, try to get on a waiting list since folks cancel at the last-minute every year.
-- Additionally, I'm told there are hotel rooms available in Tunica (40 mi), Batesville (35 mi), Cleveland (37 mi) and Helena (AR; 31 mi).
-- Or... if you camp, call the Chamber of Commerce at 662-627-7337 to book a campsite at the Clarksdale Expo Center; Saturday night festival shuttles will also service camping area.

FINALLY... Happy 83rd birthday to Cadillac John Nolden of Renova, MS (4/13)!! His birthday party is at Red's Thursday night, and he'll be at Juke Fest Sat; be sure to say something nice to him; he's sweet.

Thanks y'all,
ROGER STOLLE
blues retail - PR/marketing - project consultation
music/film production - artist bookings - journalism

CAT HEAD DELTA BLUES & FOLK ART
- "1 of 17 Coolest Record Stores in America" (Paste magazine)
- "Keeping Blues Alive Award"/"Blues Music Award" recipient (Blues Foundation)
- "1000 Places to See Before You Die" (Workman Publishing)

PROMOTE your blues business, band or album; CLICK HERE and Roger at Cat Head may be able to help.

JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL WEEK STARTS EARLY IN CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI!!!

CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI'S JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL WEEKEND CALLED "BIGGEST LITTLE FESTIVAL IN THE SOUTH"

RELATED EVENTS RUN THURSDAY TO SUNDAY (APRIL 15-18) FOR 2010 EDITION

"I don't care what anybody says. There ain't another festival like it in the world," boasted Nan Hughes, one of Juke Joint Festival's key organizers. "Where else can you see Monkeys Riding Dogs one day and hang out in old-school juke joints the next? I think it's the biggest little festival in the South."

The Juke Joint Festival itself is Saturday, April 17th in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Related events start Thursday and carry on through Sunday night. Last year's festival weekend drew fans from at least 43 U.S. states and 17 foreign countries.

"We call it 'half blues festival, half small-town fair and all about the Delta' for a reason," explained co-organizer Goldie Hirsberg. "During the day we have activities for both visiting tourists and local families. At night, well, that's throw-down time! That's for the adults."

Juke Joint Festival Weekend kicks off with a bang on Thursday night (April 15) when Grammy-winner Jimbo Mathus presents "Mosquitoville: Mississippi Songs & Stories" live on the Delta Cinema Stage (113 3rd St.). Sponsored by Clarksdale Revitalization, the presentation promises to delve into the Magnolia State's rich music and mythology. Doors open at 5pm with two free shows at 6pm and 7:30pm.

Friday's festival-related activities include monkeys riding dogs from Pontotoc, Mississippi, as well as Coahoma County's latest Mississippi Blues Trail Marker dedication. The noon dedication at the WROX Museum (257 Delta Avenue) will recognize an early location of Clarksdale's famous WROX blues/gospel radio station. The event will be following by a William Ferris "Give My Poor Heart Ease" book signing and live blues revue at Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art across the street (252 Delta Avenue). From there, additional events travel down the street and include "Conversations with Honeyboy Edwards" at the Delta Blues Museum and a "Theo The Boogieman" performance at the Rock & Blues Museum. More live blues follows that night at the clubs and jukes.

For many visiting tourists, it's the music that matters most, and Saturday will be a day for the history books.

"We've got Mississippi blues musicians from 8 years young to 94 years old on Saturday," noted Roger Stolle, music coordinator and festival co-founder. "It's just a crazy list of real-deal legends. Big George Brock, Big Jack Johnson, Big T Williams. Super Chikan, Watermelon Slim, Duck Holmes. Cadillac John, Gearshifter, T-Model Ford. It may sound more like a wrestling show, grocery list or used car lot to some... but that's the Delta blues for you. Wild names and even wilder music!"

Other notable blues musicians include Cedell Davis, Johnny Rawls, Stacy Mitchhart, Robert Belfour, Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, The Scissormen, Mr. Tater, Bilbo Walker, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm and many more. Among the performers are many of the stars of last year's Blues Music Award-winning film "M for Mississippi." The future of the blues will also be well-represented by student musicians and their instructors from the Delta Blues Museum, Berklee Mississippi Exchange, DSU's Ol' Skool Revue and Stax Music Academy.

Saturday alone will feature eight official daytime stages and 16 nighttime juke joint venues. The festival's daytime music is free while the nighttime music can be had for the reasonable price of a $10 wristband. The wristband also gets attendees onto the four nighttime bus shuttles as well as a fifth shuttle that would have made Robert Johnson himself proud.

"This year, our friends at C&J Railroad and Mississippi Delta Railroad are running an actual locomotive with passenger cars back and forth between downtown's historic Train Depot and Hopson Plantation on Saturday night," said Hughes. "The train will also run roundtrip excursions on Friday night and Saturday lunchtime, and most of the trips will feature blues performances on board. How cool is that?"

Pre-sale wristbands for Saturday night's main event will be available in front of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art (252 Delta Avenue) on Thursday and Friday afternoon (April 15-16) as well as at the main festival tent on Saturday and at the nighttime venues while quantities last.

Other Juke Joint Festival-related activities on Saturday include a 5K/8K Run, Robinson's Racing Pigs, Mini Film Fest at Delta Cinema, "Passport to Downtown" contest, arts & crafts vendors, food vendors and special events inside downtown businesses and restaurants. Family-friendly activities include a petting zoo, rock wall, Segway course, Moonbounce, kiddie train, face painting, Strut-Your-Mutt contest, student art show and more.

Saturday night's festival events kick off with the inaugural "Miss Sarah Award" presentation at Sarah's Kitchen (278 Sunflower Avenue), 7pm. Named after the late blues kitchen owner, Miss Sarah Moore, the new award will be presented to two individuals each year (one past/one present) who have made notable contributions towards blues music, Mississippi tourism and the city of Clarksdale. After the awards, blues godfather David "Honeyboy" Edwards will perform, starting off the nighttime juke joint crawl's 16 venues.

"On Sunday, the festivities continue with the always free and fun Cat Head Mini Blues Fest as well as the annual Ground Zero Blues Club blues brunch," said Stolle, who also owns Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, host of the Mini Blues Fest. Additional music and activities will take place at the Rock & Blues Museum, Red's Lounge, Bluesberry Cafe, Tricia's, Club 2000 and other venues.

Hotel rooms are still available at the Isle of Capri in nearby Lula. In addition to running a Saturday bus shuttle from the Isle of Capri hotel to downtown Clarksdale, the hotel is offering a special event rate at 1-800-the-Isle (promo code "JUKE"). The hotel/casino is a sponsor of the festival.

Go to www.jukejointfestival.com for more details on the Juke Joint Festival & Related Events, April 15-18, 2010. Additional live music information is available at www.cathead.biz.

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FULL LINE-UP at http://www.jukejointfestival.com. HOTEL INFO in my newsletter intro above.

JJFEST ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS at bottom of this e-newsletter.

INFO, WRISTBANDS AND SCHEDULES just click here and go to www.jukejointfestival.com

GENERAL BLUES MUSIC, ART AND (mostly) MISSISSIPPI NEWS

"MOSQUITOVILLE: MISSISSIPPI SONGS & STORIES" IN CLARKSDALE, THURSDAY:
(press release excerpt) - Sponsored by Clarksdale Revitalization on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. Created and narrated by the acclaimed musician and Grammy winner, Jimbo Mathus, "Mosquitoville" explores the origins of Mississippi mythology through the vast repertoire of the state's indigenous folk music. Audiences will hear the tales of Mississippi's railroads, levees and floods…of its tragedies and triumphs…and, perhaps most importantly, of its black and white pioneers and how they co-existed to create the Delta and Hill Country culture. Delta Cinema will provide the setting for this engaging historical show of songs and stories fit for all ages. Meet Clarksdale Revitalization at 5pm; performances at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All performances are free. (To book this show in your community, contact Justin Showah at justin@hillcountryrecords.com .)

FUTURE "JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL DATES"... 2011 AND 2012:
Because folks have asked, here are the future Juke Joint Festival dates: April 16, 2011 and April 14, 2012.

GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB'S BILL LUCKETT RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR
(courtesy of Jackson Free Press): "The JFP Interview with Bill Luckett" by Ward Schaefer (April 7, 2010) - In Clarksdale, Miss., Bill Luckett may as well already be governor. An attorney by training, he seems to have a hand in nearly every significant activity in town. Down the road from his law office, a revitalization effort is afoot in downtown Clarksdale. Ground Zero Blues Club and Madidi Restaurant, two ventures Luckett owns with actor Morgan Freeman, are central to this progress. Luckett is in the middle of renovating two more historic structures, the McWilliams Building and the Alcazar Hotel. ... Luckett, 62, has never held public office, though he served on the Coahoma County Democratic Party Executive Committee from 1974 to 1983. He formed a political action committee, Progress for Mississippi, in June 2009; in September, he confirmed his intention to run for governor in 2011. ... READ FULL ARTICLE at http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/the_jfp_interview_with_bill_luckett_040710/%20%20

HIGHWAY 61 RADIO SHOW:
Blues scholar Scott Barretta of Oxford, MS, had an excellent two-hour show highlighting Juke Joint Festival last night ("Hwy 61" show) on Mississippi Public Broadcasting radio. You can download the podcast for free at: http://www.highway61radio.com . Just click where its says "New Podcast" on the homepage (near top, center) to hear the killer JJF radio show! Thanks to Scott for the publicity.

CAT HEAD BLUES RADIO SHOW:
My own Cat Head Delta Blues Show on WROX radio (1450AM, 105.7FM Clarksdale) also featured a two-hour Juke Joint Festival special last night as well. It will repeat tonight (Sunday) from 10pm-midnight central. To tune in, go to http://www.wroxradio.com . Thanks, Roger at Cat Head.

ADVERTISE ON CAT HEAD SHOW:
Also... Please contact me (roger@cathead.biz) if you'd like to become a very low cost advertiser on my commercial CAT HEAD DELTA BLUES radio show. I'm now selling "packages" as small and low cost as one commercial (live, enthusiastic read!) on my radio show. Or, we can talk about something bigger, of course. It's a tremendous way to promote your blues or tourist-related business or entity to thousands of listeners in Clarksdale and Coahoma County, MS... as well as the internet listenership coast-to-coast and beyond... on historic WROX 1450AM, 105.7FM and www.wroxradio.com. Thanks, Roger at Cat Head.

"BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS" FEATURED DUCK HOLMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Excerpt from press release) - Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at Jonesboro Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School will experience a special blues program on Friday, April 9, at 2 p.m. The program, in conjunction with Arkansas State University's Delta Symposium XVI, will feature blues guitarist and vocalist Jimmy "Duck" Homes. A native of Bentonia, Mississippi, Holmes plays in the distinctive style of local blues legends Skip James and Jack Owens, and he operates one of the oldest juke joints in the state, Bentonia's Blue Front Cafe, the rural juke joint that Holmes and his family have operated since 1948. (NOTE: more on Duck Holmes at http://www.brokeandhungryrecords.com.)

SPEAKING OF DUCK HOLMES... THE BENTONIA BLUES FEST IS COMING:
The annual Bentonia Blues Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 2010 in the heart of downtown Bentonia, Mississippi at the home place of the historic Blue Front Cafe. The festival kicks off with the sounds of gospel from local groups at 10:00 am. At 1:00 pm, blues performers will take the stage.
1:00 – 1:45 BRIAN SIVILS
2:00 – 2:45 ALPHONSO SANDERS & BILL "HOWLIN MAD" PERRY
3:00 – 3:45 EDEN BRENT
4:00 – 4:45 JIMMY "DUCK" HOLMES
5:00 – 5:45 ROOSEVELT ROBERTS BLUES REVIEW
6:00 – 6:45 THE JAREKUS SINGLETON BAND
7:00 – 7:45 DEXTER ALLEN
8:00 – 8:45 TBA
9:00 until BOBBY RUSH
- To volunteer or sponsor, call the Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (662) 746-1815.
- To register as an Arts & Crafts or Food vendor, e-mail cannon.williams@yahoo.com.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest info at www.facebook.com/BentoniaBluesFestival.

ANOTHER BLUES FEST... THIS ONE IN ROSEDALE, MISSISSIPPI:
The Rosedale Crossroads Blues Society announces its Crossroads Blues and Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at The River Resort on scenic Highway 1 in Rosedale, MS. Line-up includes Kenny Brown, T-Model Ford, Eddie Cusic, Alphonso Sanders, Bill 'Howl-N-Madd' Perry, Bill Abel, Cadillac John and more. Gate opens at noon. Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children twelve and under, $10 per cooler and $5 per car for parking. No beer sold. No pets or glass, please. For more information, phone 662-843-6110 or visit www.rosedaleblues.com . ALSO, the blues society is planning a fundraising dinner on Friday, May 7 at 6:30 at the River Resort in Rosedale. Chef Leo McGee will prepare a five-course meal paired with beverages. Tickets for the dinner are $60 per person; call Shoan Shelby at (662) 759-3520.

ALSO... OUR FRIENDS OVER IN NORTH/SOUTH CAROLINA HAVE A NICE FEST:
Mac Arnold Cornbread & Collard Greens Blues Festival, April 28–May 1, 2010. Info at www.macarnold.com

I CAN'T LIST ALL OF THE FESTS HERE... SO... GO TO THESE SITES FOR FESTS IN MISSISSIPPI:
- http://www.cathead.biz/livemusic.html
- http://www.msbluestrail.org/calendar
- http://www.blueshighway.org/festivals2010.htm
- http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com

MS BLUES TRAIL AND GZBC IN C'DALE HELP CELEBRATE TRAIN WEEK:
Coming THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010 - AmTrak National Train Day honors blues great Muddy Waters during the event's first-ever visit to world-famous GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB in historic Clarksdale, Mississippi. Don't miss this very special Blues Jam hosted by Big Dave Dunavent & the Evol Love Blues Band featuring three amazing late night guests: Two of Muddy Water's sons -- Big Bill Morganfield and Mud Morganfield -- plus International Blues Challenge winner Grady Champion. The music starts at 8pm and food is available. 662-621-9009, www.groundzerobluesclub.com.

"HILL COUNTRY HARMONICA" COMING IN MAY (thx Betsie Brown):
Hill Country Harmonica, May 22-23, 2010 at Foxfire Ranch in Waterford, Mississippi. "On May 22-23, 2010, blues harmonica players and their friends will be gathering in north Mississippi for a weekend of fun, fellowship, instructional guidance, and fantastic harmonica playing at a very special event called Hill Country Harmonica." Teachers/guides include Billy Branch, Adam Gussow, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Bill "Howl-N-Madd" Perry. More info at http://www.hillcountryharmonica.com . (ALSO, here's recent video sent in by Adam Gussow of Rooster's gig in Oxford - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Le1iSam_EA .)

SUPER COOL LITTLE WALTER PHOTOS VIA BOB CORRITORE (thx Bob):
A Night with Little Walter, Cambridge, 1964! Rare Little Walter Photos! Thanks to Dave Luxton & Al Thompson for sharing some rare photos of Little Walter taken in 1964 at the Alley Club in Cambridge, England. Some of these images first appeared in the booklet of the grammy winning Little Walter / The Complete Chess Masters (1950 - 1967) on Hip-O Select, but some are previously unseen. To see these photos, go to http://www.bobcorritore.com/photos139.html

KIMBROUGH/BURNSIDE HONORED IN MEMPHIS ON FRIDAY (thx blues.org):
On Friday, April 9th blues fans went to Handy Park to celebrate the life and music of the late Junior Kimbrough and R.L.Burnside. Festivities included a Kimbrough and Burnside Brass Note dedication on the Beale Street Walk of Fame. Later, The New Daisy Theater hosted the Duwayne Burnside's Family Reunion show.

EX-CLARKSDALIAN CLAYTON LOVE PASSES (courtesy of Bob Corritorre):
March 26, 2010 - RIP Clayton Love November 15, 1927 - Feb. 28, 2010. Clayton Love will best be remembered as the vocalist and pianist in Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm. He passed away at a hospice in St Louis from complications of a stroke and heart problems, He was 82. He was born in Mattson, Mississippi in 1927.

BLIND MISSISSIPPI MORRIS VIDEO AT GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP0waU2cHuI

FASCINATING CLIP OF UNIQUE, OVERSEAS GUITAR JAM W/BUDDY GUY (thx Vince!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SucFwzpRp0I&feature=player_embedded#

BLOG ABOUT MISSISSIPPI BLUES TODAY:
http://fridaybluesfix.blogspot.com/2010/03/mississippi-flavor.html

JOE CALLICOTT GETS BLUES MARKER (TV NEWS PIECE - thx Billy H.):
http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/mississippi/031510_blues-legend-gets-belated-honor

TUPELO FILM FESTIVAL COMING IN MAY (thx MDA, Div. Tourism):
The 7th Annual Tupelo Film Festival will draw film lovers to the birthplace of Elvis Presley from May 13-15. This festival has grown from a one and a half day event featuring 20 films to a 3-day film experience with world-class film screenings, panel discussions, film forums and award presentations. For more information, visit http://www.crossroadsfilmfestival.com/ and http://www.tupelo.net/film-festival/

BAREFOOT WORKSHOPS UPDATE -- CLARKSDALE WORKSHOPS COMING SOON:
Barefoot Workshops is returning for documentary/photography workshops in Clarksdale in August/September 2010 and February/March 2011. Sign up early at info@barefootworkshops.org.; http://www.barefootworkshops.org/workshops/DOCworkshops_UnitedStates.html

MEMPHIS' COMMERCIAL-APPEAL PREVIEWS JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL:
Read the article at http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/apr/04/juke-joint-f-festival-s/

"CAT HEAD" INTERVIEW WITH ROGER STOLLE BY GRAHAM CLARKE (thx Graham!):
Q&A about Cat Head, M for Mississippi, the Delta, the blues, etc. at http://fridaybluesfix.blogspot.com/2010/04/m-for-mississippi.html

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC'S "MISSISSIPPI" EXCHANGE COMING TO CLARKSDALE:
(press release excerpt) - Three years ago, Berklee College of Music hatched a plan to build a bridge between its Boston campus and Mississippi. For more than 65 years, the world's largest college of contemporary music has had a curriculum with roots deeply planted in the fertile ground from which blues, country, rock, gospel, and folk music emerged. With the idea of bringing the music and culture closer to campus, a summer scholarship initiative began for students at the Delta Blues Museum, in Clarksdale, and the Robert Johnson Blues Museum, in Crystal Springs. To date, four recipients have made the trip to Berklee's Five-Week Summer Performance Program. ... On Saturday, April 17, the Berklee Mississippi Exchange Band performs at the Juke Joint Festival, in Clarksdale, at 3:30 p.m. on the Delta Blues Museum stage, and at 7:00 at the Ground Zero Blues Club, opening for Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, and Super Chikan. ... At 3:00 that afternoon, a presentation will be made to one of the recipients of this year's two Berklee Mississippi Summer Scholarship on the Delta Blues stage. Students from the Delta Blues Museum's Arts and Education Program will audition on Thursday for a full scholarship... Another audition will take place in the Baptist Town section of Greenwood on Friday, with the students from the Robert Johnson Blues Museum. The scholarships are each worth more than $7,500. ... (Allen Bush, Director of Media Relations, Berklee College of Music, 617-747-2658.

NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT "DUST-TO-DIGITAL" LABEL (via April 2010 newsletter):
- Strings LP now available... The blogosphere meets the physical world with Parlortone's latest release entitled "Strings," a compilation of stringed instrument music from around the world.
- In the past six months, there has been an increase in Dust-to-Digital's presence via both the terrestrial and virtual airwaves. Joe Bussard's Country Classics is now available as a free weekly podcast. Art Rosenbaum's Backroads & Banjos recently received its own webpage on the newly revamped website of WMLB - Atlanta's Voice of the Arts. Speaking of WMLB, the station has also given a bi-weekly show to Rev. Johnny L. "Hurricane" Jones. In the meantime, we have posted one of Johnny's vintage sermons entitled "Life Is Like a Ball Game."-
- Check out Dust-To-Digital's full newsletter or pick up an awesome CD, book, LP or box set at http://www.dust-digital.com .

AT THE BB KING MUSEUM IN INDIANOLA, MISSISSIPPI...
April 13 - May 7: 3rd - 6th Grade Children's Art Exhibit
April 13 - 5:30 p.m.: 3rd - 6th Grade Children's Art Exhibit Reception
June 5 - 1 p.m.: Regional Step Competition
Friday, July 2: B.B. King Homecoming Concert
Saturday, July 3: Blues, Bikes & BBQ Festival

RECENT DELTA BLUES REVIEWS IN LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE (excerpts below):
Pick up a FREE copy of the latest Living Blues magazine from Ole Miss in Oxford, MS, at Cat Head during Juke Fest, or subscribe today at http://www.livingblues.com . Also see the web site for many more full reviews...
- REVIEW OF JIMMY "DUCK" HOLMES, "Ain't It Lonesome" (Broke & Hungry) - "...This set reflects his non-Bentonia influences as much as his debt to [Skip] James. "All Night Long," which features Holmes on electric guitar supported by bass and drums, borrows themes associated with Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside; the instrumental "Bentonia Boogie," despite its title, also sounds like a stripped-down version of what one might have heard at Kimbrough's juke on a Sunday night. "Nightmare," a solo acoustic number, is based on a chordal construction that echoes Muddy's Rollin' Stone/Still A Fool theme. On his electrified small-group workouts, Holmes purveys an amiable if somewhat atavistic brand of juke-joint jollity -- it's easy to envision oneself drinking and dancing into the wee hours to this music..." (David Whiteis)
- REVIEW OF LC ULMER, "Long Ways From Home" (Hill Country Records) - "L.C. Ulmer is a guitarist from Ellisville, Mississippi, who impressed mightily in the closing scene of the acclaimed documentary DVD M For Mississippi, both with his engaging personality and with musical skills that belied his 80 years. The recordings on this disc actually predate Ulmer's DVD appearance, having been captured live in 2007 at a festival in Parma, Italy. ... After the initial exposure to Ulmer on M For Mississippi, it's great to finally have a full-length album available. Now let's hope that someone can get him into a studio before it's too late."(Jim DeKoster)
- REVIEW OF SOUTH MEMPHIS STRING BAND, "Home Sweet Home" (Memphis Int'l) - "The memory of the Mississippi Sheiks had largely faded until resurfacing in recent years... Now, Luther Dickinson, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Jimbo Mathus explore the type of acoustic music popularized by the short-lived Sheiks during the early years of the Great Depression, along with related rural styles... Luther, Alvin, and Jimbo sound like three old friends swapping songs on a porch and having a grand time doing it..." (Lee Hildebrand)
(CAT HEAD NOTE: These are all three worth owning, for sure, so pick 'em up at Cat Head next time you visit.)

RECENT BLUES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MR. JOE ROSEN:
http://guitarinternational.com/wpmu/
http://guitarinternational.com/wpmu/2010/03/19/photo-gallery-the-legendary-blues-cruise-february-2010/

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ONE NOTE ON THE WEB LINKS PROVIDED ABOVE:
Due to the formatting of this e-newsletter 'boilerplate', the links in this "General Blues...News" section may not appear as clickable. If they do not, then please just copy and paste into your web browser... and hit 'return' to go to the appropriate web pages or sites.

CLICK this link; then click "NEW PODCAST" to hear Scott Barretta's JUKE FEST radio special!

THE CLARK HOUSE RESIDENTIAL INN -- AFFORDABLE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE IN CLARKSDALE

THE CLARK HOUSE -- A RESIDENTIAL INN IN CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI

"For business or blues -- affordable comfort and convenience!"

Originally constructed in 1859 by Clarksdale founder John Clark. It was the first home built in Clarksdale, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Clark House has just been extensively refurbished and beautifully redecorated as a residential inn.

The Clark House offers four elegant bedrooms in the main house, and three bedrooms in the cottage, just behind the main home. Each room features a private bath, desk and sitting area. All rooms enjoy the use of the beautiful parlor, library and dining room. A continental breakfast and internet access is included.

The Clark House is located in the historic residential area, just two blocks from Downtown Clarksdale's government, business and entertainment center.

Rooms are available from $75, and reservations can be made online at http://www.clarkhouse.info or by calling the Innkeeper at 662-621-1632.

(CAT HEAD NOTE: Ok. Needless to say, The Clark House Residential Inn is way booked up for Juke Fest weekend! But... pick another quieter weekend to have a special getaway in the Land Where Blues Began, or plan now for future festival weekends. Fyi... next year's Juke Fest is April 16, 2011. For other future festival dates, please go to www.cathead.biz and click on "Live Music." The Clark House is beautiful, comfortable and convenient.)

GO TO The Clark House Residential Inn's official web site (CLICK HERE).

BLUES NEWS EXCERPTS COURTESY OF WWW.BLUESWAX.COM

AMTRAK TOUR CONNECTS BLUES AND RAILROADS:
As part of the National Train Day 2010 celebration, Amtrak will explore the historic connection between Blues music and America's railroads with a commemorative train tour from the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the Blues, all the way to Chicago. Aboard the famous Amtrak City of New Orleans train will be the musical offspring of a Chicago-based Blues legend with Mississippi roots, riding the rails north from New Orleans on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Amtrak will host "Big Bill" and "Mud" Morganfield, sons of Muddy Waters, on a three-day train tour through the Mississippi Blues Trail to the Midwest. The tour will visit several Blues historical sites in Mississippi, before Blues great and former railroad man Bobby Rush boards the train in Memphis on Friday, May 7. The musical journey concludes in historic Chicago Union Station on National Train Day, Saturday, May 8, with live, free, performances by "Big Bill," "Mud," and Rush.

Thursday, May 6, 2010
1:45 p.m. New Orleans Amtrak Station – Departure
3:32 p.m. McComb, Miss., Amtrak Station - brief stop at Bo Diddly Blues Trail Marker
4:17 p.m. Hazelhurst, Miss., Amtrak Station - brief stop at Robert Johnson Blues Trail Marker
5:44 p.m. Jackson, Miss., Amtrak Station - Deboard train Reception at Historic King Edward Hotel (near train station)
8:00 p.m. Clarksdale, Miss., - Performance and Celebration - "Blues Train Throw Down" at Ground Zero Blues Club

Friday, May 7
9:30- 11:00 a.m. Clarksdale - Tour of various locations, including the Miss. Delta Blues Museum
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Indianola, Miss., - Media availability and tour of BB King Museum
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Greenwood, Miss., Amtrak Station - Send off reception
7:37 p.m. Greenwood departure 10:00-10:40 p.m. Memphis Amtrak Station Arrive/Depart Bobby Rush boards train to Chicago

Saturday, May 8 9:00 a.m. Arrival into Amtrak Chicago Union Station
12:00-1:00 p.m. Live Blues Program at Union Station (National Train Day festivities: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

-----

CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL CRIES WOLF... A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:
The Chicago Blues Festival (June 11-13) in Grant Park celebrates the life and music of Howlin’ Wolf on the centennial of his birthday with special performances and jam sessions.The internationally acclaimed and FREE admission festival is designed to celebrate and remember the Blues tradition and heritage. The three-day festival features five distinct stages that tell the story of the Blues using various Blues music styles. Daily festival hours are 11am to 9:30pm daily... [Mississippi-connected acts include] Big George Brock, Grady Champion, Eddie Shaw, Hubert Sumlin, Johnny Rawls, Honeyboy Edwards, Bill 'Howlin Madd' Perry, Alphonso Sanders, Nellie Tiger Travis, Jimmy Duck Holmes, Terry 'Harmonica' Bean, Bobby Rush, Charlie Musselwhite [and many more].

FOR EVEN MORE blues news, go to BluesWax.com today (CLICK).

"M FOR MISSISSIPPI: A ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLUES"

JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL'S "MINI FILM FEST" TO FEATURE "M FOR M":
In addition to "Give My Poor Heart Ease" film collection, "Barefoot Workshops" film shorts, "Mud Dog Blues" movie previews, "Hard Times" Big George Brock film, etc. ... "M for Mississippi: A Road Trip through the Birthplace of the Blues" will be screened. Delta Cinema, 11 Third Street during Juke Fest weekend, April 16-18.

TUPELO INDIE FILM SERIES SCREENS "M FOR MISSISSIPPI":
Thanks to Pat Rasberry and her team at the Tupelo (Mississippi) Film Commission. We had a great time at the screening and during the lengthy Q&A. Also, thanks again for the "Made In Mississippi Award" from last year's Tupelo Film Festival. Best of luck with this year's event.

SCREEN "M FOR M" AT YOUR LOCAL THEATER OR FOR BLUES SOCIETY:
The movie "M for Mississippi" is available at very reasonable rates for screening at your local theater, blues society meeting or home 'house party.' Just contact us at jeff@brokeandhungryrecords.com or roger@cathead.biz to discuss. ALSO, bigger "M for Mississippi Revue" package shows are also available for festivals, arts centers, etc. involving the film, filmmakers and/or musicians.

NEW ON-LINE REVIEW OF "M FOR MISSISSIPPI":
"I just watched the 2008 blues documentary, M for Mississippi. The film chronicles a recent week-long road trip through the Mississippi Delta, profiling some of the few remaining blues musicians and juke joints in the region. ... The film is fascinating, offering a glimpse into the hardened lives of the (mostly elderly) Mississippi residents who still play the gritty, rural blues for which the Delta is known. Watching the film, you get the sense that the folk-blues of the region is nearly extinct, with only a handful of juke-joints left and the musicians portrayed as the last true practitioners of the genre. The music these men play is gritty, raw and intense, with all the hard edges intact. Guitars are out-of-tune and time-signatures are loose. It's definitely not the slick, rehearsed blues most of us hear regularly. For anyone interested in the blues tradition of the Mississippi Delta - and the state of the music today - the film is a must-see." (Steve Hoffman)

BUY OR RENT "M FOR MISSISSIPPI" TODAY:
- Buy the DVD or CDs on-line today at www.mformississippi.com
- Buy legal downloads of the movie (at half price!) at http://www.filmbaby.com/films/3455
- Rent the DVD through NetFlix at www.netflix.com
- Store distribution moves to City Hall Records (www.cityhallrecords.com) in July.

CLICK HERE for official "M for Mississippi" web site, merchandise and updates.

BLUES FESTIVAL SEASON IS UPON US... DON'T MISS OUT... LET "BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE" GUIDE YOU TO WHERE THE MUSIC IS...

- FOR BLUES NEWS UPDATES, subscribe to the Blues Festival Guide e-newsletter by going to their web site at http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com

ADVERTISE IN THE PRINT EDITION OF "BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE":
"Ad Sales are about to close -- You Can't Wait Any Longer. This is a Once a Year Opportunity."
- 100,000 issues printed
- Shipment of the magazines occur end of April – FREE distribution
- Grass-roots distribution methods reach tens of thousands of readers who do not subscribe to the semi-monthly blues magazines
- New blues fans are cultivated; marginal blues fans are converted; Blues Societies gain new members; advertisers get results; festival promoters sell more tickets; glowing testimonials are posted on our web site by advertisers and fans.
- Be sure to include our other media in your campaign:
- Digitized magazine hyperlink
- Ad on website - www.BluesFestivalGuide.com
- Ad or editorial Promo in our Blues e-Guide
CONTACT: advertising@bluesfestivalguide.com,775-337-8626; Fax: 775-337-6499, www.BluesFestivalGuide.com

MISSISSIPPI TOURISM BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY MAGNOLIA STATE:
Economic development officials, legislators and others believe Mississippi's next cash crop is its musical heritage. The state's contributions to music stretch across genres -- from the blues of B.B. King, Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters to the rock 'n' roll of Elvis Presley and the country twang of "Singing Brakeman" Jimmie Rodgers. Just being the birthplace or former residence of famous artists has been enough to draw thousands of tourists to the Deep South state each year, leading to billions of dollars in tourism revenue. The Mississippi Economic Council will hold its 61st annual meeting next month, and the event will focus on how the state's musical heritage affects economic development. Headliners for the April 15 program in Jackson are country singer Marty Stuart and rhythm and blues veteran Dorothy Moore. Council president Blake Wilson said the state's music should be showcased. He said Mississippi is a leader at producing talent. Lawmakers also recognize the revenue potential of music. They've responded in recent years by approving various projects to support music-inspired tourism. The Mississippi Blues Commission was established in 2004, and work soon began on creating a winding blues trail. The trail is a series of more than 100 markers across the state highlighting significant or historical places and people connected to blues music. Wilson said the state's blues trail is comparable to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. He said the golf trail has been a huge economic development tool that has attracted international attention. "I can't count really more than five top-name singers that come out of Alabama, but there are so many that have come out of Mississippi. In that, we have an edge." Last year, lawmakers approved efforts to start a Mississippi Country Music Trail, which is expected to serve the same purpose as the blues trail but on a smaller scale. The trail will have about 30 markers. "One reason the country music trail will be particularly good for Mississippi is that many of these country music stars are alive and performing," said state Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, R-Winona, Senate Tourism Committee chairwoman. Chassaniol said trail markers will dot the state, and will not be limited to east Mississippi, where Rodgers once called home. Few would argue that blues music is second only to gaming as the main tourism draw in the Delta, a notoriously poor region that's also the birthplace of a slew of artists whose work has inspired such rock icons as Robert Plant, the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. Indeed, one of the best examples of music-driven economic development can be found in Sunflower County, where the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center opened in Indianola in fall 2008. Overall tourism was down 7 percent in Mississippi last fiscal year -- from $6 billion in 2008 to $5.6 billion. In Sunflower County tourism was up 12.5 percent, increasing by more than $1 million over the same period. Indianola Mayor Steve Rosenthal credits the museum with helping sales-tax revenue maintain steady year-to-date increases nearly every month. He also said three restaurants have opened since the museum began operating in the city of about 11,000. "Sunflower County is the model," said House Tourism Committee Chairwoman Diane Peranich, D-Pass Christian. "You can take that same model to different places and spur the economy, and give prosperity to others." Peranich said a $410.3 million bond bill that passed the Mississippi House includes funding for various other projects, including $4 million to expand Elvis Presley's birthplace in Tupelo; $2 million for the Tunica Gateway to the Blues Museum; and $2 million to expand and renovate the Jimmie Rodgers Museum in Meridian.

Official BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE magazine web site with calendars, etc. (CLICK)

MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL CONTINUES TO EXPAND; NEW MARKER DEDICATION FRIDAY

This Friday, April 16th at 12 noon, the historic WROX Radio Station location at 257 Delta Avenue in Clarksdale, Mississippi, will be newest location to receive a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker. WROX-AM is the oldest radio station in Northwest Mississippi and began operation on June 2, 1944, broadcasting from 321 Delta Avenue in downtown Clarksdale. In 1946, the station moved to 257 Delta Avenue, where it remained until 1953. Ike Turner, Robert Nighthawk, Elvis Presley and others are said to have been on mic at this location. It was also the first location of Jimbo Mathus' Delta Recording Service, and it is now home to the WROX Museum. After the dedication, a blues book signing and live music will follow, across the street at Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art.

The WROX marker dedication coincides with Clarksdale's 7th annual Juke Joint Festival & Related Events. Details at www.jukejointfestival.com

Currently, the Mississippi Blues Trail system of markers numbers at over 100 and stretches throughout the Magnolia State. Clarksdale and Coahoma County sites include markers for the Riverside Hotel, Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, Livin' In Lula, WROX Radio (this week) and (in August) Ike Turner. Go to http://www.msbluestrail.org for more information, maps and live blues information.

CLICK HERE for the Mississippi Blues Trail's official web site.

NEWS FROM THE 'ROCK & BLUES MUSEUM' OF CLARKSDALE, MS

ROCK & BLUES MUSEUM OWNER, "THEO D" RELEASES NEW CD:

- Theo D. "the Boogieman" releases his new CD "DUTCH
DELTA BLUES" at CD RELEASE PARTY on April 17, 2010
at the Rock & Blues Museum on 113 East 2nd Street in
Clarksdale at 12 noon followed by performances of special
guests: blues guitarist Selwyn Cooper, steel resonator
guitarist David Raye and blues guitarist Black Smoke.

- FREE LIVE MUSIC at 113 E 2nd Street in Clarksdale on
Saturday, April 17th and Sunday, April 18th as of 12noon.

"CLARKSDALE CARAVAN MUSIC FEST" UPDATES:

- "Clarksdale Caravan Music Fest" Fundraising Party at Rock
& Blues Museum, Thursday, April 29th from 5pm-9pm.

- Special "collector only" Hatch Showpring festival posters
now available at Rock & Blues Museum and Cat Head
Delta Blues & Folk Art. Limited quantities. $10 each.

- FREE Clarksdale Caravan Music Fest SAT., MAY 8TH:
- CAT HEAD (252 Delta Ave.), 10am-2pm - All Night Long
Blues Band, La La & Mary Ann "Action" Jackson.
- ROCK & BLUES MUSEUM (113 E. 2nd), 2pm till - Theo D,
Selwyn Cooper, Bob Walters & Little Bobby.
- PLUS... the blues moves to clubs & jukes at night --
including Ground Zero Blues Club, Red's Lounge,
Tricia's, etc. (Cover charges apply at nighttime venues.)

READ Theo's blogs and see his photos on-line by CLICKING HERE.

BENTONIA, MISSISSIPPI BLUES HEADING NORTHEAST; DUCK HOLMES TOUR

RURAL BLUESMAN JIMMY 'DUCK' HOLMES EMBARKS ON BRIEF TOUR IN APRIL:
Appearances scheduled in Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York

(ST. LOUIS) - One of today's most celebrated rural blues artists embarks
on a brief tour this month. Jimmy 'Duck' Holmes of Bentonia, Mississippi,
will kick off the tour at the annual Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale,
Mississippi on Saturday, April 17 and ending it in New York's West Village.

Holmes has risen to international attention in recent years for his
haunting approach to acoustic blues. The 62-year-old has released four
critically acclaimed CDs in the past decade, including three for St.
Louis-based Broke & Hungry Records. The albums have garnered widespread
acclaim and have received multiple awards. Holmes also appeared in the
award-winning 2008 documentary M For Mississippi: A Road Trip Through the
Birthplace of the Blues. That same year Holmes also was profiled on Good
Morning America.

Holmes' tour dates include:
- Sat., April 17 - Juke Joint Festival (Cat Head) @ 4pm - Clarksdale, MS
- Thursday, April 22 - Lone Wolf Coffee Company - Ballwin, Missouri
- Friday, April 23 - Parkers Tavern - Grove City, Ohio (near Columbus)
- Saturday, April 24 - 40 & 8 Club - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Tuesday, April 27 - "Live & Outspoken: An evening of conversation and music
with Jimmy 'Duck' Holmes and Ralph Lemon"; private residence, West Village,
New York - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=374050971444&ref=ts ;
call (718)636-4181, ext. 2229 for information. Tickets still available.

For more information about the tour or about Jimmy 'Duck' Holmes, contact
Jeff Konkel at 314/304.8928 or by e-mail at jeff@brokeandhungryrecords.com.

More on Duck Holmes at Broke & Hungry Records WEB SITE.

In This Issue:

CLARKSDALE'S TERRY "BIG T" WILLIAMS RELEASES NEW BLUES CD

NEW CD AVAILABLE BY CLARKSDALE'S TERRY "BIG T" WILLIAMS:
To preview and buy the new blues CD "Jump Back, Big T's in the House," go to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bigtwilliams . To learn more about Big T and Matt The Scat Records, go to http://www.terrybigtwilliams.com .

CD RELEASE PARTY AT GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB "OFF THE HOOK":
On March 20th, Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale hosted the "Jump Back, Big T's in the House" CD Release Party along with Matt Blumert of Matt The Scat Records. An enthusiastic crowd and brisk CD sales made it a night to remember as Big T and his local blues band played tracks off the new CD as well as tried-and-true covers. Read on below for an excerpt from Clarksdale Press Register's preview of the CD Release Party event. See Press Register photo from event itself at http://www.pressregister.com/articles/2010/03/24/news/doc4ba8e3bd855ad788515057.txt

THE REVIEWS AND RADIO PLAYLISTS ARE COMING IN:
- "Jump Back, Big T's in the House" is a solid mix of traditional and contemporary blues and is a must-have for fans of the Delta blues." (Blues Bytes)
- "This album has it all: old school, new school and a splash of some funky blues!" (Jersey Bob)
- Big T thanks all of the commercial and community radio stations who are providing airplay nationwide... as well as XM Radio's Bluesville (ch. 74) that has added songs into its rotation.
- All magazine review and radio promo requests can go to Matt at mblumert@comcast.net.

CURRENTLY BOOKING 2010 FESTIVALS:
To book Terry "Big T" Williams for your next festival event, contact Matt at mblumert@comcast.net.

EXCERPT FROM NEWSPAPER ARTICLE:
By Billy Howell - The Press Register - Friday, March 19, 2010.
Clarksdale area native Terry "Big T" Williams will be celebrating the release of his latest CD at the world-famous Ground Zero Blues Club by unleashing the album live on stage Saturday, March 20, at 9 p.m. "Jump Back, Big T's in the House" features a mix of blues classics by artists like Muddy Waters and Luther Allison, along with original tunes by Williams and his band. ... How did "Big T" get his name: "Well, most of the great blues players were big somebody, so I decided I would be big somebody, so why not 'Big T'," Williams told the Press Register. Williams spent time in the neighborhood of legendary Ike Turner. "I had the opportunity to listen to some of his stuff and hear his band practice on the outside of his mom's house," he said. "We were all down home Southern folks, so we ate in each other's kitchen from time-to-time." How did Williams get interested in music? "I always wanted to learn to play music, but I didn’t have the opportunity until I met someone like Mr. [Johnnie] Billington," Williams said. ... What does Williams see in the near future? "I hope and pray I just become a better guitar player and people like me as a musician and artist," said Williams. ... National release to record stores will begin Tuesday, March 23 through Super D Distribution. Clarksdale’s Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art will also be carrying the CD.

BUY BIG T'S NEW CD today at CD Baby.com (CLICK HERE).

CONTACT MIDDLETON REALTY TO MAKE CLARKSDALE YOUR HOME

Ok. 111 Catalpa Street in Clarksdale is currently under contract, so as of last week it is officially off the market. But... anything can happen in this tight credit market (though hopefully not!), so if you had interest in this property, you may just want to double check with realtor Joe Middleton of Middleton Realty, 662-902-1678; middletonrealty2003@yahoo.com. Otherwise... even if this house didn't work out for you, Joe may be able to show you some others or perhaps some commercial property downtown.

A few details about the house shown above (fyi):
- 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom; approx 2250 sq ft
- large front porch, side deck and mostly fenced yard
- includes washer/dryer, mini fridges, deep freeze
- 3 minutes from Clarksdale's downtown historic district
- built 1924; craftsman style; built-in bookcases, butler's pantry
- 111 Catalpa Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi

Interested in Clarksdale? Check out the Middleton Realty site (CLICK).

PINETOP PERKINS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE PIANO MASTER CLASS IN CLARKSDALE

The Pinetop Perkins Foundation is pleased to announce the inaugural event for musicians young and old. The Piano Master Class - the inaugural event of the Youth Workshop Series - will be held August 3, 2010 - August 4, 2010. Open to the young and the young at heart, it will be held at the historic Shack Up Inn and Hopson Plantation in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The event will conclude with a wrap up jam concert hosted by Bob Margolin at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale on Thursday, August 5th. This event immediately precedes the annual Sunflower Blues Festival in Clarksdale.

Selected to lead these workshops are three award-winning recording artists; Eden Brent, Ann Rabson, and Erwin Helfer. The workshops will consist of two advanced and one intermediate level master class. The advanced level will be limited to 8 attendees and the intermediate to 12 attendees to ensure a quality educational experience for all. The cost of the workshop will be $375.00 for the Advanced level and $300.00 for the Intermediate level. The cost will include two days of personalized instructional classes plus lunches.

The Pinetop Perkins Foundation has been awarded a generous grant from the Rock River Foundation, founded by Morgan Freeman, which will enable us to extend a number of scholarships to Mississippi youth to participate in this unique and rewarding learning experience.

For additional information please see our website at www.pinetopperkinsfoundation.org or contact us at (662) 313-1093.

Go to Pinetop Perkins Foundation web site for more info (CLICK).

BLUES FOUNDATION NEWS AND UPDATES FROM NEARBY MEMPHIS

BLUES MUSIC AWARDS INFORMATION:

These items just could not wait until the next Blues Foundation newsletter

Ticket sales are ahead of last year. If you are planning to attend, there is nothing to be gained by delaying further. We have actually said out loud the word 'Sold Out!' Online purchases at https://www.blues.org/tickets/bma.php#ref=tickets_bma

We are now selling 2010 Blues Music Award posters and tee-shirts. Get yours at the Blues Store. We do not order large supplies of the BMA shirts, so if you want your size, order online today.

The deadline for purchasing an ad in the Blues Music Award program is April 5. This program goes to over 5000 blues fans, both that night and then to our members the rest of the year. Some folks take out ads just to congratulate or say thanks to a Blues Music Award nominee or Hall of Fame inductee. Full information at http://www.blues.org/#ref=bluesmusicawards_advertising

Every member at the $250 and above levels (Blues Supporter, Blues Patron, Blues VIP and Charter) will see their name in print in the Blues Music Award program showing your level support for The Blues Foundation. If you are not at this level yet but it is something that interests you, call Cindi James at 901.527.2583 extension 10 to upgrade your membership. You must do this by April 5 to be included in the program.

At the end of the Blues Music Award voting on February 28, we had a record number of members: 3792. Wouldn't 4000 sound nice? The first thing is for all of you whose membership expired in March but have not yet renewed, please do so today. We can not move forward if we lose what we already have. And I am sure there are a few more of you who did not yet renew in recent months. There is 4000 right there. Renew at https://www.blues.org/tickets/bma.php#ref=members_index

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RECENT ARTICLE ON BLUES FOUNDATION IN MEMPHIS NEWSPAPER...

BLUES FOUNDATION IN MEMPHIS ON "FIRM FOOTING":
The leadership of executive director Jay Sieleman has re-energized the foundation's presence in Memphis. They're not thinking museum or monument, but a visible, physical presence in the community: part school, part interpretive center, part executive office, part hangout for artists and fans. They say the foundation is finally in position to pursue the dream, thanks to a rebuilding job overseen by executive director Jay Sieleman and activist board members. Sieleman received a President's Award this winter for shepherding a foundation that was deep in debt and flirting with moving to Louisiana in 2002. Since the arrival of Sieleman, an Iowa native and former government lawyer at the Panama Canal, finances, membership and special events have flourished; the board of directors, previously tilted toward industry insiders and fans, has welcomed heavyweights from the Fortune 500 world. The International Blues Challenge drew 224 bands to Downtown and Beale Street. Newer events, like a FedEx-sponsored international showcase and a youth showcase, are helping to cement the blues' popularity in a growth market of young people and foreign audiences. "Jay has done a masterful job of really putting a good financial foundation underneath the feet of this organization," said Eric Simonsen, a corporate turnaround specialist for AlixPartners and a recent board recruit. "We're not going hand to mouth here," added Simonsen. "It allows us to be able to do some careful planning and be able to move forward in a positive manner and not always look over our shoulder and say, 'Are the lights going to get turned off tomorrow?'" Board president Pat Morgan, retired California-Berkeley professor, changed planes in Denver on her way to the Blues Challenge Jan. 20-23. "The plane was filled with bands and people coming to Memphis for the Blues Challenge, and half of them were kids. That's what really excites us about living up to our mission, to encourage these kids and provide some resources." Morgan, who manages elderly bluesmen Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, said a physical facility is the next step. "We honor people every year and put them in a Hall of Fame, but we don't have a hall," Morgan said. Kevin Kane, a past president who leads the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the recession stopped the foundation from the purchase or long-term leasing of a building last year. "We look forward to the day when we will have our own facility, a Blues Foundation interpretive center, with an educational component and a space dedicated to past award winners and Hall of Fame honorees," Kane said. "It will be something people will be able to visit and come in and experience." Sieleman said when blues fans come looking for foundation headquarters, some are disappointed to find a decidedly businesslike office on Cotton Row. On the walls are classic posters from blues events and awards ceremonies and guitars signed by luminaries like the Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf's band, but there's no real tour to be had. .... READ MORE AT http://m.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/mar/07/the-thrill-is-on/ (from Commercial Appeal Business section; by Wayne Risher.)

Go to the official Blues Foundation/Blues Music Award web site (CLICK).

LIVE BLUES CALENDAR -- "THE JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL SPECIAL EDITION":

(PHOTO: Artist Chris Kruse painted Cat Head's latest Mini Blues Fest poster; thanks Chris!)
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JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL
MUSIC SCHEDULE SAMPLER
(even more shows and info at www.jukejointfestival.com)...

*****THURSDAY 4/15/10 highlights include:

CAT HEAD (252 Delta Ave) - pick up or buy Juke Fest wristbands out front.

DELTA CINEMA (11 3rd St) - Jimbo Mathus' "Mosquitoville: Mississippi Songs &
Stories" sponsored by Clarksdale Revitalization (5pm hear what's new in
Clarksdale; 6pm first show; 7:30pm final show)... FREE!!!

NIGHTTIME MUSIC AT: Ground Zero Blues Club (weekly blues jam 8pm),
Red's Lounge (Cadillac John birthday bash), Tricia's, Bluesberry and more!
(Cover charges may apply.)

*****FRIDAY 4/16/10 highlights include:

WROX MUSEUM - Blues Trail Marker Dedication, 12 noon

CAT HEAD (252 Delta Ave.)
- Bill Ferris blues book signing, 1pm
- All Night Long, 2pm

ROCK & BLUES MUSEUM - Theo The Boogieman, 1pm

DELTA BLUES MUSEUM
- "Conversations with Honeyboy," 3pm
- "Give My Poor Heart Ease" presentation, 4pm

COMFORT INN (818 S. State St.) - Jeff Norwood, 4pm-5pm

EXECUTIVE INN (710 S. State St.) - Jon Short, 4pm-5pm

"JUKE JOINT EXPRESS TRAIN"
(downtown Train Depot to Hopson Plantation and back)
- 7pm Friday - Bill Durham

NIGHTTIME MUSIC AT:
Ground Zero Blues Club, Red's Lounge, Sarah's, Tricia's, Bluesberry Cafe,
Hopson Commissary, Club 2000 and MORE. (Cover charges may apply.)

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***** SATURDAY 4/17/10 *****
DAYTIME OFFICIAL FESTIVAL ACTS:

CAT HEAD STAGE (252 Delta Ave.)
10am - Robert "Wolfman" Belfour
11am - Louis "Gearshifter" Youngblood & Larry Morrisey
12noon - Watermelon Slim (solo) - (Roger needs to change from 1pm with Slim)
1pm - Pat Thomas
2pm - Eddie Cusic
3pm - LC Ulmer
4pm - Jimmy "Duck" Holmes
6pm - "Mini Lowebow Fest" w/Johnny Lowebow, KM Williams & Washboard Jackson

MISS DEL'S STAGE (145 Delta Ave.)
10am - Terry "Harmonica" Bean
11am - Stacy Mitchhart
12noon - Valerie June
1pm - Bill Abel
2pm - Cadillac John & Bill Abel
3pm - Blind Mississippi Morris & Brad Web
4pm - Super Chikan

YAZOO PARK STAGE (200 block of Yazoo Ave.)
10am - Mr. Tater, The Music Maker
11am - Bloodshot Eyes
12noon - Pork Chop Willie Band
1pm - The Scissormen
2pm - Opossum Trot
3pm - The Bailey Brothers
4pm - Lew Jetton & 61 South
5pm - Tyrannosaurus Chicken

DELTA AMUSEMENT CAFE STAGE (348 Delta Ave.)
10am - Scott Simpson
11am - Rev. Robert
12noon - Adam Gussow
1pm - Diamond Jack
2pm - Ray Cashman
3pm - Big Blue
4pm - Phil Black
5pm - Blue Mother Tupelo
6pm - Unseen Eyen

OUTDOOR TRAIN DEPOT STAGE
(small park within Clarksdale Station fencing; 100 Blues Alley)
10am - The Five Tones
11am - Thunderbird Kingsley
12noon - Hal Reed blues duo
1pm - Marshall Ruffin
2pm - KM Williams & Washboard Jackson
3pm - Mellow Down Easy
4pm - Selwyn Cooper

INDOOR TRAIN DEPOT STAGE
(inside the historic Clarksdale Station at 100 Blues Alley)
10am - Westbound Band
11am - Chad Nordhoff
12noon - Jake Lear
1pm - Paul Ray Thomas
2pm - Rotten Belly Blues
3pm - Brian Sivils
4pm - Old Gray Mule

NEW ROXY STAGE (near 357 Issaquena Ave.)
10am - Mark "Porkchop" Holder
11am - Cedell Davis & Brethren
12noon - Tullie Brae & the Medicine Man Revue
1pm - David Dunavent & Evol Love
2pm - Marshall Drew
3pm - Bill "Howl-N-Madd" Perry
4pm - Daddy Rich

DELTA BLUES MUSEUM STAGE (1 Blues Alley)
2:30pm - Delta Blues Museum Arts & Education Students
3pm - Berklee College of Music Winner Announcement.
3:30pm - Berklee Mississippi Exchange Band
5pm - Stax Music Academy
6pm - Ol' Skool Revue (Delta State University)

THEO'S ROCK & BLUES MUSEUM (113 2nd St.)
5pm - Bradley's Circus

GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB STAGE (0 Blues Alley)
3pm - Leaf River Blues Band

"JUKE JOINT EXPRESS" TRAIN
(downtown Train Depot to Hopson Plantation and back)
- 11:30am to Hopson & 1:30 pm return - Bob Long
- 8pm to Hopson & 9pm return - Jeff Norwood
- 10pm to Hopson & 11pm return - Little Johnnie Kantreed
- 12 midnight to Hopson & 1am return - Jon Short

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***** SATURDAY 4/17/10 *****
NIGHTTIME OFFICIAL FESTIVAL ACTS/VENUES
(9pm unless noted; $10 fest wristband required 8pm):

- GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB - Berklee Mississippi Exchange Band
(7pm), Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band (8pm), Super Chikan
& the Fighting Cocks (9pm)

- SARAH'S KITCHEN - "Miss Sarah Award" (7pm), Honeyboy
Edwards (7:30pm), Terry "Harmonica" Bean Blues Band (9pm)

- RED'S LOUNGE - Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers

- HOPSON COMMISSARY (front stage) - Big George Brock
& Houserockers w/Clarine Wagner

- HOPSON COMMISSARY (back porch) - Brian Sivils with Buddy Flett

- JUKE JOINT CHAPEL (Shackupinn) - Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm

- DELTA BLUES ROOM - Josh "Razorblade" Stewart (of The Deep Cuts)

- DELTA AMUSEMENT CAFE - Guitar Mikey & the Real Thing

- STONE PONY - Davis Coen

- HAMBONE GALLERY - Stan Street & the Hambone Band

- TRICIA'S - Terry "Big T" Williams & the Family Blues Band

- BLUESBERRY CAFE - Mark "Mule Man" Massey

- CLUB 2000 - James "T-Model" Ford -- The Taildragger

- MESSENGER'S - Jimbo Mathus Knockdown South

- PETE'S GRILL - All Night Long Band w/Mary Ann "Action" Jackson,
Earl The Pearl, Hal Reed & "Mr. Johnnie" Billington

- ANNIEBELLE'S LOUNGE - Robert "Bilbo" Walker Revue w/Big A,
Rip Butler & Miss Gladys

- HICK'S TAMALES- Johnny Rawls Blues Band

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*****SUNDAY RELATED EVENTS, highlights include:

CAT HEAD MINI BLUES FEST (252 Delta Ave.) - FREE!!!
10am - James "T-Model" Ford
11am - Honeyboy Edwards
12noon - Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band
1pm - Big George Brock & the New Houserockers w/Clarine Wagner
3pm - Robert "Bilbo" Walker Revue w/Big A, Rip Butler & Miss Gladys
PLUS, BBQ for sale from Big Red.

GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB
11am-2pm - "Blues Brunch" w/KM Williams/Washboard Jackson at noon.

BLUES JAMS LATER AT: Red's Lounge, Tricia's, Bluesberry, Club 2000, etc.

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*****NOTE: ALL TIMES/SCHEDULES "SUBJECT TO CHANGE."
Just the highlights are above. Much more info at: www.jukejointfestival.com
www.cathead.biz - www.groundzerobluesclub.com - www.deltabluesmuseum.com
www.blues2rock.com - www.clarksdalenow.org - www.hopsonplantation.com
www.shackupinn.com - www.clarksdaletourism.com - www.msbluestrail.org

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FOR MORE 'LIVE BLUES EVENT' INFO in the Delta, please tune in to Bill Wax's "Bluesville" show on XM Radio (Ch. 74) most Thursdays at 4pm Central/5pm Eastern for the Delta Blues Report with yours truly, Roger Stolle. www.xmradio.com. (ALSO, catch the Cat Head Delta Blues Show with Delta blues music and info on WROX 1450AM/105.7FM or www.wroxradio.com every Sat/Sun.)

CLICK HERE for blues happenings throughout the Mississippi Delta.