W. S. Holland and Truly Tina perform during Tina Turner Heritage Days

Samira "Truly Tina"

Brownsville's two-day celebration of the "Queen of Rock" and the opening of the newly-restored Flagg Grove School as a Tina Turner museum is not the only excitement that will be happening this weekend during the 2nd Annual Tina Turner Heritage Days. Performances Saturday evening, September 27,  will feature the legendary W. S. Holland and his band, as well as the world's premier Tina tribute artist, Samira. Also appearing will be Rayburn Anthony, Carl Mann and young performers from Brownsville and Muskogee, Oklahoma, during the  7 p.m. event at Carver High School.

The second annual Tina Turner Heritage Days will kick off Friday morning, Sept. 26, at 10:30 a.m., with the opening of Flagg Grove School. The restored 1889 one-room school attended by Turner in the 1940s, and now home to a collection of costumes, gold records and memorabilia from her long career.

Friday evening includes a fan gathering and book signing at 4:30 p.m., by Canadian author Katherine Carlson. Carlson's book "Arrows Across Eons: Becoming Tina Turner" tells the author's own story about growing up and the impact of Tina's music on her life.

Saturday activities include tours to Nutbush and evening concert including the W. S. Holland Band and Samira's Truly Tina show.

W. S. "Fluke" Holland

Holland, a self taught drummer who began his musical career at Sun Studios in 1954 with Carl Perkins and performed on the legendary "Million Dollar Quartet" sessions, has the distinction of being the only drummer Johnny Cash ever had and was the first to play a full set of drums on the Grand Ole Opry stage at the Ryman Auditorium. Dubbed the "Father of the Drums," Holland has played all over the world and was most recently honored in his hometown for 60 years of performing. Joining Holland and his band will be two other legendary rockabilly artists, Rayburn Anthony and Carl Mann.  

Samira, a Canadian tribute artist who has been recognized internationally for her work impersonating Tina Turner, will present her "Truly Tina" show during Saturday's event. As a genuine fan of  Tina's music, Samira is fueled to present a professional show complete with vocals and choreography. Her fitness trainer background is evident as she presents a dynamic 1970-80s  high energy show and interacts with the audience.

Also joining the show will be young spotlight performers from Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Haywood's Got Talent winner Keshaun Shepard.

Tickets for the Saturday evening concert is $15 and available at the Delta Heritage Center, online at www.tinaturnerheritagedays.com or at the door. Parking for the concert will be at the Haywood County Justice Center, 100 South Dupree, beginning at 6 p.m., with shuttle service to and from Carver High School. For more information, contact the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000.