Live Blues music comes to downtown Brownsville

Other than a festival or special event, live Blues music has not been heard in downtown Brownsville in years. The West Tennessee Blues Society (WTBS) is changing this with the introduction of Jammin’ at Mr. Jimmy’s. Blues musicians, and those who enjoy the music, are invited to Jimmy’s Farmers Market and Deli Thursday, February 19, at 6 p.m., for the first of what will become a monthly jam session. Jimmy’s is located at 40 North Washington, just off the historic court square. There is no cover charge.

“Brownsville has a rich heritage surrounding Blues music,” says WTBS President Elam McKnight, “and we’re excited to be adding to this history.”

The society plans to present an informal jam, featuring its own jam band, each third Thursday of the month. Besides the Brownsville event, it will also be planning meetings and other events across West Tennessee. Those interested in joining the jam should bring their own instruments.

Jimmy Donald is ready to welcome Blues enthusiasts and musicians to his market and deli for Jammin’ at Mr. Jimmy’s on the third Thursday of each month, beginning February 19.

Inside Jimmy’s, the walls are covered with music memorabilia and nostalgia items from the past. Owner Jimmy Donald remembers coming to town as a young boy and hearing Blues music played on Friday and Saturday nights, something he has missed since moving back to Brownsville.

“It’s still in my blood,” says Donald. “I want to bring that back for the young people to enjoy, like I did growing up.”

Donald, a retired educator, is a Humboldt native whose family farm is located in Haywood County. He opened his market in 2009 offering home grown produce, cold cuts and deli meats and most recently, grilled burgers and hot dogs; all will be available on the night of the jam.

For more information about the jam session or the WTBS, contact McKnight at 731-487-8623 or email westtnblues@gmail.com.

About the WTBS: The West Tennessee Blues Society (WTBS) is dedicated to preserving the "West Tennessee Blues" by educating the public on the influences and traditions of our Blues heritage and promoting the area's Blues music through live performances of local and regional artists. The society encompasses the rural areas of West Tennessee that lies between the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers.

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