Blues and Bluegrass "on the porch" June 18

Wildwood Express

Wildwood Express and the Chuck Freeman Band will open this summer's Concert on the Porch series Saturday, June 18. The free performance starts at 7 p.m., live from the porch of the John Estes home on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Chuck Freeman Band

The evening will open with the Chuck Freeman Band. Freeman grew up in Memphis and was greatly influenced by rhythm and blues as well as rock and roll. He moved to Jackson in the late 1980s and began playing country bass for artist such as Rayburn Anthony and Johnny Newman. Switching to lead guitar and forming his own band in the 1990s, Freeman went back to his R&B roots and performs regularly from Corinth to Paducah.

Wildwood Express, an area favorite, are back for their fifth performance on the porch. All members of the Jackson Tennessee Area Plectral Society, this band specializes in performing and preserving the old time stringed music including bluegrass gospel, instrumentals and old time country. Instruments of choice include the banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, upright bass and guitar. The band is made up of Grover Westover, Paul Jackson, Gary Spraggins and Coley and Marilyn Graves.

Bleacher seating is available or bring lawn chairs for the outdoor concert. Concessions will be available on site. You are also welcome to bring a picnic or visit the surrounding restaurants.

Concert on the Porch is presented free and offered once a month on the third Saturday, June through September. For a complete schedule of upcoming concerts, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a Music Heritage Destination along the Gold Record Road of the Americana Music Triangle.

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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July concert features the Blues

Brownsville will be celebrating the blues Saturday, July 19, when  one of West Tennessee's most noted music historians and bluesman takes the stage at the Delta Heritage Center. Dr. David Evans, known as the "doctor of the Blues," will perform live on the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home. 

Joining Evans will be Zeke Johnson and Brownsville's own Alina Woods during the summer music series "Concert on the Porch" beginning at 7 p.m.

Evans has been performing country blues since 1962, having learned directly from many of the old southern blues musicians. One of those musicians was Brownsville bluesman Hammie Nixon. Evans toured with Nixon for five years. He is currently Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Memphis and is a specialist in American folk music, particularly the blues. In 2003, Evans won a Grammy Award for "Best Album Notes." He performs in Europe and South America, and can also be seen performing across the Mid-south with the Last Chance Jug Band.

"We're excited to have Dr. Evans back on the porch," says Center Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark. "It's magical to listen to him sitting on Sleepy's porch and singing some of the same songs that Sleepy would have performed."

Zeke Johnson began his musical career in 1963. Soon after, he was fortunate to meet the legendary Furry Lewis. With Lewis, Fred McDowell and Booker White as mentors, Johnson began to develop his musical skills and style. Fifty years later, he still performs around West Tennessee and has performed at the Gaslight in New York. His original Guild D-40 guitar has been played by a variety of music greats including Sleepy John Estes and Jessie Mae Hemphill and Johnson still performs using that same guitar.

Joining the bluesmen is 17-year-old Alina Woods. Woods began singing in the fifth grade and most recently placed in the top three in the local Haywood's Got Talent competition. She has won awards for song leading and dance. She describes her music style as a cross between pop and country with Blues undertones. Woods has performed many times on the Porch, including Exit 56 Blues Fest and Tina Turner Heritage Days.

Bleacher seating is available or bring lawn chairs for the outdoor concert. Concessions will be available on site. You are also welcome to bring a picnic or visit the surrounding restaurants.

Newly-Formed Blues Society presents first concert July 12

A group of  West Tennessee blues enthusiasts are making an effort to preserve the "West Tennessee Blues" with the recently formed West Tennessee Blues Society (WTBS). The group will present its first concert, July 12, at Twin Oaks Estate in Humboldt. The outdoor event, which begins at 7:30 p.m.,  will include a core group of member musicians performing as the West Tennessee Blues Jam Band followed by headliner Little Boys Blue.

"There are Blues societies in Memphis and Nashville," says WTBS president Elam McKnight, of Trenton, "but in between is a bit overlooked. We hope to bring awareness of the rich historical significance of blues in this area, as well as promote the bands and performers who are keeping the heritage alive."

The new group says this is an opportunity to pull together like-minded people from across the region and form a closer-knit community of supporters who love the music and want to help preserve its history. McKnight also stated that as the society grows, it plans to incorporate music history programs in the schools.

The society plans to reach out to each county, looking for meet and greet locations to host a jam session and other ways to help promote the Blues in that community. "We'll also be partnering with local folks to present concerts on occasion, such as what we'll be doing at Twin Oaks in Humboldt."

Well-known Jackson group, Little Boys Blue, will perform during this inaugural concert. The band just released a new CD that includes nine original songs. The event will also serve as a release party for the group in the Humboldt area. The band members are Jimmy D. Taylor (lead vocals and harmonica), Steve Patterson (lead and slide guitar), Dave Mallard (bass guitar), Alex Taylor (rhythm and lead guitar), Dave Thomas (keyboards) and Mark Brooks (drums).

Twin Oaks is an antebellum home built circa 1853 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's name comes from the 300+ year old White Oak trees on the property. Located at 2227 East Main Street in Humboldt, the large trees will serve as shade for the evening concert. Ticket cost is $10 per person. Concessions will be on site provided by Silla's Spoon Cafe. Concert goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

For more information about the concert or the WTBS, contact McKnight at 731-487-8623. Tickets are available at Silla's Spoon Cafe in Humboldt, Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville or any WTBS member.

Who will be the next deep-fried BBQ champion?

Contestants compete to see who can eat the most deep-fried barbecue bites in 10 minutes during the 2013 inaugural competition. 

Do you love barbecue? Have you tried it deep-fried? Registration is now open for those wishing to compete in this year's Deep-Fried BBQ Eating Championship. The competition will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 24, during the Exit 56 Blues Fest held at the  Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Drew Magruder of Brownsville, Tenn., won the title of champion last year when he was able to eat 60 deep-fried barbecue bites in 10 minutes. Magruder was among four who competed for the title during the inaugural event.

"People are always asking about our deep-fried barbecue," says Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. "It's really delicious and if you're a barbecue fan, you can't help but like the deep-fried version."

Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and will have 10 minutes to eat as many deep-fried barbecue bites as possible. Water and sauce will be plentiful to help wash it down. There is a $5 entry fee and the lucky winner will receive a trophy, t-shirt and prize package. Interested parties are asked to pre-register for the competition by May 23. Complete rules and registration can be found at www.exit56blues.com.

Along with great barbecue, festival attendees can spend the afternoon and evening listening to the Blues. Performers such as the Bonafide Blues Band, Eric Hughes, Elam McKnight, Lorina McMinn and the Myxx and headliners Little Boys Blue will delight with their special mix of authentic Blues music.

Car enthusiasts can cruise-in from 1-3 p.m., to compete for recognition such as "Cool Chrome" "Most Likely to Get a Ticket" and 12 other fun titles. There is no entry fee and motorcycles are welcome, too.

Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site throughout the afternoon for those wanting to add a little shopping to the Blues mix. Jewelry, woodwork and paintings are just a few of the items you'll find.

Admission to the festival is free. A complete schedule is available online at www.Exit56Blues.com.

Exit 56 Blues Fest announces music line-up

Little Boys Blue will headline this year's Exit 56 Blues Fest May 24. The festival is free and held annually on the grounds of the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Blues fans will gather May 24 at the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville for the 4th Annual Exit 56 Blues Fest. The music festival continues to attract Blues enthusiasts from all over the region and is West Tennessee's only dedicated Blues festival outside of Memphis. The event is Saturday, May 24 and begins at noon. It will feature arts and crafts, car and motorcycle cruise in, a deep-fried barbecue eating competition and an eclectic gathering of West Tennessee Blues men and women.

This year's music line-up opens with Memphis Jones, a regular a B.B. Kings in Memphis and music historian who entertains the audiences with stories about the songs he sings. Also performing throughout the afternoon is West Tennesseans Lorina McMinn and The Myxx and  Dorothy Guinn and Savannah Shoals; along with Mississippi's Sean Apple and his All Night Long Blues Band.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the Elam McKnight Band will take the stage with a set of their own before backing up West Tennessee Bluesman Dudley Harris. Also making a first time appearance at the festival  is Tennessee Sax and the Blues Gentlemen. Many will know Tennessee Sax as Linzie Butler, a Jackson native who has performed all over the world.

The Eric Hughes Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Hughes has played the festival since its inception in 2011 and this year brings his complete band to entertain with his special blend of Delta and urban blues. He recently released his fourth CD entitled "Drink Up."

Headlining this year's festival is Little Boys Blue, a band formed in 1993 by the award-winning team of Jimmy D. Taylor, of Brownsville, and Jackson's Steve Patterson. Accompanied by Mark Brooks, Dave Mallard, Dave Thomas and Alex Taylor, this band does "boogie blues with an attitude," encompassing a mixture of electric, acoustic country blues, rhythm and blues and Americana roots music. The group has just finished working in the studio and will soon release their newest CD, "Bad Love," on the Jaxon Record label.

Admission is free. A complete schedule can be found at www.Exit56Blues.com.

Music jam celebrates Blues pioneer

This artist rendering of Brownsville's three Bluesmen is featured on a wall mural inside the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. "Sleepy" John Estes is depicted on the right.

To many the Blues mean live music on Beale Street or the clubs of Clarksdale, Miss. Not much attention is given to the old bluesmen who pioneered the way for legends such as BB King and Bobby Blue Bland. That will change this Saturday, January 25, when the Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, Tenn., will host an Acoustic Blues Jam to celebrate the 115th birthday of Bluesman "Sleepy" John Estes. Musicians and fans are invited to drop by from noon until 5 p.m., for birthday cake, door prizes and an acoustic  jam session.

"We're so excited about this," says Center director Sonia Outlaw-Clark. "What better way to celebrate the birthday of an industry pioneer than with a acoustic Blues jam."

Helping with the event is the newly-formed West Tennessee Blues Society. The society is hoping to spread the word about its grass roots effort to preserve the unique country blues sound of the region and promote those who are performing and carrying on the legacy left by these pioneers.

Estes was born in 1899 and began playing guitar and singing at house parties and picnics around Brownsville. At the age of 19, he was playing professionally and recorded in Memphis for Victor Records. He was often accompanied by two other Brownsville bluesmen, Hammie Nixon (harmonica) and Yank Rachell (mandolin). The three would perform together off and on for more than 50 years.

Estes had a distinctive "crying" vocal style that differentiated him from other bluesmen of the era. Many of his original songs are based on his life experiences and people he knew. The nickname "Sleepy" comes from his tendency to fall asleep at any given time. He died in 1977 while preparing for a European tour.

Jam attendees will also be able to visit his last home, located on the grounds, and experience a bit of what life was like for Estes. For more information about the Blues Jam, call the Center at 731-779-9000 or email info@westtnheritage.com.

Deep-fried barbecue makes debut at Exit 56 Blues Fest

Do you love barbecue? Have you tried it deep-fried? Attendees to this year's Exit 56 Blues Fest will get an opportunity to try the bite-sized, deep-fried barbecue nuggets and even compete to see who can eat the most. The Deep-Fried BBQ Eating Championship will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 25, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and will have 10 minutes to eat as many deep-fried barbecue bites as possible. Water and sauce will be plentiful to help wash it down. There is a $5 entry fee and the lucky winner will receive a trophy, t-shirt and prize package. Interested parties are asked to pre-register for the competition by May 23. Complete rules and registration can be found at www.westtnheritage.com/exit56.

Along with great barbecue, festival attendees can spend the afternoon and evening listening to the Blues. Concerts will be performed from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home and features performers such as Sean "Bad" Apple, Bluesberry Jam Band, Little Boys Blue and headliner TeeDee Young.

Car enthusiasts can cruise-in from 1-3 p.m., to compete for titles such as "Cool Chrome" "Most Likely to Get a Ticket" and 12 other fun titles. There is no entry fee and motorcycles are welcome, too.

Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site throughout the afternoon for those wanting to add a little shopping to the Blues mix. Jewelry, woodwork and paintings are just a few of the items you'll find.

Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. A complete schedule is available online, or by calling the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000.

Memorial Day Weekend means Exit 56 Blues

  

Brownsville will celebrate its blues heritage Memorial Day weekend with the Exit 56 Blues Fest Saturday, May 25, at the Delta Heritage Center. The annual event will include an arts and crafts show, car cruise-in and live Blues music from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home. The first performers will take the stage at noon and headliners Little Boys Blue and TeeDee Young hit the stage at 7 p.m.

Dylan Whitney performs at 1 p.m.

There will be several newcomers to the Exit 56 stage this year. Fifteen year old Dylan Whitney of Bixby, Ok., known as the "Whiz Kid of Blues" may be young but he is a very mature guitar player. Tyler Goodson of Jackson, Tenn., has been playing guitar most of his life, but didn't start "giggin" until he was 21. Now the 26-year-old plays regularly in Jackson and on Beale Street. Bluesberry Jam Band is a group of West Tennessee natives working to preserve the blues and roots tradition of the region. Pep Rally Losers, a duo with a West Tennessee connection, prides itself on playing the raw blues with a sprinkle of rock.

Sean "Bad" Apple performs at 3 p.m.

Clarksdale, Miss., performer Sean "Bad" Apple has studied at the feet of many historical bluesmen for more than two decades and is a regular performer at Ground Zero Blues Club. He'll reach back and draw from inspiration of blues past to deliver another high energy, driving performance at this year's festival. Northwest Tennessee band Blind Red Rooster is back for a repeat performance on the porch. They'll deliver their unique blend of Texas and Delta Blues.

Opening for the evening's headliner is Little Boys Blue, featuring the award-winning duo of Brownsville's own Jimmy D. Taylor and Jackson's Steve Patterson. Traveling and playing with some of the industry's finest has helped this duo hone their skills and develop a unique style that pays homage to the country blues tradition of the region.

Little Boys Blue - Steve Patterson and Jimmy D. Taylor
will perform at 7 p.m.

Headlining the Exit 56 Blues Fest is TeeDee Young. Young's dynamic stage presence and energy will put you in the mood for dancing. A native of Lexington, Ky., he has been performing since he was 14. By the time Young was 20, he was performing in such venues as The Cotton Club and later at B.B. King's. He maintains an authentic Blues style while writing and performing his own music, and is known for his command of the guitar, using it like a weapon to "fire down" the blues.

TeeDee Young
takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Select arts and crafts vendors will be onsite during the event and car and motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to cruise-in for the music from 1-3 p.m., and compete for some unique titles. Registration is free and can be made online or day of the event. You'll also find favorite festival foods and of course barbecue!

Admission is free and open to the public. A complete schedule can be found by visiting the Center's website, www.westtnheritage.com/exit56, or by calling 731-779-9000.

Tucson Simpson members to perform at Exit 56 Blues Fest

Here's a little background on Tucson Simpson. Two of its members, Graham Perry and Kevin Kilgore will be performing at this year's Exit 56 Blues Fest Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Brownsville, Tenn. Their performance begins at 5 p.m.

Kevin Kilgore

Graham Perry

Tucson Simpson is a roots rock combo based out of Memphis Tennessee.   Featuring Graham Perry (vocals, guitar), Kevin Kilgore (backing vocals, guitar), Steve McCraw (backing vocal, lead guitar), and Steve Hearn (Bass), and backed by drummers including Memphis favorites Anthony Barrasso, Bill Frazier and Harry Peel, the band’s style is an eclectic mix of Delta Blues, Commercial Pop and Roots Rock. The band has enjoyed success on the Midsouth’s club circuit and Memphis in May Bar-B-Que Festival network as a headline act.

Drawing from experience acquired as a songwriter for Crutchfield Music, Perry (a PhD Candidate at The University of Memphis) joined forces with Kilgore, Hearn and Frazier in 1999 with now deceased guitarist Sam Plumlee to release two CDs, Drawn & Ready (EP) and Hot Town (LP), the latter of which was the #14 add the week of its release on the CMJ Charts in 2003.  Soon after the death of Plumlee during the recording of Hot Town, McCraw joined the band, taking the band’s sound to new heights.

While, Hot Town is a well-rounded collection of powerful electric and acoustic guitars, soulful melodies, and catchy hooks that portray the varying life-experiences of the musicians, their latest release, Rainshine, in 2010 has been a watershed for the band-members, having taken seven difficult years to complete.  This latest release has received airplay at more than 150 stations college and community radio stations nationwide, charting in St. Louis, MO, Machias, ME, Peoria, IL, Pittston, PA, Farmville, VA, Brookville, NY, Waukesha, WI, Newton, MA, Moscow, ID, and San Marcos, CA.