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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Skills clinic; symposium added to annual Country Blues Jam

West Tennessee Bluesmen Linzie Butler and Elam McKnight perform during last year's Country Blues Jam. 

 The second annual Sleepy John’s Country Blues Jam will be held Saturday, January 24, 11 a.m., at the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. In addition to an acoustic jam session, skill clinics for the harmonica and slide guitar have been added, as well as a symposium. The free event recognizes the birthday and legacy of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes and is presented in partnership with the West Tennessee Blues Society

Musicians Elam McKnight and Jimmy D. Taylor share their knowledge and skills during 11 a.m. clinics in their respective fields. Slide guitar enthusiast, McKnight, is well known in the blues, rock and country genres, and has recently released his fifth studio album. Taylor, a Brownsville native, has been playing harmonica since 1991, and now builds and sells them worldwide. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling the Center and are asked to bring their own instruments.

Following the clinics, BBQ Express concessions will be on site offering lunch selections. A birthday cake recognizing what would have been Sleepy John's 116th birthday will be served at 12:30 p.m. Throughout the day, attendees are invited to tour the Delta Heritage Center and grounds including the last home of Estes and Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner.

A symposium will begin at 1 p.m., discussing “The Influence of West Tennessee’s Country Blues.” The panel will consist of musicologist David Evans and music historian Michael Baker. They will discuss the impact of the music and compare and contrast West Tennessee’s unique sound.

Evans, a Grammy Award winner, author and Professor at the University of Memphis School of Music, has produced over 30 albums and numerous books on Blues history. He travels the world performing as a solo act and with the Last Chance Jug Band.

Baker’s lifelong interest in music and music history has made him an expert on the life and music of “Sonny Boy” Williamson and, after finding his grave, was instrumental in marking it with a headstone and establishing a historical marker at the site. He served as talent coordinator for the Shannon Street Blues Festival for 21 years.

An open acoustic jam session will follow at 2:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments, voice or just your love for the music.  This jam session is non-competitive and open to everyone.

For more information about the event or to pre-register for the harmonica or slide guitar clinic, call the Center at 731-779-9000 or email info@westtnheritage.com.

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.