Highway 61 Blues Festival fundraiser in Oxford this Thursday, Oct 7th, 2010 (7pm)
(info via Scott Barretta at www.highway61radio.com)
One of the most tireless advocates for blues in the state is Leland’s Billy Johnson, who founded the Highway 61 Blues Festival in 2000 and the Highway 61 Blues Museum in 2002, and who is also responsible for a series of music-themed murals across downtown Leland. The Museum, which celebrates the blues artists and traditions of the mid-Delta region, moved several years ago to a new location in the old Montgomery Hotel building on N. Broad Street downtown. Last year a Blues Trail marker honoring local hero James “Son” Thomas was dedicated just outside the Museum’s front door.
Many of the exhibits feature artifacts (clothing, instruments, artwork, records) that were donated by the artists who are honored there. The museum continues to grow — they recently received more items associated with Johnny Winter, who spent his early years in Leland and who was recently honored there with his own Blues Trail marker — and this week’s fundraiser aims to help further expand the Museum’s exhibit spaces. The party should be a blast — I can guarantee that Billy will be having a great time.
HWY 61 BLUES FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER… Starring T-Model Ford, Bill Abel, Jimbo Mathus, Duff Dorrough, Carey Hudson, Jimmy Phillips & more.
$10 at door (21 and over). Music 7pm.
Proud Larry’s, Oxford, MS