Hearts Like Railroad Steel is a group exhibition intended to recognize the life and times that brought the blues to the world. It took strong hearts and unbendable minds to create heartache and haunting music that is both timeless and deeply personal – Howlin’ Wolf said no one can sing someone else’s song, because everyone has a different life experience. This show hopes to capture the many faces, interpretations, and celebrations of the blues that we hope will continue onward for a long time.

While patrons are visiting Bass on Thursday for the opening reception of Hearts Like Railroad Steel, there will also be two other Blues Week related events happening the GAC Board encourages everyone to attend: “Chitlin’ Circuit Exhibit” and “Pine Bluff to Greenville”. The Delta Rhythm and Bayous Alliance, in conjunction with the 45th Annual Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, is hosting both events. The “Chitlin’ Circuit Exhibit” is a week-long art exhibit that will hang at E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center from September 12 thru September 17. Also, on the evening of the 15th, there will be a forum held in Jake and Freda Stein Hall beginning at 6 pm, “Pine Bluff to Greenville”. Jimmy Cunningham, Jr. of Pine Bluff, Arkansas will lead the dialogue and special guest Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons will give an update on the status of the Blues Highway (MS-16). A Grammy-winning Blues Artist is also expected to make an appearance. We encourage public officials, community leaders, and the public to attend these free events.