Delta Blues Advisory

March 19, 2014

35th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS & EXHIBITS AT DELTA BLUES MUSEUM

CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI

**APRIL IS MUDDY WATERS MONTH AT DELTA BLUES MUSEUM**

ATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT DESK

APRIL 3: "IN THE BELLY OF THE BLUES" EXHIBIT OPENING

Opening reception for "In the Belly of the Blues" photography exhibit, running through July 31st, with special guest Terry Abrahamson. From the website: "Terry Abrahamson won a Grammy writing songs for Muddy Waters, helped launch the career of George Thorogood, created the first radio commercial ever performed by John Lee Hooker...'In the Belly of the Blues' is (Abrahamson's) book, part of the permanent collection of the Library of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

At Delta Blues Museum, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm, music by Heavy Suga and The Sweet Tones.

Exhibit, reception and related events sponsored by Wal-Mart, Barnes Pettey, Shack Up Inn, Mississippi Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and Friends of the Delta Blues Museum

APRIL 4: MUDDY WATERS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Join Museum staff and supporters in this day-long celebration, complimentary cupcakes for all who attend.

At Delta Blues Museum, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

TERRY ABRAHAMSON PRESENTS "IN THE BELLY OF THE BLUES"

A multimedia presentation by the Grammy-winning songwriter, photographer and author.

At Delta Blues Museum, 4:00 pm, open to media, free to public

APRIL 5: BOOKSIGNING WITH TERRY ABRAHAMSON

In the Belly of the Blues: Chicago to Boston to L.A. 1969-1983. A Memoir

At Delta Blues Museum, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

APRIL 10 - 13: 2014 JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL (various locations city-wide)

Delta Blues Museum open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday

APRIL 11: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF BESSIE SMITH

Multimedia presentation by Matt Keeler

At Delta Blues Museum, 1:00 pm

BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION

Presentation on the Mississippi Blues Trail curriculum by Big Jon Short and notable Mississippi blues musicians--open to educators, students and blues fans.

At Delta Blues Museum, 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm

APRIL 12: THE LIVES AND MUSIC OF BOZIE STURDIVANT AND JOHN WORK

With musician and scholar Stephen Wade, author of The Beautiful Music All Around Us: Field Recordings and the American Experience. From the website, "This study showcases nearly two decades of research during which Wade tracked down the communities, families, and performers connected with early Library of Congress field recordings all across the American South. These recordings, which Wade brought together in A Treasury of Library of Congress Field Recordings (Rounder Records, 1997), also gave rise to his folksong commentaries that have aired on National Public Radio's Morning Edition and All Things Considered."

At Delta Blues Museum, 10:30 am

DELTA BLUES MUSEUM BAND PERFORMANCE

On Museum Main Stage at 2:00 pm

MAY 9: A CONVERSATION WITH TOM GRAVES & BOOKSIGNING

Crossroads: The Life and Afterlife of Robert Johnson. Booksigning to follow. From the website, "Crossroads won the Blues Foundation's award for Literature in 2010 and is considered the definitive word on its enigmatic subject."

At Delta Blues Museum, 3:00 PM

JULY 17: "GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN" EXHIBIT OPENING

Opening reception for photography exhibit by Billy Johnson.

At Delta Blues Museum, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts

AUGUST 8 - 10: 2014 SUNFLOWER RIVER BLUES & GOSPEL FESTIVAL

Museum Main Stage ("Melville Tillis stage") performances from the Delta Blues Museum Band and an all-star festival lineup-details at www.sunflowerfest.org

Special Museum hours on Sunday from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

More about Delta Blues Museum

A 2013 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services--the nation's highest honor for museum and library service to the community--the Delta Blues Museum is dedicated to creating a welcoming place where visitors find meaning, value and perspective by exploring the history and heritage of the unique American musical art form, the Blues. The museum seeks $1.2 million for new and enhanced exhibits for its expansion, including the Muddy Waters Addition. Expanded exhibits will enable the cultural organization to better preserve and display the history and work of blues artists from the Mississippi Delta, and advance the Museum's ability to "tell" stories that inspire and educate future generations about this important American art form.

For online donations or for more information on events or programs, please call (662) 627-6820, or visit the Museum web site at www.deltabluesmuseum.org.

Members of the press may register on the Museum website to access the PRESS ROOM for further information, images and materials.

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This newsletter is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and,
in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.