Delta Blues Newsletter April, 2020

Director's Note

Dear Delta Blues Museum Supporters,

As we continue to practice social distancing and incorporate other recommended changes to our daily lives, it is important to find ways to still connect to each other. Music is one of them. The power of music - especially the blues - is amazing. Blues music is a product of a resilient people, and we need to draw on this strength.

Although we have temporarily closed our gallery and suspended our Arts & Education classes, we are working to provide digital experiences for those who wish to visit the museum. Virtual visitors may access our Explore and Learn Features that provide in-depth information on artists and subjects in our gallery. This year, we will celebrate "Muddy Waters Month" a little differently: We are currently working on a brand-new virtual tour to compliment our "Follow Muddy" Explore and Learn feature. We will be ramping up our social media outreach, as well.

As we navigate these unchartered waters, Delta Blues Museum is proceeding with a focus on employee and visitor safety and security. We are also aware that the myriad effects from this global economic volatility will dramatically impact the Museum and Clarksdale, just as it will other businesses, towns and cities. While we are physically closed to the public, Museum staff continues planning for future programs, exhibits and activities that focus on the contributions of the incredibly resilient men and women who created art that forever impacted all genres of music.

I'm reminded of an anecdote from Blues & Chaos: The Music Writing of Robert Palmer: After a recording session for R.L. Burnside's Too Bad Jim, Robert Palmer attempted to describe "the blues" this way, "Rarely have chaos and uncertainty been so listenable; and I'll almost certainly be listening for the rest of my life." In recent days, I have found myself taking comfort in Big Bill Broonzy's 'Pneumonia Blues (I Keep on Achin')'', Blind Lemon Jefferson's 'Pneumonia Blues', and Ace Johnson's "Influenza" as well as Muddy Waters' "Tough Times" and John Lee Hooker's "Hard Times". So, I encourage you to listen to music - maybe go through our collection of 78's, check out one of our podcasts, or perhaps order an album and draw upon the power of the blues to get us through.

Please be well, and stay safe.

Shelley Ritter