Delta Blues Museum - Where to Hear Music and Festival Info

Live blues is rare in the Delta these days, apart from festivals (see below). Juke boxes, changing musical tastes, a much-reduced population, and general poverty have eroded a once-thriving music scene. Luckily, Clarksdale offers some of the best local options.

Delta festivals offer concentrated doses of blues music and culture. Events range from small, casual affairs to large, professionally organized festivals that attract thousands of visitors. Check individual Web sites for exact dates and lineups. Alert: These are generally outdoors affairs and Delta weather is hot from spring to fall, and downright steamy in summer-be prepared.

To download a color Delta Blues Museum brochure (PDF file), Click Here

To download a black and white Delta Blues Museum brochure (PDF file), Click Here

To download a Delta Blues Museum Group Tour form (PDF file), Click Here

Located near the Delta Blues Museum, this restaurant-bar-club books a busy, regular program of live music (not all of it blues). Check the calendar on its Web site for updates. Part owner and actor Morgan Freeman relaxes there when in town. (662) 621-9009 www.groundzerobluesclub.com

Tuesday nights from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. 111 East Second Street, (662) 253-5586, $5 cover

A multi-generational family business, on the Lomax-era maps of Clarksdale in the 1940s. Open nightly, sandwiches, occasional live music.

As basic as a club gets: a well-worn building (formerly LaVene Music Center; look for the fading painted sign near the top of the brick storefront) houses a minimally decorated but totally bar setting with live music most weekends and occasionally during the week. Beer and setups available. (662) 627-3166 or (662) 627-1367