Blues Town Music shop. Downtown Clarksdale, Miss., Tuesday March 12, 2013
Today marks the beginning of the annual Oxford Blues Festival. Now in its fifth year, the celebration of blues culture is expected to attract crowds of blues aficionados and festival-goers from across the nation.
The Oxford Blues Festival will continue into the weekend, spanning three days. Not only will live music be featured, but also the history and food that has nurtured blues culture will be showcased.
History plays a large role with the festival, especially concerning its venue. The performance stage will be located on the lawn of the Walton-Young house, a well-known historic home located on University Avenue. It is property of the University of Mississippi Museum, which is a major sponsor of the event.
Blues culture is especially expressed during the event through food. Thursday night will include a Blues Food buffet for VIP ticket holders. The food will be served with association to blues song titles, like catfish for the song “Catfish Blues.” Other regional specialties will be served, such as hot tamales, chicken feet and cornbread.
The University of Mississippi Museum will have a large presence during the festival. It will host multiple events throughout the weekend, including a “Meet N Greet” on Thursday evening and three panel discussions Friday afternoon. The Meet N Greet will include Jeff Jenson, who will be heading up a performance that evening at 7:15. Friday’s panel discussions will be open to the public and features various experts on blues culture, including artists, musicians and scholars.
Of course, the headlining performers and their music will take the spotlight. Thursday night will kick off a weekend of music with a performance from the Jeff Jenson Band. Friday and Saturday will be jam-packed with performances, with Redd Velvet and Tas Cru headlining Friday and Mr. Sipp taking over on Saturday. Over ten other artists and bands will also be paying on the Walton-Young property throughout the two days.
What is most important about the Oxford Blues Festival, however, is maintaining the rich culture that the North Mississippi region has cultivated. Oxford is the perfect location for such an event, with its ideal geography and historical background. Oxford’s close proximity to the Mississippi Delta and Memphis puts the town in the heart of blues country.
Not only will the Oxford Blues Festival provide nonstop entertainment, it will serve as an attraction for both Oxford and the University and educate festival-goers on the multiple aspects of blues culture. The education of others on blues music and the accompanying culture is hope that it can be preserved throughout generations to come.
Make sure to see the Oxford Blues Festival for yourself, starting today through Saturday night. While all musical performances are paid-only events, free blues-themed events are available, such as the UM Museum’s Blues Panels on Friday beginning at noon. Look out for photos from this weekend’s performances in Tuesday’s edition of The DM.
