Although COVID-19 took a bite from the Sunflower River Blues Festival’s usual m–house crowd attending its Thanksgiving Eve fundraiser at Ground Zero Blues Club, its extraordinary lineup of talented musicians attracted an amazing international audience. With Lucious Spiller opening the stage, the music just got better and better. Actually PRESS REGISTER editor Floyd Ingram was … Read more

To honor Ground Zero’s Bill Luckett Bill Luckett and Morgan Freeman receiving the Sunflower’s prestigious Early Wright Award during the festival’s 25th anniversary with headliner, Robert Plant, and the festival being honored with its own Blues Trail Marker.Although the Sunflower River Blues Festival’s famous Thanksgiving Eve fund-raiser will showcase fabulous musicians booked for its 2022rd … Read more

Joining the Sunflower River Blues Festival’s team continuing to make musical history for more than three decades this summer August 13 – 15 with renewed support and expanded sponsorship are Coahoma Community College, HPI, LLP, and Visit Clarksdale (Coahoma/Clarksdale Tourism Commission). Other major contributors whose support keeps the festival admission free include Hyde Brothers/True Value … Read more

Board members of the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival celebrate the Mississippi Arts Commission’s award of a prestigious $4,750 grant supporting its 33rd annual free festival August 13-15 in downtown Clarksdale. The announcement was made at Tuesday night’s meeting in the Crossroads Cultural Center.  Pictured in the group are from left: Maie Smith, Chandra … Read more

With the Sunflower Supremes lining up to serve our opening night’s famous “Grits, Greens, and Barbecue” menu, you definitely do not want to miss Thursday night’s party kicking off the 33rd annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2021. It’s open wide and welcoming to VIP … Read more

CLARKSDALE – To ensure the safety of its blues and gospel supporters from the coronavirus pandemic, the 33rd annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival is being postponed until 2021, according to festival chairman Melvita Tillis Presley. Dates of the 2021 festival are August 13,14, and 15, according to Maie Smith, booking chairman. Presley said … Read more

Not only is Bobby Rush a fabulous entertainer, a Grammy winner, a special friend with close ties to Clarksdale, he’s also one of the earliest victims and bravest Mississippians on the planet to beat the Coronavirus and walk away stronger than ever. He called this morning to say he’s never felt better and is ready … Read more

CLARKSDALE, Miss.- In the spirit of Wednesday night’s televised PBS News Hour finale encouraging “Songs of Comfort” during the corona crisis opening with a performance by famed celloist YoYo Ma, I am forwarding a photo of cheer emailed Monday from the International Notodden Blues Festival in Norway to its official U.S. sister city and sister … Read more

Global blues fans pack every seat and standing room inside Red’s Blues Club in Clarksdale over the weekend to applaud Grammy nominee Christone ‘Kingfisih’ Ingram performing with drummer Lee Williams and bassist Lucious Spiller.

SARDIS – In an emotionally-charged rendition of “Amazing Grace,” 20-year–old internationally renowned blues Grammy nominee Christone “Kingfish” Ingram honored his late mother, Princess Latrell Pride Ingram, on the eve of her 50th birthday during services here Saturday morning at St. Peter M. B Church. Princess Ingram died December 4, and Dr. Walter Newson Jr., said, … Read more