Quintessential stars Bobby Rush, Denise LaSalle
headline Sunflower’s Festival’s 20th anniversary
Billy Rivers, Angelic Voices of Praise promise amazing gospel

CLARKSDALE – America’s top 2007 Soul Music Entertainer Bobby Rush with his amazing revue of dancers and musicians is headlining the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival’s Friday night stage in downtown Clarksdale Aug. 10.

Reigning Saturday night, Aug. 11, as the 20th anniversary blues finale following a star-studded evening of favorites will be quintessential music queen Denise LaSalle singing her signature “Drop that Zero, Find Yourself a Hero.”

And the pulsating, non-stop rhythms of Billy Rivers and the Angelic Voices of Faith promise to convert even rock stars into evangelistic gospel fans Sunday evening, Aug. 12.

“All three days are packed with fantastic performances,” says co-chairman John Sherman. “The festival features two acoustic stages, a main stage, and a gospel stage.”

“And it’s all free thanks to grants, donations from businesses and individuals and hard work by our all-volunteer Blues Association members – absolutely no cover charge,” adds co-chairman Melville Tillis.

Tillis said Sunflower members have been busy raising funds to pay performers and production costs including sound systems and lighting.

The complete lineup will be posted soon on the association’s website: www.sunflowerfest.org.

Among other outstanding recording stars booked to perform are James Super Chikan Johnson, and 2007 Norwegian Grammy winner Rita Engedalen and Spoonfull of Blues from Clarksdale’s European sister city of Notodden, Norway.

At a festival preview reception on July 19 the classic commemorative 20th anniversary poster created by renowned artist Cristen Craven Barnard will be unveiled at the Blues Museum followed by more partying at Ground Zero Blues Club.

For the second consecutive year the Blues Association is sponsoring a VIP tent next to the main stage for donors who contribute $250 + to the non-profit organization.

VIPs receive four wristbands for access to the air-cooled tent furnished with tables and chairs, free beverages Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. VIPs are also invited to the pre-festival “Grits, Greens, and Barbecue” Thursday night party in Clarksdale’s historic district.

Donations to the Blues Association, a 501 c 3 non-profit may be mailed to the Sunflower River Blues Association, Box 1562, Clarksdale, MS 38614.