Friday April 14, 2023

JJF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

JJF ACTIVITIES

Activities run all day. Starting times are variable.

Monkeys Riding Dogs

Located at: JOHN LEE HOOKER LANE

Our greatest attraction will be with us for 2 days in 2019, Friday & Saturday

Led by professional rodeo cowboy Tim “WILD THANG” Lepard,Team Ghost Riders is a group of sheep dogs and monkeys, who team together to provide one of the most entertaining traveling acts you will ever see.

"The animals are like family and require 24/7 care to ensure their well-being. When I see the crowd smiling and hear the laughter, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.(Tim)"

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10:45 am

12:45 pm

3:45 pm

5:15 pm

JJF EVENTS

10:00 am

JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL WRISTBAND SALES

JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL WRISTBANDS are required for Saturday night's main event and are VALID SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023 ONLY. Each Wristband includes all 20+ official JJF indoor venue locations (see lineup on this website "coming soon" or in the printed program booklet the week of the event), featuring at least 30 musical acts. BUY $45 PRE-SALE JJF WRISTBAND ONLINE till Wednesday, April 13th, at 5:00 pm Central Time. Limited quantities. All sales final. No refunds. Please note that past festivals have sold out, so buying Pre-Sale is highly recommended. The price (to be determined based on demand) will be raised on April 14th and, if wristbands still remain, the week of the festival. We recommend not waiting till the day of the main event. Sales will end immediately in the case of a sellout. WRISTBAND PICK UP: Wristbands cannot be shipped. Bring your printed email receipt and a photo ID to our Juke Joint HQ Building at 243 Delta Avenue in downtown Clarksdale (across from Nellie Mays) the week of the festival (Thursday through Saturday; times to be published soon) to pick up your Pre-sale JJF Wristbands. See Wristband page and printed program booklet for more information. Thanks, y'all!

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Where: Juke Joint Festival Headquarters - 243 Delta Avenue

The official Juke Joint Festival Headquarters is conveniently located at 243 Delta Avenue in downtown Clarksdale (basically across the street from Nellie Mays).

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1:00 pm

JJF Blues Panel Discussion #1 moderated by Clay Motley

Moderator Clay Motley and his musical panel discuss blues history and more at this FREE public event.

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Where: Meraki Coffee Roasters

Thursday Open Mic is open to all ages, levels of talent and skill. We want everyone to come and share a piece of themselves and their love for blues. Til 5pm
Sunday breakfast with Jax Nasser 10 am to 12pm
Meraki Roasting Company - Freshly Roasted Artisan Coffee roasted in house supporting our youth entrepreneurship program. Come visit our roastery to try our current coffee profiles. Pastries made by local vendors. www.merakiroasting.com www.griotarts.com
www.merakiroasting.com www.griotarts.com
282 Sunflower Ave Meraki Hours: Monday-Sunday (every day!) 7am to 2 pm

http://www.griotarts.com/meraki

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2:00 pm

96TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT!

The world's oldest still-performing bluesman, Cadillac John Nolden (and celebrated Belzoni-guitarist Bill Abel) celebrate 96 years of Mississippi blues on Cat Head's front porch. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event.

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Where: Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

FREE sidewalk performances! Please tip your musicians, y'all

http://www.cathead.biz

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3:00 pm

JJF Blues Panel Discussion #2 moderated by Clay Motley

Moderator Clay Motley and his musical panel discuss blues history and more at this FREE public event.

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Where: Meraki Coffee Roasters

Thursday Open Mic is open to all ages, levels of talent and skill. We want everyone to come and share a piece of themselves and their love for blues. Til 5pm
Sunday breakfast with Jax Nasser 10 am to 12pm
Meraki Roasting Company - Freshly Roasted Artisan Coffee roasted in house supporting our youth entrepreneurship program. Come visit our roastery to try our current coffee profiles. Pastries made by local vendors. www.merakiroasting.com www.griotarts.com
www.merakiroasting.com www.griotarts.com
282 Sunflower Ave Meraki Hours: Monday-Sunday (every day!) 7am to 2 pm

http://www.griotarts.com/meraki

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6:00 pm

THACKER MOUNTAIN RADIO HOUR returns for 20th JJF!

The Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area presents... "Live" public, in-person event with author Robert Mugge (new "Notes From The Road" book) and blues by Rip Lee Pryor and Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks — plus host Jim Dees, the Thacker houseband and more! Website at https://thackermountain.com

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Where: New Roxy (main stage)

The New Roxy is a former movie theater located in the historic New World District of downtown Clarksdale. After deteriorating over a 30-year vacancy, this iconic building is being resurrected as a vibrant music, art, and theater venue for you to discover and enjoy.

Step inside to experience the regrowth—original sloping concrete floor, masonry stage, distressed brick walls, space for dancing, drinking, dining—all beneath a gorgeous view of the night sky through the open rooftop.

We are open throughout the year for events such as festivals, theater performances, film screenings and private parties. Two separate areas await your arrival. The front bar features a small, intimate stage (now fully covered and weather-proof) while the open-air main stage provides ample room for larger productions.

Check out our online calendar for upcoming events! The New Roxy has it all, with an easy online ticketing system for select events for your convenience.
Be a part of making history!

http://www.newroxy.com

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RELATED MUSIC

(Cover may apply.)

10:00 am

Randy '19th Street Red' Cohen

19th Street Red’s blues is not the “polite” blues. It is the low down, razor’s edge gutbucket blues that makes dancers want to sweat and shake their butts. This gritty style reminds you of the street music of Chicago’s Jew-town and the lowdown groove of Muddy Waters.

https://19thstreetred.com

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Where: Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

FREE sidewalk performances! Please tip your musicians, y'all

http://www.cathead.biz

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11:00 am

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Where: Collective Seed & Supply Co.

Collective Seed & Supply Co.--Clarksdale's only independent garden center & general store.

https://www.facebook.com/collectiveseedandsupplyco/

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11:00 am

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Where: Travelers Hotel

Brand-new hotel in an old renovate brick building in the center of historic downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi. Cool lobby bar lounge.

http://www.statyattravelers.com

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12:00 pm

Terry 'Big T' Williams

Terry “Big T” Williams has dedicated his life to his music. Born in Clarksdale in 1960, he spent his early years on a plantation in Farrell, Mississippi, hearing stories about Muddy Waters attending Sunday picnics in his grandmother’s yard.

http://www.arts.state.ms.us/folklife/artist.php?dirname=williams_terry

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Where: Hel'lous Cafe (former Delta Cafe)

Former Delta Cafe under new ownership as Hel'lous (pronounced "hel-lose") Cafe... cozy cool venue across the street and down the block from Ground Zero. Great food and blues for JJF!

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12:00 pm

Brian Blue

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Where: Deak Harp Harmonica Shop

13 Third Street. Harmonica students playing.

http://www.deakharp.com

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1:00 pm

Steve Kolbus Blues Revue

was encouraged to learn and play an instrument by some of my great blues heros; Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bob Stroger, and Hubert Sumlin; so I learned to play the harmonica. They introduced me to Little Arthur Duncan who was one of the great Chicago harmonica men who helped define the west side Chicago sound back in the 1950s and 60s. Little Arthur taught me to sing play and write music like no one but Steve Kolbus can. Although I play the blues I'm a huge fan of the blues and the people who play it first. with this in mind I hope to play and record every blues related genre and sub genre of music before it's all said and done. The Clarksdale Blues Revue is a high energy Rockin Blues band that enjoys making people happy. Our live show is a high energy interactive show with lots of antics!! We believe that our "Skippin and Hoppin" CD is a great reflection of this philosophy. I have been truly blessed as I have been surrounded by some of the worlds most accomplished musicians the whole time I've been playing. The Clarksdale Blues Revue with world class musicians like Walt Busby, Jaxx Nassar, and Cade Moore is no exception.

https://www.facebook.com/stevekolbusandtheclarksdalebluesrevueband/

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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1:30 pm

Jesse Cotton Stone

Colorado-born, American highway-raised, bluesman.

https://www.cottonstonemusic.com

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Where: Deak Harp Harmonica Shop

13 Third Street. Harmonica students playing.

http://www.deakharp.com

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3:00 pm

Deak Harp

Deak Harp has been playing harmonica since he was 12 years old. His biggest early inspiration came when his brother introduced him to the music of James Cotton. Deak followed Cotton's band along the east coast for close to five years before Cotton offered Deak a job driving his van. For the next six years, Deak toured with the James Cotton blues band, eventually opening acts and playing along with "Superharp" himself.

http://www.deakharp.com

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Where: Deak Harp Harmonica Shop

13 Third Street. Harmonica students playing.

http://www.deakharp.com

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3:00 pm

Delta by the Beach

"Delta by the Beach" is a three piece blues band dedicated to creating the authentic sound of a Mississippi Juke Joint in California. Song oriented blues, like a hybrid of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters... Our heads are in the Delta but our feet are on the Beach.

https://www.deltabythebeach.com/

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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4:00 pm

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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4:00 pm

Carlos Elliot ft. Bobby Gentilo

Colombian artist inspired by the beat of rural dance music of north Mississippi, the Hill Country Blues along with a self-discovered sense of spirituality in Blues music, creates a unique sound that blends his backgrounds in African & Latin American music with Rock n’ Roll, incites you to party and the dancing ritual. Considered the Hill Country Blues Pioneer in Latin America.

http://www.carloselliotjr.com/index/

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4:30 pm

Bill Abel

Bill Abel from Belzoni Mississippi plays the raw gutbucket blues he learned from Paul Jones, T Model Ford, Cadillac John and many other blues legends.

https://www.facebook.com/Bill-Abel-192999535686/

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Where: Deak Harp Harmonica Shop

13 Third Street. Harmonica students playing.

http://www.deakharp.com

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5:00 pm

Phillip Carter

Born in the blues fertile city of Clarksdale, MS, Phillip came to the blues at a relatively young age. Since then, he has focused his energy into lively and driving covers of original blues songs spiced with his own improvisational attitude. A regular at world-famous Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Phillip has entertained thousands during the annual Juke Joint Festival and Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival for years and has also performed as a side man across the Delta.

https://www.facebook.com/bluesunderground/

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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5:00 pm

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5:00 pm

Jesse Cotton Stone

Colorado-born, American highway-raised, bluesman.

https://www.cottonstonemusic.com

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Where: Hambone Art & Music

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 15, 2023), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. HAMBONE: "Hambone Art Gallery" and bar, Artwork by Stan Street , is located at 111 East Second St.,between Madidi's and Theo's Rock and Roll Museum . Formerly Conerly shoes [ co- owned by Charlie Conerly, quarterback of the New York Giants and Old Miss.] Before that, the building was the old Delta theatre. Owners Stan and Dixie Street moved to Clarksdale from So. Florida. Both blues musicians, they were drawn here by the city's historical roots. Stan is a poster designer for many roots and blues festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Artwork is mostly musical, but the Gallery also has landscapes from the Delta, Abstracts, and ecclectic Found Object pieces.

http://www.stanstreet.com

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5:00 pm

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6:00 pm

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Where: Hopson Commissary (main stage)

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 15, 2023), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 23+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. HOPSON: Home of the old Hopson Plantation and the current Shackup Inn, Hopson Commissary is a combination museum and music venue that has to be seen to be believed. Pinetop Perkins drove a tractor out at Hopson in the 40s, and it was also home to the first mechanical cotton picker.

http://hopsonplantation.com

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6:00 pm

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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6:00 pm

Ghalia Volt

Ghalia is an emerging Blues, R&R singer/songwriter from the city of Brussels, BE. For the last six years, she's been working as a solo artist as well as bandleader of two home-made acts: "Ghalia & The Naphtalines", a high energy boogie, rhythm’n’blues band and her (all-original) project "Voodoo Casino", with whom she recorded her first album in 2016.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwiC0ISOx6jhAhVBY6wKHTj4COAQFjAAegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2

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6:30 pm

Justin McClain

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7:00 pm

Rachel Ammons

Rachel Ammons is rooted in the most primitive and raw beginnings of the Blues and constantly explores new sounds with her own soulful interpretation. Her mentor and co-founder of the beloved duo Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Smilin’ Bob, passed in 2019, prompting her move to go solo. But their fans will enthusiastically tell you she carries the torch well, and is running with it. Recently calling her a rock Goddess not of this planet, the Arkansas Times had formerly coined the term “PsycheDelta” to describe her “jaw-dropping” live performance. Reviewers write that her “howls, drones and stomps add up to what seems to be the work of several musicians, not just one”, describing a fresh sound like none other. Primal and progressive, foreign and familiar, her performances are frequently improvisational and share an uncontrived emotionality best experienced live. Ammons follows one rule above all: Play What You Feel.

https://rachelammons.com

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Where: New Roxy

The New Roxy is a former movie theater located in the historic New World District of downtown Clarksdale. After deteriorating over a 30-year vacancy, this iconic building is being resurrected as a vibrant music, art, and theater venue for you to discover and enjoy.

Step inside to experience the regrowth—original sloping concrete floor, masonry stage, distressed brick walls, space for dancing, drinking, dining—all beneath a gorgeous view of the night sky through the open rooftop.

We are open throughout the year for events such as festivals, theater performances, film screenings and private parties. Two separate areas await your arrival. The front bar features a small, intimate stage (now fully covered and weather-proof) while the open-air main stage provides ample room for larger productions.

Check out our online calendar for upcoming events! The New Roxy has it all, with an easy online ticketing system for select events for your convenience.
Be a part of making history!

http://www.newroxy.com

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7:00 pm

Kenny Brown

American blues slide guitarist skilled in the North Mississippi Hill Country blues style.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Brown_(guitarist)

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Where: The Den Again

A retro-cool Clarksdale classic! The Den joins Juke Joint Festival's nighttime venue roster for 2022!

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7:00 pm

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7:00 pm

Jaxx Nassar

Jacqueline "Jaxx" Nassar is an emerging singer, songwriter, and artist who grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Jaxx is known to mesmerize an audience with her performances whether they are acoustic or with her band. She is a prolific writer and in 2016 collaborated with Grammy Award Musician Timothy Bloom in Los Angeles recording several of her original songs for release in 2017.

http://Jacqueline

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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7:30 pm

Charlie Musselwhite & Kirk Fletcher Duo

In addition to his Blues Music Award-nominated solo work, blues guitarist/singer Kirk Fletcher is a backing musician of choice for favorites from Charlie Musselwhite to The Fabulous Thunderbirds, from Joe Bonamassa to Cyndi Lauper... and beyond. "There’s a sweetness and authenticity to his approach that screams class." - Guitar World magazine. Charlie Musselwhite? Well, his career is the stuff of legends! The Grammy winner has been everywhere and played with everybody, but his favorite place to be? His adopted hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi. He and his wife Henri are fixtures on the streets and in the restaurants of Clarksdale. Juke Joint Festival thanks Charlie for suggesting this duo. It's going to be an extra special experience for all of us.

http://kirkfletcherband.com

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Where: Levon's Bar & Grill

Steak, Catfish, Burgers Pizza, Pasta

https://www.levons.net/

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8:00 pm

Lightnin' Malcolm

The Mississippi based Multi-instrumentalist combines the Tribal Rhythms and raw electrifying power of the Hill Country Blues with melodic songwriting wisdom of heroes Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. MALCOLM fuses elements of Funk, Soul, Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop, West African World Beat, Gospel and Country to create an Authentic Signature sound in modern day World Roots Music.

https://www.lightninmalcolm.com

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Where: New Roxy

The New Roxy is a former movie theater located in the historic New World District of downtown Clarksdale. After deteriorating over a 30-year vacancy, this iconic building is being resurrected as a vibrant music, art, and theater venue for you to discover and enjoy.

Step inside to experience the regrowth—original sloping concrete floor, masonry stage, distressed brick walls, space for dancing, drinking, dining—all beneath a gorgeous view of the night sky through the open rooftop.

We are open throughout the year for events such as festivals, theater performances, film screenings and private parties. Two separate areas await your arrival. The front bar features a small, intimate stage (now fully covered and weather-proof) while the open-air main stage provides ample room for larger productions.

Check out our online calendar for upcoming events! The New Roxy has it all, with an easy online ticketing system for select events for your convenience.
Be a part of making history!

http://www.newroxy.com

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8:00 pm

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Where: Ground Zero Blues Club

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 23, 2022), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 20+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB: Clarksdale's largest real-deal blues music venue offers "live" Mississippi blues music every Wednesday to Saturday... plus special events during festival time periods. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, Howard Stovall and Eric Meier, Ground Zero Blues Club will celebrate its 5th anniversary in May 2006. Besides the plethora of incredible local blues acts who have performed there, musicians from Mavis Staples and Alvin Youngblood Hart to Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Rush have been filmed playing there.

http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com

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8:00 pm

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Where: Ooze Bar

The new Ooze Bar (in former Rock & Blues Museum location next to Hambone) is the new blues bar/toy museum inspiration of The Mojo Hands leader Chris Mullens!

https://www.instagram.com/themojohands/?hl=en

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8:00 pm

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Where: Red's Lounge

Red's Lounge? It's the definition of a real-deal Mississippi juke joint. Don't expect to be spoiled with amenities. All you need is a been-there-done-that owner, some beers as big as your head and some "live" blues you'll never forget. (Oh, and MAYBE something out front on the grill.) This is how blues became blues... how the music grew up out of the cotton fields and onto a round piece of vinyl. Speaking of which, the building itself was called "Levine's Music Center" back in the day, and it's where Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm bought the instruments that played the first rock 'n roll song. Yeah, Red's is the real thing for sure...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reds-Blues-Club/163702543685722

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9:00 pm

The Whiskey Barrels

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Where: Hopson Commissary (main stage)

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday night (April 15, 2023), IF Juke Joint Festival Sat-night Wristbands are NOT sold-out, then limited quantities will be available for purchase only at the 243 Delta Ave JJF HQ building (only till 8:30pm) AND Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Gallery and Hopson Commissary (if/while supplies last). Entry to any/all 23+ JJF Sat-night venues requires a festival wristband. No exceptions. Details on Wristband webpage or in program booklet. HOPSON: Home of the old Hopson Plantation and the current Shackup Inn, Hopson Commissary is a combination museum and music venue that has to be seen to be believed. Pinetop Perkins drove a tractor out at Hopson in the 40s, and it was also home to the first mechanical cotton picker.

http://hopsonplantation.com

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10:00 pm

Ghalia Volt

Ghalia is an emerging Blues, R&R singer/songwriter from the city of Brussels, BE. For the last six years, she's been working as a solo artist as well as bandleader of two home-made acts: "Ghalia & The Naphtalines", a high energy boogie, rhythm’n’blues band and her (all-original) project "Voodoo Casino", with whom she recorded her first album in 2016.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwiC0ISOx6jhAhVBY6wKHTj4COAQFjAAegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2

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12:00 am

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RELATED EVENTS

(Cover may apply.)

9:00 am

Sunflower River Camping

In partnership with the Clarksdale Police Dept Quapaw Canoe Company is offering bathroom and shower access to persons camping along banks of Sunflower River in the City Park around our facility and in other places downtown. Bathroom and shower access is $25/tent/night for 2 people, $10 each additional person/night. Proceeds generated are split with our partners the Clarksdale Police Dept. Bring your own tent and sleeping bags. Don’t park on asphalt drive which the police use for access. Camping is in grassy areas of City Park to north of ramp, and any flat grassy places down along the river. Please don’t block gravel road access to Canoe Company. No open fires, but camp stoves, hibachis or small personal-sized BBQ okay. No smoking (city ordinance in public places). Face masks and social distancing. Reserve and pay for your spot on website www.island63.com. For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

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Where: Quapaw Canoe Company

All events will meet & take place street level 3rd & Sunflower in downtown Clarksdale all day 9 - 4pm every day Thursday April 13– Saturday April 15. For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

http://www.island63.com

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9:00 am

Sunflower River Canoe Rentals

For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

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Where: Quapaw Canoe Company

All events will meet & take place street level 3rd & Sunflower in downtown Clarksdale all day 9 - 4pm every day Thursday April 13– Saturday April 15. For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

http://www.island63.com

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9:00 am

Canoe-Carving Demonstration & Workshop

Quapaw Canoe Company 9 am to 4 pm Thursday-Saturday, April 13th-15th, 2023 Partners: Mississippi Arts Commission, Spring Initiative and GRIOT Arts Location: behind Quapaw Canoe Company along Sunflower River, at Third Street & Sunflower, opposite GRIOT Arts & Merkai Coffee Shop). Duck-Doggie Dugout Canoe carving from 3-ton cypress log. Project partner: Mississippi Arts Commission. All ages welcome. We provide instruction, tools and safety equipment. Children under 18 must be accompanied by parents or guardian. For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

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Where: Quapaw Canoe Company

All events will meet & take place street level 3rd & Sunflower in downtown Clarksdale all day 9 - 4pm every day Thursday April 13– Saturday April 15. For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

http://www.island63.com

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9:00 am

1Mississippi -- Can the River Count on You?

Quapaw Canoe Company 9 am to 4 pm Thursday - Saturday Thursday-Saturday, April 13th-15th, 2023 In partnership with 1Mississippi - MRN - Mississippi River Network Ongoing Exhibit and Southern campaign headquarters for the 1Mississippi River Citizen Program. Come on over and learn about how you can help protect and better the waters of America, our drinking water, swimming water & lifeblood of the nation. Become a River Citizen and join us in making the Mississippi River sparkle like the beautiful “Queen of Rivers” that she is. Contact: Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479.

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Where: Quapaw Canoe Company

All events will meet & take place street level 3rd & Sunflower in downtown Clarksdale all day 9 - 4pm every day Thursday April 13– Saturday April 15. For more information contact Quapaw Canoe Company or info@island63.com, John Ruskey 662-902-7841, Mark “River” Peoples 662-902-6479, Lee Perlow 312-246-3223, or Whit Smith 870-919-6654.

http://www.island63.com

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10:00 am

Yoga

($10 Suggested) 10-11 AM Pre-registration suggested: www.deltayogacollective.com/schedule

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1:00 pm

Black History Experience

book online or at HQ in advance

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1:30 pm

Robert Mugge book reading and signing!

INSIDE CAT HEAD STORE: Award-winning filmmaker Bob Mugge reads from his new book "Notes from the Road" that tells the stories behind music documentaries like DEEP BLUES and LAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI JUKES. Book signing will follow. (Please pay for your book before having Bob sign it for you.)

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Where: Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

FREE sidewalk performances! Please tip your musicians, y'all

http://www.cathead.biz

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Who: Robert Mugge

Award-winning music documentary filmmaker Bob Mugge just released his new book "Notes from the Road" that tells the stories behind music documentaries like DEEP BLUES and LAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI JUKES.

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Where: Cutrer Mansion

The mansion was built in 1916 by Memphis architect Bayard Cairnes for Clarksdale attorney J.W. Cutrer and his wife Blanche Clark Cutrer, daughter of Clarksdale’s founder, John Clark. The dapper Jack Cutrer was very flamboyant and equally famous for his legendary parties and fiery politics. Not to be outdone, Blanche often threw extravagant yard parties and opulent masked balls, usually to the accompaniment of a full orchestra or swing band. Such events often attracted a young Tom Williams, who later became the celebrated playwright Tennessee Williams, to the Cutrer home as a child. Williams most likely came to the Cutrer Mansion on parish calls with his beloved grandfather, Rev. Walter Dakin. The Cutrers and their home, which they called Belvoir, inspired character names and settings in several of Tennessee Williams’ plays including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie, Orpheus Descending and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

https://www.cutrermansion.com

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3:00 pm

Conversations - Jimbo Mathus & John Mohead

Jimbo Mathus & John Mohead in conversation about their Mighty Deep Delta Roots

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Where: Cutrer Mansion

The mansion was built in 1916 by Memphis architect Bayard Cairnes for Clarksdale attorney J.W. Cutrer and his wife Blanche Clark Cutrer, daughter of Clarksdale’s founder, John Clark. The dapper Jack Cutrer was very flamboyant and equally famous for his legendary parties and fiery politics. Not to be outdone, Blanche often threw extravagant yard parties and opulent masked balls, usually to the accompaniment of a full orchestra or swing band. Such events often attracted a young Tom Williams, who later became the celebrated playwright Tennessee Williams, to the Cutrer home as a child. Williams most likely came to the Cutrer Mansion on parish calls with his beloved grandfather, Rev. Walter Dakin. The Cutrers and their home, which they called Belvoir, inspired character names and settings in several of Tennessee Williams’ plays including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie, Orpheus Descending and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

https://www.cutrermansion.com

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4:30 pm

Blues Wizard's Instrument Building Workshop for Kids

FREE event! For more info, email Keith Kifer at blueskk2001@yahoo.com

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8:00 pm

Karaoke Night (Free)

Grab the mic and sing your favorite tune from any era.

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Where: Meraki Coffee Roasters

Thursday Open Mic is open to all ages, levels of talent and skill. We want everyone to come and share a piece of themselves and their love for blues. Til 5pm
Sunday breakfast with Jax Nasser 10 am to 12pm
Meraki Roasting Company - Freshly Roasted Artisan Coffee roasted in house supporting our youth entrepreneurship program. Come visit our roastery to try our current coffee profiles. Pastries made by local vendors. www.merakiroasting.com www.griotarts.com
www.merakiroasting.com www.griotarts.com
282 Sunflower Ave Meraki Hours: Monday-Sunday (every day!) 7am to 2 pm

http://www.griotarts.com/meraki

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