Sharde Thomas and the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band play under the main stage in front of the empty chairs and tables at the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival in Clarksdale, 8/11/12
Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival
The New (Elite) Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival
Despite almost perfect weather, this year’s Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival seemed extremely small compared to previous years, with only one stage of performances, and that blocked by a new fenced-in compound with tables and chairs presumably reserved for wealthy donors or paying ticket-holders. Since the compound was nearly-empty, performers got the dubious pleasure of performing to the empty tables in front of the stage, since the crowd was in the free area to the east closer to the Blues Museum.
The Sunflower Blues and Gospel Festival 2012
Follow this link for complete info about this year’s Sunflower Blues and Gospel Festival in Clarksdale, MS including travel information and a comprehensive schedule of performances.
This is a big weekend in Clarksdale, MS. The Sunflower River Blues Festival starts tonight and continues through Sunday, August 12. It’s not too late to get down there, and while hotel rooms are probably gone in Clarksdale, there are plenty in nearby Tunica.
This is a big weekend in Clarksdale, MS. The Sunflower River Blues Festival starts tonight and continues through Sunday, August 12. It’s not too late to get down there, and while hotel rooms are probably gone in Clarksdale, there are plenty in nearby Tunica.
This is a big weekend in Clarksdale, MS. The Sunflower River Blues Festival starts tonight and continues through Sunday, August 12. It’s not too late to get down there, and while hotel rooms are probably gone in Clarksdale, there are plenty in nearby Tunica.
The Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival is probably the second-biggest tourist attraction in Clarksdale, surpassed only by the April Juke Joint Festival. Both are characterized by great music, great food and good times.
The Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival is probably the second-biggest tourist attraction in Clarksdale, surpassed only by the April Juke Joint Festival. Both are characterized by great music, great food and good times.
South of downtown Clarksdale across the railroad tracks is a historic African-American neighborhood known as New World, which apparently took its name from a night club of that name which was located near the railroad depot in the early 20th century. Sam Cooke was born in the neighborhood before his family moved to Chicago.
South of downtown Clarksdale across the railroad tracks is a historic African-American neighborhood known as New World, which apparently took its name from a night club of that name which was located near the railroad depot in the early 20th century. Sam Cooke was born in the neighborhood before his family moved to Chicago.