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entertainment
entertainment

entertainment

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. 

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Canal & Bourbon: Where It All Began For The @TBC_BrassBand

The TBC (or To Be Continued) Brass Band has performed all over the country, and have been the subject of a documentary film called From The Mouthpiece On Back. But despite national and international acclaim and regular gigs at the Hot East Daiquiri Shop and the Blue Nile, they still take the time to perform at the legendary Canal and Bourbon Street corner where it all began. 7/4/12

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All-Star Blues Jam at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic (@DontBeSoEvil)

Every year, the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic is closed with an all-star jam of many of the great blues performers that appeared during the two days of the festival. This year’s jam included appearances from Kenny Brown, Duwayne Burnisde, Garry Burnside, Eric Deaton and Jimbo Mathus. It was definitely a great way to close out this year’s festival. 6/30/12

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Classic Cars at Juneteenth, Douglass Park, Memphis, 2012

Juneteenth commemorates the effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, where planters apparently attempted to defy it (in the remainder of the South, the proclamation took effect on May 8). What is unclear is why the Texas “Juneteenth” has become the day of celebration for African-Americans nationwide, replacing the “Ada May” celebrations that used to be held in the rest of the south. In Memphis, Juneteenth is held in Douglass Park as a three-day festival of music, food, dance and wholesome activities for children. This year there was also a classic car show in Douglass Park. 6/16/12

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Otha Turner Summerfest 2012

Summer Festival at Otha’s Place, Gravel Springs near Senatobia, MS, 7/7/12 featuring the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, other gospel and blues artists, 3-11 PM.

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