Third
Annual Blues Today Symposium
Living
Blues
magazine, the longest-running blues periodical
in the United States, is currently involved in
planning much more than its next issue. The small
staff of the Center publication is also working
to create an extensive lineup of record label
reps, disc jockeys, radio industry insiders, journalists,
blues scholars, and--of course--blues artists
themselves to address the present state of the
blues at the third annual Blues Today Symposium,
February 17-19, 2005, in and around Oxford and
Ole Miss.
"The
symposium is a great opportunity for scholars,
fans, and musicians to come together and share
their knowledge and passion for blues music and
culture," says Mark Camarigg, publications
manager for Living Blues. "The subject
matter lends itself to a lot of discussion and
debate. At the same time, the very location of
this event in Oxford, Mississippi, gives fans
an opportunity to visit the state most recognized
for fostering this unique American art form."
In
addition to celebrating the blues in general,
this year's event--whose theme is radio and the
blues highway--will also celebrate 20 years of
Highway 61, the radio program produced
weekly at Ole Miss for Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
On hand to discuss the history and role of Highway
61 will be the show's former host, David Nelson,
who also edited Living Blues during the
1990s.
In
addition to talks and panel discussions on blues
radio--featuring most notably "Sunshine"
Sonny Payne, longtime host of the six-decade-old
King Biscuit Hour--also scheduled are a
panel on Robert Johnson and a lecture by Florida
folklorist Bob Stone, who, according to Camarigg,
is "a big reason we know sacred steel exists."
Samuel Charters, pioneering musicologist, will
deliver the meeting's keynote address, and Greg
Johnson, curator of the University's Blues Archive,
will premiere the recently acquired Sheldon Harris
Blues and Early Jazz Collection.
Although
academic discussions are no doubt a key component
of the three-day event, "symposium"
might be a bit of a misnomer, since film screenings,
an audience jam session, traditional Southern
meals, the production of the live radio show Thacker
Mountain Radio, and some half-dozen performances
are on tap as well.
"We
really want to involve the Oxford community this
year," Camarigg says. "One way that
we hope to do that is through Blues on the Square
Friday night following a free Campbell Brothers
performance at Second Baptist Church. We're also
planning a soul-blues minifest for the symposium."
Out
of Buffalo, New York, the Campbell Brothers are
known not only for their sacred steel mastery
but also for their influence on Robert Randolph.
In fact, group member and pedal steel aficionado
Chuck Campbell has been compared to both Jimi
Hendrix and Django Rinehart. As for Blues on the
Square, the critically acclaimed Holmes Brothers
and local favorites Wiley and the Checkmates are
among the confirmed artists. Artists for a Saturday
night juke joint excursion have yet to be confirmed.
"This year's event should be something unique,"
Camarigg says. "Folks such as 'Sunshine'
Sonny Payne have a wealth of knowledge and experience
to pass on to a new generation of blues music
fans. Also, the chance that the Holmes and Campbell
Brothers might play together could be incredibly
special. And it's important we acknowledge the
20th anniversary of the Highway 61 radio show
that has exposed countless Mississippians to blues
music."
Those
interested in attending Blues Today should contact
Mary Beth Lasseter at marybet@olemiss.edu or 662-915-5993
or visit the Blues Today Web site (www.livingblues.com/bluestoday).
Registration for the symposium is $100 and includes
all lectures, meals, and performances.
Jennifer
Southall
2004 Blues Today attendees participate in an
audience jam session featuring honorary symposium
cochair Cory Harris (far left).
Photo by Kevin Bain
|
Delta
XCursion
Again, this year, Living Blues magazine
has joined with Greenville's Viking Range
Corporation to present a Blues XCursion,
February 16-17. The trip through the Mississippi
Delta features stops at famous blues sites,
world-class Southern cuisine, and the chance
to hear the blues where it originated. Headquarters
for the two-day adventure is Greenwood,
where participants may stay for a special
conference rate of $140 at Viking's acclaimed
boutique hotel, the Alluvian. Registration
for the trip is required and is separate
from Blues Today registration. The $150
fee includes all program activities, meals,
and local transportation. Lodging is not
included in the X'Cursion fee. For more
information or to register, contact Mary
Beth Lasseter at Marybeth@olemiss.edu or
662-915-5993, or visit www.livingblues/excursion.com.
To reserve a room at the Alluvian, call
866-600-520 and ask for the "Living
Blues rate."
Additionally this year is the opportunity
to experience the Clarksdale blues scene.
February 20, the Sunday following Blues
Today, the proprietors of several sites,
including Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk
Art, Ground Zero Blues Club, and the Delta
Blues Museum will open their businesses
especially for Blues Today participants.
No registration is required for the Clarksdale
event.
For more information about the Blues X'Cursion
or the Clarksdale events, contact Mary Beth
Lasseter at Marybeth@olemiss.edu or 662-915-5993,
or visit www.livingblues/excursion.com.
|
