WEST POINT — Though it is no longer “howling,” the Black Prairie Blues Festival is coming downtown for its 25th year this Saturday.
Bob Brzuszek, board member for the Black Prairie Blues Museum, said the festival, formerly known as the “Howlin’ Wolf Blues Festival,” will be starting when the doors open at 5 p.m., with music starting at 5:30 p.m.
“It’s always been a celebration of the blues to recognize it there in the West Point area, and this year is no exception,” Brzuszek said. “We have four great bands that are coming.”
The headliner of the night is Blind Mississippi Morris, who Brzuszek said used to perform alongside big names like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. He said the performer was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mississippi Music Foundation and is a two-time winner of the Premier Player Grammy Award for “Harmonica Player of the Year.”
Festival Coordinator Jeremy Klutts called Blind Mississippi Morris a “living legend.”
“Blind Mississippi Morris … used to play the festival quite often many years ago, and we’re excited to have him here, for sure,” Klutts said. “… It’s going to be kind of interesting, since he will be sitting in with each band.”
Three bands will be playing alongside Morris, including Stormy Monday, Brother Drew and the Business and Old Memphis Kings. All the groups will be playing their style of blues music, which Brzuszek said is “slightly different” than Delta blues music.
“It’s stunning the talent that has come out of this area,” Brzuszek said. “The Black Prairie Blues Festival gives an opportunity to recognize (that) — beyond the Delta bluesmen, where museums are named after them — there’s not a lot of recognition in this part of the state. It’s just amazing the talent that has come out of this area.”
Brzuszek said the festival is essentially the same as it was under the Howlin’ Wolf name, though the name was changed to recognize more artists playing blues in the area, rather than just one artist.
Museum board member Deborah Mansfield said the festival has never been held at the museum. Prior to the multi-year break due to COVID-19, it was held at Mary Holmes College. But now, the festival has moved to the new downtown museum location for a more “intimate” experience.
“It’s a smaller venue, but I think it will be a lot more intimate and will have a better ambiance for a blues festival,” Mansfield said.
Mansfield said the new location will help to highlight the museum’s educational programs, as the museum has put together events celebrating Black history, women’s history, and other exhibits throughout the year.
“We go beyond the blues at the museum, teaching youngsters about all kinds of music and writing,” Mansfield said. “… It’s a lot more than just a blues venue.”
Mansfield said food and beverages will be available at the festival, including barbecue and other snacks. Tickets are $20 but are limited, as only 100 are available for the night. To reserve tickets, contact Mansfield at (662) 275-7819.
HOW TO GO
WHAT: Black Prairie Blues Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23 @ 5 p.m.
WHERE: Black Prairie Blues Museum, 640 Commerce St., West Point
HOW: Tickets are $20, reserve in advance by texting/calling (662) 275-7819. Parking is available on Commerce Street and around Sally Kate Winters Park
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