Pinsteps. The Sunflower River Blues Festival, in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Places to visit in Clarksdale. Languages: en

The Sunflower River Blues Festival, held in Clarksdale, Mississippi, originated from the free Holiday Music Festivals sponsored in 1986 and 1987 by the Downtown Association of Clarksdale as a local business promotion. In 1988, the merchants, along with the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations, decided to create a full-fledged festival, initially called the Sunflower Riverbank Blues Festival. The event featured renowned artists like Otis Rush, James "Son" Thomas, Jessie Mae Hemphill, and others performing on three stages.

In 1990, a biracial group of volunteers with a mission "to preserve, promote, perpetuate, and document the blues in its homeland" formed the nonprofit Sunflower River Blues Association (SRBA). The association produced the annual festival at various locations around Clarksdale until the newly constructed Delta Blues Museum (DBM) stage became its primary base. In 1992, the North Delta Academy of Gospel Music held its first festival and joined forces with SRBA in 1993 to form the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival.

The festival has gained widespread acclaim from the worldwide blues community, as well as from travel organisations and news media. It showcases Mississippi Delta talent in a town steeped in blues history and Southern hospitality. Although the festival has featured many acts from around the country and overseas, it primarily focuses on blues, soul, and gospel performers with roots in Mississippi.

The Sunflower River Blues Festival has played a crucial role in Clarksdale's development into a mecca for blues tourists and media, building on cornerstones laid earlier by local juke joints, Wade Walton's barbershop, and the Delta Blues Museum. The festival has also inspired more businesses to cater to the blues trade and new events, such as the annual Juke Joint Festival.

The city of Clarksdale has provided support for the festival and passed or amended laws to accommodate festival and nightclub activity. In addition, Coahoma County established a tourism commission in 1991. To recognise the efforts of those who have worked on behalf of blues and gospel, the festival began presenting an annual Early Wright Award in 1991 in honour of the legendary Clarksdale deejay, followed by the Julius Guy Award, named for the co-founder of the gospel festival.


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Evgeny Praisman
Romantic Road trip in Vicksburg, Rolling Fork, Clarksdale, Tunica, Germantown of May 23, 2021

The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.

The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.

Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.

Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.

As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
Assia Praisman
I love travelling and capturing everything I see through my photography! Every new place I visit allows me to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the world. And what's even more exciting is that I have a talent for finding the most excellent hotels. I enjoy exploring reviews, photos and selecting places that offer comfort, style, and excellent service. Finding such a hotel elevates my travel experience and makes it more memorable and enjoyable. It's wonderful to combine my passion for travel with my knack for finding the best places to stay!
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