This weekend in Greenwood, a series of events will commemorate Robert Johnson through art and music to ensure that his legacy lasts for another century for music lovers.
"The whole weekend is dedicated to the Blues," said Paige Hunt, Executive Director of the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau, who is producing the events.
The event has the support of Robert Johnson's living grandson, Steven Johnson, who will be the opening act on Saturday night. Johnson along with the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation will be attending events throughout the weekend.
A Robert Johnson Exposed art exhibit will open the weekend of events on Thursday night and will include historical background on Robert Johnson for the new fan and never before seen family pictures for the avid blues historian.
"Robert Johnson Exposed will be an exhibition of artwork celebrating this renowned blues artist from the collection of Steve LaVere" said Cheryl Taylor, Executive Director of Cottonlandia Museum. "We love the balance of art and education that will be in this exhibit. Robert Johnson has a fascinating global legacy and we are excited to explore his life with this exhibit." The exhibit will remain open at Cottonlandia throughout the summer.
The cornerstone of the celebration will be live music in Greenwood on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Beginning on Thursday night, The Alluvian Hotel Happy Hour will feature a blues musician.
Friday night will launch two nights of free music in Whittington Park.
"It was really important for us to create an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy free live music. What a great way to commemorate and celebrate one of Mississippi’s most famous musicians, Robert Johnson,” said Hunt.
Friday night's lineup includes Scott Ainslie, Jay Lang and the Devils Due and Bobby Rush. Saturday's music includes the Robert Johnson Grandson Band, Lightin' Malcolm, the Cedric Burnside Project, Kenny Brown Band, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Keb' Mo' and the Warren Haynes Band.
"We are thrilled that all of these great musicians will be playing in Greenwood!" said Hunt.
Warren Haynes is also in the band Gov’t Mule that played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Robert Johnson. Haynes was also a member of the Allman Brothers Band.
During the day on Saturday there are a number of events currently scheduled. For the blues enthusiasts, there will be an expert panel on Robert Johnson's Life and Legacy moderated by Jim O'Neal, Research Director of the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Guided tours with Delta Blues Legends will be given of historic blues locations around Greenwood and Leflore County. For the food lover, The Viking Cooking School will offer a Delta Dinner cooking class featuring the best of Delta cuisine.
Finally, on Robert Johnson’s actual birthday, Sunday, May 8, an open church service will be held to commemorate Robert Johnson and his legacy with Steven Johnson as guest preacher.
For more information, please contact the Greenwood Convention & Visitors Bureau at 662-453-9197 or visit www.greenwoodms.org.
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