Mary Frances Wright has been looking forward to this Fourth of July for quite some time and with much anticipation. But, it's not for the obvious patriotic reasons that some might think.
On Thursday, she will officially dedicate the original home of her grandfather, renowned blues singer Mississippi John Hurt, to his memory and open it as a tribute to his music and his legend. It will also be a tribute to her great-grandfather, Jerry Richardson, who was the purchaser of the property where the house now stands.
The celebration will begin at noon in Avalon at the site on the Richardson Estate. The public is invited to attend and bring chairs and blankets. Local musicians will be on hand to play Hurt's music, as well as folk-rock singer John Sebastian, who was lead singer of the group Lovin' Spoonful.
Sebastian often played harmonica with Hurt at New York coffee houses. He will be playing a tribute to Hurt on the front porch of the house on Thursday. He will also talk about Hurt and how his music influenced him. Lovin' Spoonful's hits included "Daydream" and "Summer in the City."
"I have been swamped with tremendous response," said Wright. "I am expecting a huge crowd."
Wright also said there will be a few musicians who will be coming from Chicago as well.
"This is like a healing for me," said Wright. "I see this as a coming home, bringing everyone together."
Wright is still collecting artifacts for the house, which will be open to the public. She is relying on the community who knew Hurt to bring and donate artifacts pertaining to Hurt and his life. Wright, who lives in Chicago, plans to make this an annual event with the help and support of the Hurt family.
"The house won't be open full-time just yet," Wright said. "But we are working on that."
T-shirts will be available on Thursday commemorating the event. Food and drinks will also be available during the day.
