Blues musician and historian Bill Abel of Duncan will present a Mississippi Delta blues program and performance at Greenwood Matinee Musicale’s Thursday meeting.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hut, 202 E. Claiborne Ave. It is free and open to the public.
“The group wanted to do a roots music — the kind of music I play that evolved in the Mississippi Delta — program. That’s the type of music I grew up playing,” said Abel.
Abel, who is well known in the Mississippi Delta and elsewhere in the state, has been on worldwide tours, including seven tours throughout Europe, and also has toured all over the United States.
On Thursday, Abel will talk to the audience about the evolution of Delta blues music from the pre-World War II era forward. He’ll play different styles of blues music while explaining its history. He also will be available to answer questions.
“A blues program is as American as apple pie,” said Carolyn Sturdivant of Matinee Musicale. “This is the first time we’ve ever held a program specifically targeting the blues.”
Abel will also bring instruments such as a cigar box guitar made from driftwood found on the Mississippi River and a handcrafted diddley bow.
“We hope this program will help promote the blues in Greenwood and make more people aware of its unique contributions to the music scene from our own backyard,” said Sturdivant. “It’s going to be a very entertaining and educational presentation.”
Abel is on the artist roster of the Mississippi Arts Commission and a speaker on the history of the Delta blues for the Mississippi Humanities Council. He has made similar presentations throughout the Delta.
The program, hosted by Greenwood Matinee Musicale in conjunction with the National Federation of Music Clubs, is part of the observance and celebration of American Music Month in November.
Each year, Matinee Musicale chooses different bands or musicians in November to promote American music.
“The blues has been very influential in modern-day music. So many musicians have been influenced by the blues, from Eric Clapton to the Beatles to the Rolling Stones,” said Sturdivant. “I think everyone who attends will go home knowing more about the blues and the instruments that accompany blues vocalists.”
Abel said he has enjoyed performing in Greenwood in the past at Webster’s and at Honeyboy Edwards’ homecoming in the Baptist Town community.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
