The Mississippi Blues Fest has established itself as a consistent tourist draw, according to the chairman of the nonprofit committee that runs it.
Andrew McQueen said fans have been traveling to Greenwood from places such as Detroit, Texas, Wisconsin and Atlanta for the event since it began four years ago.
He said they can’t get that kind of live music “until they come down south to Mississippi.”
Another night of merrymaking is at hand for those fans on Saturday. Doors for the Blues Fest open at 5:30 p.m. at the Leflore County Civic Center, and the show begins at 7.
“Man, it’s a great opportunity for a family reunion. Get to see old friends, hang out with my fans. ... It’s a blessing,” said Bigg Robb, one of the performers.
He’s a veteran of the music business. At just 44, he said he’s been singing for 30 years. He started traveling at 18 with Zapp and Roger and spends about 50 weeks a year on the road.
He said God has blessed him to be able to do what he loves.
“I love entertaining. I love making people feel good,” Bigg Robb said.
Others on the card Saturday are Willie Clayton, O.B. Buchana and Kenne Wayne.
The future of blues shows at the Civic Center was in doubt after a show put on by Ruben Hughes left. Not wanting to lose the tourism draw it created, a nonprofit committee formed to host a concert of its own.
The first was in October 2008, and it has been held every March and October since.
The committee advertises throughout the state on radio and plans to use magazines, McQueen said. The Blues Fest website brings in a lot of interest, too, he said.
The county-owned Civic Center, which McQueen is executive director of, gets a 10 percent cut of the ticket sales plus a $1 facility fee added to each ticket.
The nonprofit committee uses profits to put on the next show, he said.
Tickets are available at the Civic Center and Harris Shoe Repair in Greenwood, along with other businesses in Grenada, Greenville, Winona, Belzoni, Clarksdale, Cleveland and Itta Bena.
Advance tickets are $26. To reserve a table or charge tickets by phone, contact the Civic Center box office at 453-4065.
• Contact Charlie Smith at 581-7235 or csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
