Press Releases http://www.bbkingmuseum.orgThu, 17 May 2012 10:26:22 GMTTue, 14 Feb 2012 17:43:12 GMTDelta State University's Music Institute presents...http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/mose-allison-feb-15Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTJack McWilliamsJazz Great Mose Allison to Give Free Performance at Delta State

Composer, poet, pianist and vocalist Mose Allison will appear in concert on Wednesday, February 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the Delta State campus. The concert, titled “DSU Welcomes Mose Allison Home,” is free and open to the public.

Born in Tallahatchie County where he was influenced by the bluesman that lived and performed on his father’s farm, Allison has long lived in New York City. He has been a major influence on musicians over the last 50 years and has been touring for at least that long. His songs have been recorded by, among others, Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones, Diana Krall, John Mayall (with Eric Clapton) and Elvis Costello. His singular style, a unique blending of jazz and blues, and his profound lyrical wit mark him as a true American original. Paul Bernays of Artisan Pictures in the United Kingdom presented an hour-long documentary about his career, titled “Ever Since I Stole the Blues.”

Allison will have a busy schedule when he comes home to Mississippi. After his performance at Delta State, he will be honored in Jackson, where the Mississippi Arts Commission will present him with a Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday, February 16, at 1:00 p.m. in Wells Memorial United Methodist Church. The following day, he will be present at the Allison Mercantile Store in Tippo at 1:30 p.m. when the Mississippi Blues Commission unveils a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in his honor. Both the Governor’s Awards and the Mississippi Blues Trail unveiling are free and open to the public.

Immediately following the unveiling ceremony all are invited to the CARE building in Charleston for a reception and short program presented by CARE. Allison’s performance at Delta State is made possible by funding from the Delta State Foundation, Delta Center for Culture and Learning, the Bologna Performing Arts Center, the Tri-State Education Foundation, the Delta State College of Arts and Sciences, and the Mississippi Arts Commission.



]]>http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/mose-allison-feb-15Delta State University's Music Institute presents...http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/dmi-presents-dorothy-moore-jan-17Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTJack McWilliams

Mississippi Grammy Artist Dorothy Moore Scheduled for DMI All Access Series

The Delta Music Institute, a music industry studies program at Delta State University, will host Grammy nominated singer Dorothy Moore Tuesday, January 17, at 6:00 p.m. in Jobe Hall on the campus of Delta State University for an interactive discussion as part of the DMI All Access series. Moore will be joined by arranger Harrison Calloway, Jr. to discuss her career and the production of her new recording project. DMI All Access is a series of open forums and lectures featuring industry professionals from various areas of the music business. The series is hosted by Delta State artist in residence Steve Azar and is open to the public at no charge.

From her hit single "Misty Blue" to her latest single "Lie To Me," Dorothy Moore has warmed the hearts of millions with her songs. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Moore had a singing talent that was detected at an early age by her mother, who began buying her musical instruments and taking her to gospel programs. Ms. Moore began singing with The New Stranger Home Baptist Church Choir at age five, and eventually she became a soloist.

After graduation from Lanier High School, a recording company producer in Jackson discovered Moore and in 1966 she signed with Epic Records. While attending Jackson State University, Moore and two other students formed a female group calledThe Poppies. The Poppies worked with The Four Tops, Bobby Goldsboro, and Wilson Pickett. They recorded the hit singles "Lullaby of Love" and "He’s Ready" for Columbia Records in 1966. After performing with the Poppies, Moore established a solo career in 1976 with Malaco Records in Jackson where she recorded the Grammy-nominated hit single, "Misty Blue," which rose to #1 on the R&B charts. Two years after "Misty Blue," Dorothy recorded a second Grammy-nominated single, "I Believe You."

Moore has earned awards and recognition, including four Grammy nominations, an Image Award, NATRA Female R&B Vocalist of the Year, Billboard Magazine Award, and many other awards worldwide. Throughout her career, Moore has appeared with such stars as Lou Rawls, Al Green, B.B. King, and The Temptations. She has also appeared on such shows as "American Bandstand," "Rock Concert," "Soul Train," and "The Midnight Special.” Shehas recorded with several different recording labels,including Volt, Rejoice, GSF, Chimneyville, and Malaco. Moore now records for her own label, Farish Street Records.

Moore was honored with a sidewalk marker of her likeness in 2001 at the Alamo Theater on Farish Street in Jackson where she started her professional career. Local honors have included the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1996, Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame in 2001 and numerous Jackson Music Awards. Moore serves on the board of the Blues Foundation and B.B. King Museum Advisory Board. She tours, produces and records in Jackson.

The Delta Music Institute is an independent center of study under the College of Arts & Sciences at Delta State University, offering a B.S. in Music Industry Studies degree. The focus of the DMI is to provide students with a broad and thorough education in the technological, creative, and business areas of the music and entertainment industry. For information, contact (662) 846-4579 or visit http://dmi.deltastate.edu.





















]]>http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/dmi-presents-dorothy-moore-jan-17New Education Director Named at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centerhttp://www.bbkingmuseum.org/new-education-director-named-at-the-bb-king-museum-and-delta-interpretive-centerTue, 04 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMTBritt Hammons-Carter(Indianola, MS) – The B.B. King Museum is pleased to welcome Dina Bennett, Ph.D. to head the education and outreach efforts of the Museum. Dr. Bennett received her doctorate degree in Folklore and Ethnomusicology with a minor in African American & African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University in Bloomington. Her recent work experience includes teaching music education at the university level, teaching in public schools, and contributing biographical articles of African American blues musicians to The Grove Dictionary of American Music.
“We are so glad to have Dr. Bennett join our professional staff here at the Museum,” said Dion Brown, executive director. “She brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our work here. Education has always been at the heart of our mission, and the addition of Dr. Bennett renews this commitment.” Dr. Bennett’s experience in the museum field has been both academic and practical. She did archival work at the Kansas Historical Society, worked in the Archives of African American Music & Culture at Indiana University, and as manager of collections and exhibitions at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, where she developed exhibits as well as educational and public programs. “My love of the Blues drew me to the B.B. King Museum,” said Bennett. “As an ethnomusicologist–one who studies music and culture–I hope to help enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural and musical legacy of the Delta and its contribution to the American musical landscape.”
Dr. Bennett recently moved to Indianola from Topeka, Kansas, and she looks forward to becoming a part of the Indianola community and contributing to growth in the Delta.
For more information, please contact:
Dion Brown, Executive Director Ext. 232 dbrown@bbkingmuseum.org

]]>http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/new-education-director-named-at-the-bb-king-museum-and-delta-interpretive-centerTune in to Black History at the B.B. King Museumhttp://www.bbkingmuseum.org/tune-in-to-black-history-at-the-bb-king-museumMon, 24 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMTLora BinghamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2011

 

Tune in to Black History at the B.B. King Museum

(INDIANOLA, MS) – The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is pleased to announce its programming for the month of February 2011. Tune in to Black History will offer evenings of music, art and lectures by members of the Delta community.

Tune in to Black History kicks off on Thursday, February 3rd at 6:30 p.m. with a Student Art Exhibit Opening and reception with Washington County middle schools. Special guests include the Solomon Middle School Chorus.

Each Thursday night at 7:00 p.m., the Museum will showcase local church choirs and university choral groups. A few of the scheduled performances include Gentry High School of Indianola, United Male Chorus of Indianola and many others.

On Thursday, February 17th, the Chamber of Commerce will host Business After Hours at 5:30 p.m. at the B.B. King Museum.  Join the community in welcoming the Museum’s new Executive Director, Dion Brown. The reception will be followed by performances by Carver Middle School Chorus, Leflore High School Chorus and the choir of Delta State University.

At the end of the month, the Museum’s High Noon program will present a discussion with Dr. Leslie McLemore and Dr. Michelle Deardorff, on Friday, February 25 at noon. Both McLemore and Deardorff are professors of Political Science at Jackson State University and are founding members of the Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute on Citizenship and Democracy.

 For a complete list of performances and more details, please visit the Museum’s website at www.bbkingmuseum.org 

For more information, please contact:
Erin Mulligan at 662-887-9539, ext. 228
emulligan@bbkingmuseum.org

]]>http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/tune-in-to-black-history-at-the-bb-king-museumHigh Noon with James Hutchersonhttp://www.bbkingmuseum.org/high-noon-with-james-hutchersonMon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMTLora BinghamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2011

Brown Bag Affair – “A Lad from Lamont”

(Indianola, MS) The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center welcomes Indianola resident, James “Hutch” Hutcherson to the Museum, on Friday January 28 at noon. Mr. Hutcherson will sign copies and recount experiences detailed in his memoir, “A Lad from Lamont.”

“A Lad from Lamont” shares with its readers an intimate history of the Mississippi Delta. The memoir visits of Hutcherson’s fascinating life and depicts moments in time including the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the Great Depression and World War II.

James Hutcherson’s life story is a compelling and truly successful one. He was a decorated member of the United States Air Force, flying 49 missions in the South Pacific as a bombardier during World War II. Mr. Hutcheson had a very fruitful career as the vice-president of Lewis Grocer Company and served two terms of mayor of Indianola.

High Noon Brown Bag Luncheons are held at the B.B. King Museum on the last Friday of every month; at 12 p.m. Bring your lunch. Beverages are available for purchase. No advance reservation required.
The Museum is located at 400 Second Street, at the end of Sunflower Avenue, in Indianola.

For more information, please contact:

Erin Mulligan, Volunteer & Intern Coordinator
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
400 Second St, Indianola, MS 38751
662.887.9539 Ext. 228
emulligan@bbkingmuseum.org

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]]>http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/high-noon-with-james-hutcherson"M for Mississippi: A Roadtrip through the Birthplace of the Blues"http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/m-for-mississippi-a-roadtrip-through-the-birthplace-of-the-bluesMon, 03 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMTLora BinghamFor Immediate Release

January 3, 2011

"M for Mississippi: A Road Trip through the Birthplace of the Blues"

(Indianola, MS) – The B.B. King Museum welcomes filmmakers Jeff Konkel of Broke & Hungry Records, Kari Jones of Mudpuppy Recordings and Roger Stolle of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. The visiting artists will provide a brief introduction before the screening of "M for Mississippi" and conduct a Q&A afterward. We are suggesting a $3 donation at the door.

This timely road movie explores the thriving underbelly of a dying American art form in the land where it began – Mississippi. Filmed as a weeklong journey through the birthplace of the blues, "M for Mississippi" captures the proverbial "real deal" in its home where it is most comfortable and authentic – the jukes, the front yards, the cotton fields.

More than just a collection of concert performances, the film collects the sounds, the images and the feel of both the performers and their native landscape – an environment essential to their livelihoods and inseparable from their art. Cultivating the fertile ground between such landmark theatrical travelogues as "Buena Vista Social Club" and "Deep Blues," "M for Mississippi" appeals to more than just the average blues fan.

By showcasing such a fascinating foreign land so close to home, the filmmakers hope to inspire countless others to make their own road trips down Mississippi’s blue highways.

Featured blues musicians include Foster “Mr. Tater” Wiley, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Wesley “Junebug” Jefferson, R.L. Boyce & Steve “Lightnin’” Malcolm, Pat Thomas, James “T-Model” Ford, Mississippi Marvel, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Cadillac John & Bill Abel, Robert “Bilbo” Walker, Robert “Wolfman” Belfour and LC Ulmer.

Please visit the official movie website at: www.mformississippi.com

For more information, please contact Erin Mulligan at 662-887-9539 ext. 228

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]]>http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/m-for-mississippi-a-roadtrip-through-the-birthplace-of-the-bluesKeeping the Blues alive in Indianolahttp://www.bbkingmuseum.org/keeping-the-blues-alive-in-indianolaMon, 03 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMTLora BinghamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3, 2010

Keeping the Blues Alive in Indianola

(INDIANOLA, MS) – The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center welcomes blues musician and educator, Spencer Bohren, to Indianola. Bohren will present his award-winning documentary performance Down the Dirt Home Blues at Carver Elementary and Merritt Middle Schools on Thursday, January 13th and Moorhead Middle and Indianola Academy on Friday, January 14th. There will be an evening performance and reception with the artist on Thursday, January 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Museum. Tickets for this event will be available that evening - $5 for members, $10 for non-members and FREE when guests present a receipt dated 1/13 from any Indianola restaurant.

Born in wind-swept Casper, Wyoming, Spencer's gospel-singing parents provided the foundation for a musical style and career that remain healthy after more than four decades. Like all of the Bohren children, Spencer learned to sing around the same time he learned to speak in sentences. Influenced by greats such as Hank Williams and Elvis Presley, he spent hours gathered around a piano, singing with the family choir. Spencer says, "My mother didn't have boys and girls. To her we were sopranos, altos and tenors." The family sang in churches, schools and nursing homes around the state in every conceivable combination: duos, trios, quartets, quintets, solo, and full ensemble.

Spencer Bohren’s music resonates with the ambience of rivers, roads and bayous of the American South. He has an incredible gift for sharing his great love of traditional folk, blues, gospel and country music with audiences of all ages. In January 2010, Bohren received The Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive in Education Award (KBA) in Memphis, TN. The KBA recognizes the significant contributions to blues music made by the people behind the scenes. Each is selected on the basis of merit by a panel of blues professionals.

For more information, please contact:

Erin Mulligan, Volunteer Coordinator
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
662.887.9539 Ext 228
emulligan@bbkingmuseum.org

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