Exhibit

Grand Opening Photos

Billy Branch conducts his band of young harpists from the dock of the Museum's restored cotton gin.
(l to r) Museum board member Victor Byas with board attorney, Johnny McWilliams.
Mr. King is greeted by Museum executive director, Connie Gibbons, as he arrives on Thursday, September 11 for his first visit to the Museum.
Volunteers and staff prepare for the rush of special guests at the Sponsors’ Preview event.
B.B. fields questions from an admiring throng of journalists backed up by executive director Connie Gibbons.
The drape has been removed from the sign by Mr. King and the Museum is officially opened for business.
Members of the national and international press clamor for time with the "King of the Blues."
More than 1,000 young people turn out to perform in a mass harmonica performance to honor Mr. King. The performance was coordinated by the B.B. King Museum and conducted by one of Chicago's premier harp players, Billy Branch.
Two of the Museum's staunchest supporters, Donna Barksdale and Carol Puckett.
An appreciative audience crowds the stage for the all-star lineup, including blues legends B.B. King and Bobby Bland.
The Museum gift shop was the scene of much activity, with live performances by many artists, including Jesse Robinson - veteran blues guitarist/singer from Jackson, Mississippi.
Mr. King is greeted in the lobby by Museum staff member, Cassandra Barnett.
Board member Randy Randall (left) welcomes Fred and Margaret Carl and Lee Paris.
Masters of ceremony, Donna Barksdale and Carver Randle welcome the crowd to the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.
Second District Congressman Bennie Thompson and Museum president Bill McPherson
Thousands of badges await the arrival of our grand opening guests.
Mississippi Army National Guard Honor Guard presents the colors at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dorothy Moore, best known for her 1976 hit song, "Misty Blue," performing the National Anthem.
B.B. King Museum board president, BIll McPherson, addresses the crowd.
(l to r) Museum board member Gwen Triplett and her husband Jerry, with Grace Byas.
The restored cotton gin serves as a gallery and featured an exhibition of paintings by area artists during the opening.
Florist, caterers, musicians, staff and contractors of every kind worked feverishly to meet our deadlines.
The XM Radio team broadcasting live from the grand opening ceremony. The voice of Bluesvile, Bill Wax (center) assisted by Blues Foundation executive director, Jay Sielenman (right).
Recording artists Robert Cray, Keb Mo and Kenny Wayne Shepherd with grand opening musical director Vince Barranco.
Bobby Bland delights the sponsors and their guests.
B.B. King, Robert Cray and Bobby "Blue" Bland perform.
The King of the Blues is all smiles as he leads an impressive lineup of fellow guitarists and singers.
(l to r) United States Senator Thad Cochran; Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant and R&B singer Dorothy Moore.
Indianola, Mississippi Mayor Arthur Marble, welcomes grand opening guests.
The retail store is a very popular place for first-time visitors.
Thousands of visitors made the pilgrimage to the B.B. King Museum Grand Opening and were very patient as long lines were often the order of the day.
Museum board member Jim Abbott (left) joins Connie Gibbons (right) in welcoming Charles Sawyer, author of The Arrival of B.B. King, and his wife, Cherie. Charles served as a consultant from the outset of the Museum project and was a wonderfully reliable r
Thursday, September 11 was family and friends day, giving those closest to Mr. King a sneak preview of the new Museum. Several hundred invited guests attended.
Despite temporary landscaping and a looming thunderstorm, the Sponsors’ Preview event was a huge success.