The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center invites blues fans from around the globe to attend the 8th annual Exit 56 Blues Fest May 26-27 in Brownsville, TN. The festival, presented from the porch of the last home of blues legend Sleepy John Estes, will showcase two full days of blues performances hosted by N Da Kno’s Jazzii A, an entertainment industry veteran that has toured with Bobby Rush.

“To see dedicated blues fans return to Brownsville and to welcome new audiences to the festival each year is both a pleasure and honor,” says Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Executive Director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

The Exit 56 Blues Fest features live music from an eclectic gathering of blues men and women, arts and crafts, car and motorcycle cruise in/corvette car show, and the famous deep-fried barbecue eating competition.

Saturday, May 26
• 10 am: Tyler Goodson
• 11 am: Elam McKnight Band
• Noon: Doctor Ocular
• 1 pm: Sean “Bad” Apple
• 2 pm: Maxwell Russell & The Shakedown Kings
• 3 pm: Linzie Butler & the Blues Gentlemen
• 3:45 pm: Car Show Winner Announcement
• 4:30 pm: Deep Fried BBQ Eating Contest
• 5 pm: Dylan Whitney Band
• 6 pm: Lucious Spiller
• 7 pm: Little Boys Blue
• 8 pm: Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers
• 9 pm: Al Corte’
Sunday, May 27 - Women in Blues Showcase
• 10 am: Sandy Carroll
• 11 am: Joyce Henderson
• 12 pm: Barbara Blue
• 1 pm: Queen Ann
• 2 pm: Reba Russell
• 3 pm: Lorina McMinn
• 4 pm: Women in Blues Jam

Admission is free. Those looking for more information about the event can visit www.Exit56Blues.com or call or email the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center at the following: 731-779-9000 or info@westtnheritage.com.

The 2018 Exit 56 Blues Fest is presented by the following sponsors: WBBJ- Channel 7 in Jackson, TN, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Jammin’ Jackson 97.7 FM, WHHG-The Hog 92.3, N Da Kno with Jazzii A on WNDK Radio, Music on the Couch Internet radio, Cascades – IFC Disposables, Hub City Blueprint, CoreCivic – Whiteville Correctional Facility and Brownsville Press.

Small World of Cotton Exhibit Opens April 28
Explore the world of cotton through miniature farm creations by West Tennessee “Toy Farmer” Darryl Cox. These 1/16th scale scratch-built farm toys tell the story of cotton ginning and the use of more modern day farm equipment. The exhibit officially becomes part of the West Tennessee Cotton Museum during an opening reception Saturday, April 28.

Bluegrass Jamboree returns May 12

Bluegrass music takes center stage during the 2nd annual Hatchie Bottom Bluegrass Jamboree Saturday, May 12, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The free event will features bands from the Jackson, Tenn., based Golden Circle Opry. Stage performances will take place from 4 - 8 p.m.

Featured bands include Coley and Marilyn Graves and Friends of Bartlett, Tenn., Hatchie Bottom Boys of Corinth, Miss., Providence Road and Possum Road Band of Jackson.

Shade tree pickers are invited to perform before and after the stage performances. Vendors will be onsite and basket weaving demonstrations will be going on.

There is limited bleacher seating and attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for more comfortable seating. Concessions will be available. The event occurs rain or shine.

For more information, contact the Center at 731-779-9000 or info@westtnheritage.com.