live broadcast

T-shirts, hats and other cool festival merchandise. 10 am until 5:30 pm

MPB's Next Stop Mississippi—with Germaine Flood and Kamel King—broadcast live from the 22nd annual Juke Joint Festival, showcasing Team Ghost Riders (monkeys riding dogs herding sheep), blues musician Anthony "Big A" Sherrod, Visit Clarksdale Tourism and more!

Buy Friday, April 11th: $60 each, while quantities last. Sat.-night ONLY Wristband valid 20+ official JJF venues. Details on website. jukejointfestival.com.

FREE! First of four shows... a must see! Pontotoc, Mississippi's own Tim Lepard and his team entertain all with... YES... Monkeys Riding Dogs Herding Sheep aka The Ghost Riders. Plan a field trip, bring a group and enjoy the show. Sponsored by Southern Bancorp. Co-sponsored by Westgate Drugs and Jane & Jim Wilbourn.

FREE! Second of four shows... a must see! Pontotoc, Mississippi's own Tim Lepard and his team entertain all with... YES... Monkeys Riding Dogs Herding Sheep aka The Ghost Riders. Plan a field trip, bring a group and enjoy the show. Sponsored by Southern Bancorp. Co-sponsored by Westgate Drugs and Jane & Jim Wilbourn.

Blues musicians including Ghalia Volt, "Brotha" Ric Patton and Peggy "Lady Trucker" Hemphill interviewed inside Meraki for Juke Joint Festival.

Blues musicians including John Primer, Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport and Anthony "Big A" Sherrod interviewed inside Meraki for Juke Joint Festival.

FREE! Third of four shows... a must see! Pontotoc, Mississippi's own Tim Lepard and his team entertain all with... YES... Monkeys Riding Dogs Herding Sheep aka The Ghost Riders. Plan a field trip, bring a group and enjoy the show. Sponsored by Southern Bancorp. Co-sponsored by Westgate Drugs and Jane & Jim Wilbourn.

Join us as we celebrate all that is good in the Mississippi Delta! We will begin at the Dutch Oven (300 block of Issaquena), journey through downtown Clarksdale. We hope you will plan to be apart of this new adventure of promoting what is GOOD in Clarksdale. Get a float going, play a musical instrument, dress a part and celebrate spring and our festival! Our 2025 Juke Joint Bride and Groom TBA will lead our parade followed by the Juke Joint King and Queen (TBA), Juke Joint Baby (girl) and Juke Joint Baby boy (TBA) Look forward to celebrating ya'll!

FREE! FINAL SHOW... a must see! Pontotoc, Mississippi's own Tim Lepard and his team entertain all with... YES... Monkeys Riding Dogs Herding Sheep aka The Ghost Riders. Plan a field trip, bring a group and enjoy the show. Sponsored by Southern Bancorp. Co-sponsored by Westgate Drugs and Jane & Jim Wilbourn.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI presents a free-to-the-public, live taping of Thacker Mountain Radio Hour on the Red Panther Brewing Co. Stage — featuring blues stars Charlie Musselwhite, Kenny Brown & Duwayne Burnside, NY Times bestselling author Ace Atkins ("Crossroads Blues," "Don't Let the Devil Ride"), host Jim Dees, and house band The Yalobushwackers. The show will later broadcast statewide in MS & AL plus parts of TN and even in Taos, NM!

Dutch businessman — and EXTREME music fan — Theo "Boogieman" Dasbach had a lifelong plan. Upon his retirement from a career that moved him from The Netherlands to New York City, he would settle in Memphis, TN, and bring his Holland-based hobby, the Rock 'N Roll Museum, with him. Then, he made a fateful pilgrimage to Clarksdale, MS — not the sleepy ghosttown he'd visited years before but the re- energized blues mecca of modern times. Shifting plans dramatically, he looked at a vintage downtown property and then next day put money down on what would soon become Clarksdale's fabulous Rock & Blues Museum.

https://theodasbach.com/

Bill Abel learned first hand from Delta blues legends of the likes of Paul “Wine" Jones, Cadillac John Nolden, T Model Ford, and Honey Boy Edwards. Bill plays a hard driving electrified country blues, a gritty unorthodox modern day juke joint sound, unique in its own. He has toured Europe and the United States headlining many festivals.

http://billabel.com

Lucious Spiller was born in St.Louis, MO. At an early age, he discovered that God had blessed him with a special gift. His dad gave him a guitar when he was four. Immediately he was a natural, he started out playing in church. Lucious has performed with countless well known musicians to include Bo Diddly, Larry “Totsy” Davis, Albert King, Eddie Clearwater, Robert Cray. He has been opening act for such artists as the legendary Ritchie Havens’ Bobby “Blue” Bland and the infamous Tower of Power, Zach Brown, and many others. His music is an energized mix of new blues and old school injected with a contemporary edge. His songs are brought to vivid life by his unlimited energy.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueSpiller/

Reverend Robert is known for his genuine conviction and honest delivery. His passion for the blues led him to the prewar blues style of Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, and other delta blues giants. Having immersed himself in their recordings, Reverend Robert emerged with an authentic feeling for the blues that is matched by his easy-going and artistic personality. Reverend Robert’s tasteful slide guitar playing garnered the attention of the National Slide Guitar Festival in North Carolina where he took first place in their competition in 2004. He has entertained audiences throughout the United States, Canada, the U.K., Europe, and India. In the past two decades he has developed his one-man blues show to incorporate the influences of jazz, ragtime, and swing, as well as Caribbean, Hawaiian, African and Indian music. The perfect combination of tradition and creative innovation, the Reverend’s music is at home on festival stages or in the street, in clubs or in the backyard. Its dance music played with a stomping beat and irresistible groove.

https://www.revrobert.com/

New and classic blues brought to you from Ventura, California by Delta by the Beach. This lively quartet brings jumping blues, funky-swamp sounds and exhilarating dance grooves to the party. “Our feet are on the beach but our hearts are in Mississippi ”

http://www.deltabythebeach.com

Alessandro Ponti & Da Bones Man. If you've never heard a pro Bones player before, you should definitely check out Da Bones Man. A true master of the art. Joined by Alessandro, a native of Milan Italy is a virtuoso on his acoustic guitar. It's amazing to hear someone from across the world who can play authentic Delta Blues.

https://rhythmbones.com/player-profiles/sepalla-randy/

Joe Batterton and Mark Edwards are an acoustic blues duo from North Central Arkansas. Their sound is centered around the acoustic Delta Blues of the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta. Even their original songs have a grounded, organic feel to them reminiscent of a time long gone but somehow still very relevant. Their influences range from Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt to Doc Watson which has allowed them to develop their own spin on the country blues. They recently won the Blues Challenge with the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas.

https://www.battertonandedwards.com/press-kit

Angel "Cash" Ocasio, Jr., a prominent figure in Macon's music scene, leads Cash's Juke Joint, a powerhouse band delivering soul-stirring music. Rooted in Blues, Sacred Steel, Soul, Funk, and Rock, their groovy fusion captivates audiences. Hailing from Macon, GA, the band, comprised of seasoned musicians, boasts a rich history playing diverse venues. Cash's Juke Joint has shared stages with icons like Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott and The Legendary Wailers, showcasing their raw and uncut sound. Known for getting straight to the nitty-gritty, experiencing the dynamic vibes of Cash's Juke Joint live is a must for music enthusiasts.

http://cashsjukejoint.com

Baptized in the fire water of Clarksdale, MS., Sean “Bad” Apple began his spiritual journey of learning the blues by seeking out the old blues musicians that were willing to share their years of knowledge. Sean is working hard to keep Hill Country Blues alive and well. People are always in for a good show and never leave disappointed when the Bad Apple is on the stage

Some folks play the blues while some write about it and present it as their own because it is. Ray Cashman is the latter. This guy is the real deal. His songs are on the radio around the world and his European show date list alone would be the envy of anybody looking to expand internationally. Growing up on the upper Texas coast, his music is referred to as gulf coast gumbo as it is made up of multiple regional influences both current and from the past. Cashman has had his music featured in NBC sitcom " Council Of Dads" and the movie " The Good House" starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline. Cashman's 2007 release Texassippi Stomp which featured Jimbo Mathus,(Squirrel Nut Zippers, Buddy Guy) was widely praised and placed on a number of critics year end best of lists for blues recordings. Cashman has toured England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary and the USA from the Gulf Coast to Canada and sea to shining sea. Cashman has performed at such notable festivals as SXSW- TX, Swing Wespelaar- BE, Drijf in Blues festival- NL, King Biscuit Blues Festival - AR, Le Blues Autour Du Zinc- FR, Juke Joint Festival-MS, Lucca Blues Festival- IT, Deep Blues festival-MS. Cashman has released 9 full, studio albums with the latest being 2023 "Delta Sound" After living for over 20 years in music cities such as Austin and Nashville, Cashman resides in the birthplace of the Blues, Clarksdale, MS

https://raycashman.net/bio

Deak Harp and Grammy winning drummer Quicksand Martin.

I was born & raised in the South of France and at an early age I knew that I wanted to be in America fullfilling my dreams of being a professional musician. I made the big leap in the spring of 2001 and moved to Hollywood, CA with nothing but a guitar, a change of clothes and $200 in my pocket. Call it luck or fate but 3 weeks into my stay in the City of Angels I ran into Shooter Jennings and promptly joined his band Stargunn. The first two years in California saw my dreams coming true by meeting and playing with some of my childhood heroes (Waylon Jennings, Slash, Tom Morello and James Hetfield to name a few…) Since my early American beginnings, I’ve played guitar for the likes of Stoney LaRue, Billy Joe Shaver and Jack Ingram as band leader! In the past few years, I’ve expended my craft to singing, writing, recording & performing my own music both as Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers and more recently as Guitar Frenchie. To pursue my career as a solo artist, I’ve moved full time to Clarksdale, MS arguably the home of the Blues to continue pushing my boundaries, recognizing and respecting the tradition of the birthplace of America’s music!

https://www.facebook.com/guitarfrenchie/

Miami Florida based blues band, fronted by Miami born artist Christopher Mullins. Embracing a roots blues tradition, “The Mojo Hands” perform all over Miami and the United States, playing Rockin’ Blues, Boogie, and Country Blues. See less

Ramblin' Dan Stevens performs an eclectic mix of traditional fingerstyle blues and originals. He has entertained audiences throughout the US, Germany, UK, Canada and Virgin Islands. Of special interest is his use of a homemade, three stringed "Cigar Box Guitar" and one stringed "Diddly Bow". As a finalist in the International Blues Challenge on Beale St. in Memphis TN and protege of the legendary folk/blues icon Dave Van Ronk, Dan has been lauded for his ability as a raconteur and for the authenticity of his approach gained by many years on the road as a traveling blues musician.

https://youtu.be/UDvWwn_m2GM

In the realm of music, where the echoes of the past harmonize with the beats of the present, emerges a figure who embodies both timelessness and timeliness. CRUZ The Dame, is a rising recording artist and songwriter whose work transcends genres, blending the rich essence of old soul with a fresh, contemporary sound. CRUZ's Vintage Music style is a testament to her artistry, seamlessly weaving together influences from gospel, blues, R&B, jazz, and pop. Her music evokes the nostalgia of classic tunes that once filled dance halls and jukeboxes while infusing it with her own unique flair and modern sensibility. Beyond her musical prowess, CRUZ exudes a magnetic presence, characterized by her signature Pin-Up Girl style and vibrant aesthetic palette. She effortlessly embodies seduction and sophistication, captivating audiences with her bold yet refined persona. CRUZ The Dame, the self-professed Southern Dame, embraces her multicultural background, using her music as a platform to bridge racial divides and celebrate diversity. Her lyrics resonate with passion and authenticity, reflecting her personal experiences and worldview. Critics praise CRUZ for her ability to revive the timeless essence of traditional Black American music (blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock and roll, soul, jazz, etc.), while infusing it with her own contemporary twist. With each performance, she captivates audiences of all ages, showcasing a depth of talent and charisma that transcends generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3wD6Wl4mI8

Some folks play the blues while some write about it and present it as their own because it is. Ray Cashman is the latter. This guy is the real deal. His songs are on the radio around the world and his European show date list alone would be the envy of anybody looking to expand internationally. Growing up on the upper Texas coast, his music is referred to as gulf coast gumbo as it is made up of multiple regional influences both current and from the past. Cashman has had his music featured in NBC sitcom " Council Of Dads" and the movie " The Good House" starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline. Cashman's 2007 release Texassippi Stomp which featured Jimbo Mathus,(Squirrel Nut Zippers, Buddy Guy) was widely praised and placed on a number of critics year end best of lists for blues recordings. Cashman has toured England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary and the USA from the Gulf Coast to Canada and sea to shining sea. Cashman has performed at such notable festivals as SXSW- TX, Swing Wespelaar- BE, Drijf in Blues festival- NL, King Biscuit Blues Festival - AR, Le Blues Autour Du Zinc- FR, Juke Joint Festival-MS, Lucca Blues Festival- IT, Deep Blues festival-MS. Cashman has released 9 full, studio albums with the latest being 2023 "Delta Sound" After living for over 20 years in music cities such as Austin and Nashville, Cashman resides in the birthplace of the Blues, Clarksdale, MS

https://raycashman.net/bio

Veterans of the Chicago blues scene, the Downtown Charlie Brown Blues Band makes its Juke Joint Festival debut, y'all!

http://downtowncharliebrown.com/

Ryan Lee Crosby blends echoes of Mississippi, Mali, and India into songs that speak from—and to—the heart. Produced by Fat Possum's Bruce Watson, Crosby's latest "Winter Hill Blues" evokes the essence of Mississippi, refracted by influences of Indian slide guitar. The sound is forged from his life as a traveling musician and studies with Jimmy "Duck" Holmes and RL Boyce. “Of all traditions, what speaks to me most is the Bentonia blues,” Crosby relates. "It expresses all emotions: joy, sorrow and everything in between. The blues shows us how to have compassion for ourselves and others. Its lessons are endless.”

https://ryanleecrosby.com/video

The youngest guitar playing son of North Mississippi blues legend Junior Kimbrough keeps his father's "cotton patch soul blues" sounds alive at jukes, clubs and festivals throughout the South. Robert and his band are regulars at Juke Joint Festival, having played the annual event for years. Ask him about his latest CD.

https://robertkimbroughsr.com/

Veterans of the Chicago blues scene, the Downtown Charlie Brown Blues Band makes its Juke Joint Festival debut, y'all!

http://downtowncharliebrown.com/

A true blue legend of Chicago blues—who was born in Mississippi—John Primer has played with everyone who's anyone in the blues and taken home multiple awards. Don't miss his very special performances at Clarksdale's Juke Joint Festival! Also, be sure to buy his brand-new CD, "Grown in Mississippi."

https://www.johnprimerblues.com

John Krupa Project started in New Orleans, LA (and has recently relocated to Austin, TX) and play deep groove, blues-based rock'n'roll. John Krupa cut his teeth playing punk rock in Connecticut and Minneapolis, MN in the '90s and since then he's lived on the west coast and continued his journey into the deep south where the roots of American music– rock'n'roll, blues, and soul continue to influence and guide his sound. While focussing on writing and recording his original songs, he is not ashamed to wear his influences on his sleeves– Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, The Faces, Allman Brothers Band, North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Stax records style soul, Tony Joe White, Black Crowes, as well as proto-punk and garage bands like The Stooges, The Clash, MC5 and The Sonics. The sound that comes out is a product of the experiences lived.

https://johnkrupaproject.com/

Guitarist, Jesse Cotton Stone, is a Colorado-Born, American Highway-Raised, Blues Man. He began teaching himself to play blues guitar by ear, starting at the age of 11. And he's been pickin' his guts out all over the U.S. since 1994. Jesse has toured from Colorado to the Bayous of Southern Louisiana several times and has performed multiple shows at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR., the Juke Joint Festival and Deep Blues Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, not to mention Juke joints Road houses and other small venues throughout the region.

https://jessecottonstone.com/home

BIOGRAPHY Nicknamed "Bird" for his melodious style of singing, Bird Williams, a native Memphian, but well known throughout the United States, will take you anywhere you want to go in your mind, spirit, and soul with his outrageous and soulful vocals. Singing since the age of eight, "Bird" comes from a bloodline of gifted singers including his father, uncles, and younger brother, the renowned gospel artist, Chris Williams, has that "old skool" flow that pulls listeners directly into the songs he sing. "Bird" has shared the stage with many great and timeless singers including: The Whispers, The Barkays, Karen White, Carl Thomas, Keith Sweat, Bobby Rush, and one he truly admires, Mr. Frankie Beverly. Some of his hit songs include: Sometimes Man, My Desire, Turn Around Electric Lady, Green Grass, Special One, Heaven. With a passion and gift to sing all genres of music, this is just the beginning!

Laura "Lala" Craig is a female blues artist whose rollicking path to the Delta landed her at the Crossroads of her passions for love and music, fulfilling her dream to become an entertainer and share her harmony with partner, Dino Musso.

https://lalacraig.com

Carlos Elliot, a Colombian band, pioneers Hill Country Blues in Latin America. Influenced by Mississippi Delta legends like James T-Model Ford, Big Jack Johnson, and RL Boyce, their unique blend of blues, rock, funk, soul, and ancestral rhythms has captivated audiences worldwide. Their music bridges cultures, generations, and continents, exploring universal themes of love, struggle, and hope.