Robert Johnson International Juke Joint Festival

Location: F. Jones Corner / Farish Street Historic District

Friday, October 7, 2011 (JSU Homecoming Weekend) marks the centennial birthday of the blues legend that shaped American music.

The “RJ” Juke Joint celebration is a Thumpin’ concert extravaganza that salutes the “King of Delta Blues” and the popular American music genre called the blues.

This outdoor event will take place in downtown Jackson, Mississippi along the corridors of the legendary Farish Street historic district a haven of black culture and economic development in the south.

Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music which is why Robert Johnson Centennial events are crucial to tourism, economic development and music history. In order to reclaim that which has been adopted by cities such as Memphis and Chicago, Mississippi must celebrate its native son Robert Johnson and the music he helped to inspire.

The history of blues music was shaped by the Mississippi Juke Joint where music, food, libations and the sounds of the African American cultural experience were created and celebrated. By hosting the Robert Johnson celebrations on Farish Street, Mississippi places emphasis on an area that is a source of pride and nostalgia for so many.

Today, generations of cultures and people connect to the blues. Memphis has the persona of Elvis Presley and the International blues competition and other events that embrace the musical heritage of that community. Mississippi has Robert Johnson, one of the ambassadors of American popular music and now the International Juke Joint Festival.

The event will feature performances by the newly formed Robert Johnson International Blues Review featuring Steven Johnson, grandson of Robert Johnson, International musician and performer, Vasti Jackson, and others!

Event times: 8 pm – 11 pm
Location: Farish Street Historic District
Downtown Jackson, Mississippi
Tickets: Purchase at Ticketmaster online or at the event