STLBlues Reviews :: 2009 Arkansas Blues Heritage Festival

STLBlues at the 2009 Arkansas Blues Heritage Festival

By Big Dave

The Cate Brothers

The 2009 Arkansas Blues Heritage Festival (AKA the King Biscuit) just ended, and even with grey skies, rain, and enough mud to suck your shoes off, it was a great one, earning a 5 on the STLBluesometer.

There's something about the King Biscuit that's a magical music magnet, pulling music fans from the farthest reaches of the globe. From the main stage to the street musicians, the atmosphere everywhere taps into the rich blues history of the area, which spawned legends like Sonny Boy Williamson, or 'Sunshine' Sonny Payne of KFFA radio - still on the air today!

Festival highlights included the St. Louis talent of Arthur Williams, and the Cate Brothers, Michael Burks, Bobby Rush, Hamilton Loomis, Deak Harp, John Primer, Reba Russell, and of course the elder of the Blues, Pinetop Perkins!

Part of the entire experience includes some visiting over in Tent City, where Mayor Mike oversees a fun-filled group of campers and RV'ers, and countless campfire jams featuring so much talent. You may not know that Michael Burks creates as much pleasure from his grillmaster skillls as he does his music, but the residents of Tent City know!

ABOUT THE FEST

The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival, is one of the nation’s foremost showcases of blues music. Held for three days annually in October, tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts converge on historic downtown Helena, AR to hear stirring and uplifting performances of an American art form on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Founded in 1986, the first festival was a one-day event, with a small gathering of local residents and a flatbed truck as a stage. Since then, the festival has grown to a three-day event, with three stages and several activities, such as the Kenneth Freemyer 5K Run, the Blues in Schools program, and the Tour da’ Delta bicycle tour

While you're in Helena for the fest, wander down Cherry St. and visit 'Sunshine' Sonny Payne of KFFA Radio fame, and the Delta Cultural Center. Venture over to Clarksdale, MS. for some stops you must make - The Riverside Hotel and 'Rat', the Delta Blues Museum, Ground Zero Blues Club, Red's Juke Joint, The Depot Blues Club, Sarah's Kitchen, Cat Head, Abe's BBQ, the list goes on and on. The base of operations for STLBlues is just outside of Clarksdale at the Cotton Gin Inn, part of the well known Shack Up Inn - featuring the Juke Joint Chapel

The Crossroads sign at the intersection of Hwys 49 and 61 is always a good kodak moment, and no, it's not the true crossroads, but the turista's sure love it!

Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon (music promotion, media relations & marketing communications) was on the scene, and of course the gang from the Blues Foundation drove down from Memphis. As a Blues Highway travel adventure, just point yourself south from Memphis on Hwy. 61, past the casinos of Tunica, and you're there.

It's a world class Blues adventure. Make it your own journey, or hook up with someone like Amanda and the Delta Music Experience, and let her be your guide! Either way, it's a spectacular way to experience the roots of this art form we call the Blues. Kudo's to Bubba, Jerry, Rosie, and the folks who make this festival one of the finest you'll find anywhere. Mark your calendars now to attend the 2010 Arkansas Blues Heritage Festival, and tell them STLBlues sent you!

Publishers note -- Still need more festival in 2009? Join us for the Blues City Deli's 5th Anniversary Street Festival, and be sure to stop by our booth!

Enjoy our image gallery of the 2009 Arkansas Blues Heritage Festival
Click on buttons below, drag the thumbnail panel where you want, and enjoy the show!