Jackson Free Press

I'm very happy to report that the first R&B Festival held in Jackson was an overall success. The crowds were on hand. The weather was perfect. The music was awesome.

Depending on what stage you were at, some were standing room room only. I really liked the way the organizers laid out the map for the event. There were three stages that were indoors, therefore allowing attendees to go inside, cool off, and sit down to have a bite to eat. Each stage I visited always had a great show going on, so audiences never lacked solid entertainment.

I liked that the music line-up was a perfect mix of Jackson's R&B royalty like Bobby Rush, Dorothy Moore, Denise LaSalle along with newer artists like Jarekus Singleton and Grady Champion. This was a great opportunity for people to get to see these folks in their element and they brought their A-game with each of their performances. In addition to these performers, people also got to see touring acts like Jesse Dee, Nikki Hill and the Alex Wilson Band. All were pretty great on their own merits.

Then there were the headliners like Dr. John, Mint Condition, Tab Benoit, and Bettye Lavette. Lavette's performance in particular was something special. This woman performed material by people like Gnarls Barkley and Lucinda Williams and totally owned it. Tab Benoit managed to blow everyone's minds with his brand of zydeco-blues. Dr. John brought the voodoo and pleased the crowds with material from his latest album Locked Down along with hits like "Right Place and Wrong Time" and "Such A Night."

The food was local and plenty. Big Apple Inn, Country Fisherman, and Penn's were all there to serve up some of Jackson's diverse cuisine. Festival-goers had their choice from pig ears to pan-fried trout. In others words, no one went hungry.

The weather was more than cooperative as temperatures were fairly mild for late August. The biggest plus is that there was no rain.

I can honestly say the first Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival was a success and those that were there will likely tell you the same.

TB