Ms. Addie Brent

Ms. Addie Brent, President

The concert was canceled last year because of Hurricane Katrina, but enthusiasm about the festival's return has been building for weeks, said Addie Brent, a commissioner with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues Commission.

"They (residents) look forward to the festival and we're happy to have it for them again," Brent said."It's a good thing we can continue to do it ... give them a weekend of fun."

Because Jackson County government offices are still using the B.E. "Mac" McGinty Civic Center after being displaced by Katrina, there will be no gospel shows tied in with the festival as in years past.

Brent said the festival continues to serve as a "must attend" event that not only promotes family-oriented fun, but also is a major tourist attraction in Jackson County.With so many Katrina volunteers still in the area, she said the fan base should grow this year.

Students from seventh grade through college are invited to enter the commission's talent show Aug. 21 and 22, according to President Addie Brent.

"Because of Katrina, we didn't have it last year," said Addie Brent, president of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues Commission.
...
For more info, call Brent at (228) 497-5493.

Students from seventh grade through college are invited to enter the commission's talent show Aug. 21 and 22, according to President Addie Brent.
...
"The winner in the seventh through 11th grades will receive a cash donation and the winner in the older category will receive a scholarship from WJZD radio station," Brent said."But the best part is the exposure these young people will receive by performing in front of thousands of people at the Blues & Heritage Festival."

She said the Blues Commission wants to encourage young people to participate in music and to carry on the tradition and heritage of the blues.

Applications may be picked up beginning July 12 at the Families First Resource Center in Moss Point or at WJZD in Gulfport.No applications will be accepted after Aug. 18.

Brent said eight gospel acts and eight blues acts will perform under a covered pavilion at the festival.

It's music all day, simultaneous gospel and blues played at the same time," said Addie Brent, president of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues Commission."We'll also have kids performing at the gospel stage, and the Moss Point High School Jazz Band will perform outside on the blues stage."

The event takes place at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Pascagoula.Gates open at 11 p.m., and the blues begins about noon.The festival, which last year attracted about 2,700 visitors, draws to a close around 10 p.m., said Brent.

"The blues stage will be outside under the covered pavilion, while the gospel will be performed inside the Assembly Building.Also, we'll have lots of vendors with food, beverages and arts and crafts," she said.
...
We've gotten calls from people all over the country, who are interested," said Brent.

Advance tickets cost $18.

"We have eight gospel acts that will perform in the arts building and eight blues acts that will perform under a covered pavilion," said Addie Brent, president of the Blues Commission, which is sponsoring the event.
...
"Last year 3,000 people attended the Blues Festival," Brent said."It has really grown.
...
Brent said the festival is advertised all over and that fliers are put in the state welcome centers where visitors see them.

Rip DanielsEach year the Blues Commission recognizes someone who has contributed to the festival or to blues music in general.This year's honoree is radio station owner and personality Rip Daniels.Brent said Daniels helps promote the festival with free publicity on his station and by being part of the American Blues Network, which reaches 30 to 40 states.

"We will feature him on the cover and with an article in our brochure," she said."He will also be presented with a plaque."

Brent said this year's festival T-shirt, designed by a local artist, is expected to go on sale June 15.

For more information about the festival, call Brent at 497-5439 or Sam Walley or at 497-5615.