As you read this column, I am driving to Indianola as a guest of the B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. I am so excited that I haven't slept well this week – just anticipating the wonder of it all.

    You see I am invited to present my originally written historic literary program where I portray Eudora Welty, and perform a staged reading from her work. I dress in costume and share tidbits about her extraordinary life – so, on Friday, I'll be the one in the pink Pill Box Hat (a style from the late 1950s/early 1960s), wearing short white gloves, and a smile. Oops, of course, I will wear a suit and heels as well -- typical of the day.  In addition, while there, I will present a reading from my recent publication “Historic Photos of Mississippi” and sign copies as well. The next day, Saturday, August 29, I will sign copies of my book at Turnrow Books, Greenwood, 12-2:00 pm. Oh, how I love the Delta!

         But, just between you and me – I cannot wait to tour the awesome facility at Indianola. On a personal note, and an important reason for me, I'll have some time with one of my best friends in the arts community, Educational Director, Sade Turnipseed. (Hi, Sade!). I have heard so many wonderful reports pertaining to the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta displayed at B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center including the educational programs, the museum exhibits and artifacts, the learning center, the children’s arts exhibits, and that the entire facility features the very latest in high-definition projection and audio technology.

    The nonprofit organization has a mighty mission – Inspire Hope, Creativity and Greatness. I mean if every organization aspired to this level of generosity and encouragement, then the greatness part would be a given – a free gift to humanity.

    As most of you know, Indianola is the home of B. B. King, and he has chosen to give back to his community some of the fruits of his labor, and his mighty talent. The following is a quote from the website: From the cotton fields, street corners and juke joints of the Mississippi Delta came a new kind of music – blues. Considered by many to be the only truly indigenous American music, this form that has influenced musicians worldwide is deeply rooted in Delta soil.  And so is the man who helped spread the blues as its foremost ambassador … Riley B. B. King.

    Yes, Mr. King, throughout his 60-plus years in the blues business, has always promoted Mississippi. Also noted on their website: Now displayed at the museum one may see Mr. King’s personal papers, materials, and objects from his life and work, along with cutting edge multi-media and film. The museum is designed so that visitors will experience chronologically the periods of B. B. King’s life in the larger context of a changing world, moving through an interactive environment that is visually stimulating and full of music.

    In Meridian, Mr. King and his music will kick-start the new season at the MSU/Riley Center, and what a grand way to start the new year of phenomenal entertainment that we have grown to expect at the arts center. The show is scheduled Thursday, September 3, 7:30 pm. Now, to me, the tickets for the show were on sale for about 32 seconds when they were completed sold out, and I shuffled my feet, and was too late to purchase mine. I hope some kind person will allow me a full report of the program while I kick myself for not making that purchase when the event was first announced – please.

    But I will try to console myself by soaking up every area of the B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center while I visit there on Friday.

    I must tell you of the upcoming one-year anniversary of its opening, as well as B. B. King’s birthday, scheduled for Saturday, September 12!  Live music will be featured all day on three stages at the Museum and outside on the grounds. Some of the performers are Lane Rodgers, Jake Lear, David Burchfield, Jerry Fair and the Delta Blues Crew, Billy Smiley and the Coleman Middle School Band, Brantley Caitlette, Bobby Whalen, Alan Jones, Ming Donkey, Marshall Drew, and a few surprises. In addition, the evening concludes at the Museum with a special viewing of B. B. King Live at Austin City Limits (ACL) at 7:00 pm presented by ACL founder, Terry Lickona and Vice President, Edward Bailey, who are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their show. Filmed in 1983, B. B. King Live will be shown in Indianola before heading to the Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame.

    The anniversary celebration is uniquely a community event. The combination of efforts includes an open-air market displaying work for sale by artists, sculptors, photographers, and others. The city of Indianola will host award winning blues artist, Edwin Brent, beginning at 7:30 pm., plus, Clarksdale native, Blind Mississippi Morris, will perform at Club Ebony. 

    The B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center has made a commitment to Mississippi through all of the opportunities offered at this outstanding facility, and, as well by this outstanding Mississippian, Riley B. B. King.

 

B. B. King Museum and Delta

Interpretive Center

400 Second Street, Indianola, MS 38751

Phone: 662-887-9539

info@bbkingmuseum.org

 

Anne McKee Upcoming Events:

August 28 —B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (Thanks Sade & Erin!)

August 29 —Turnrow Books, Greenwood, 12-2:00 pm

Sept. 1—Newton Rotary Club and Newton Chamber of Commerce (Thanks Angie!)

Sept 3 —Sage Books, Front St. (next door to old Rayner Drugs) Wine/Cheese Book signing & Reading, 6-8:00 pm. (Thanks Lara!). 

  

Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.