The celebration of Jackson’s culture and rich musical heritage – known as the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival – commemorates its fifth year with a two-day music event that kicks off with a “Ludacris” lineup, and ends with a “Fantasia” flair.

Three-time Grammy Award-winner and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges will headline the festival’s first night of entertainment on Aug. 18. And, by audience request, “American Idol” winner and Grammy Award-winning songstress Fantasia will return to the festival as the headliner for the Aug. 19 show.

The Friday and Saturday night music fest takes place in downtown Jackson, inside the Jackson Convention Complex. Festival-goers will experience 30 performances on five stages featuring award-winning and popular artists, as well as local and statewide music entertainers. In addition to Ludacris and Fantasia, the festival also will feature notable artists Jazmine Sullivan, Ro James, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Roberson, Bobby Rush, Eric Benet, Calvin Richardson, Dreezy and DJ Luke Nasty.

“We have been fortunate to work with some amazing artists over the past four years, including Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Tamia, Macy Gray, Raheem Devaughn, Denise LaSalle, Patrice Moncel, Bell Biv Devoe, Chrisette Michel’le, Nappy Roots, Rebirth Brass Band, Boney James, Avery Sunshine, Laura Izabor, Leela James, BJ The Chicago Kid, Bobby Rush, Lalah Hathaway and so many more,” said Alex Thomas, festival coordinator.

“The lineup has always consisted of our true roots, the blues, and we also incorporate international and regional R&B, jazz, Neo-Soul and hip-hop performers. We take pride in including over 50 percent of our lineup to local Jackson artists, as well as artist from around the state of Mississippi each year,” Thomas said.

Thomas, who is widely recognized for developing the Mississippi Blues and Mississippi Country Music trails, said the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival evolved from a concept by Visit Jackson, formerly the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“(They) expressed interest in wanting to create their own blues festival,” he said. “After much thought and several planning meetings, the concept to create the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival evolved.”

The original concept was the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum highlighting the Mississippi Blues Trail; however this never moved forward, Thomas said. After visiting with Jackson, organizers realized having an outdoor event, as well as using the rustic structures on the grounds of the Ag Museum could create a unique ambiance for celebrating Jackson’s Musical Heritage. The concept began with one outdoor main stage, three indoor stages using several of the historic buildings and an acoustic stage under the Garden Pavilion located on the grounds. 

The first two-day festival was held the third week of August 2013, with the R & B band Mint Condition and multi-faceted artist Dr. John. 

“It was well attended and created a positive buzz for the community,” Thomas said.

In 2014, festival organizers came back stronger, inviting Grammy Award-winning reggae artist (and eldest son of music icon Bob Marley) Ziggy Marley and Fantasia to headline the event. While Thomas describes response to the festival as “awesome,” he noted there was little room for attendees to move throughout the venue.

Thus, the festival underwent several changes for its third year.

“After re-evaluating our safety precautions and witnessing a fire on the grounds of the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum in November 2014, we decided to implement a ‘no chair’ policy for 2015,” Thomas said. “This would allow attendees to move about freely throughout the venue from stage to stage, but also assure better safety.”

While headlined by R&B legends Chaka Khan and The Isley Brothers, Thomas said the festival experienced some resistance from the public because of the no chair policy, which resulted in a decline in attendance. In 2016, organizers decided to move the music festival to its current location, the Jackson Convention Complex

“We decided to meet all of our concerns head-on (possibility of rain, no chairs, air conditioning, adequate space for artists, etc..),” he said. “It was well attended and still provided the ambiance of great entertainment all under one roof, with five stages.”

Festival-goers were “dressed to impress” as they moved about the Jackson Convention Complex, Thomas said, while enjoying a delectable menu from the Convention Center – from fried catfish to fried chicken tenders.

With the Jackson Rhythm and Blues entering its first milestone year on a high note, Thomas said he envisions an even brighter future for the annual event.

“Jackson is the musical crossroads of the South with U.S. Interstate 20 and U.S. Interstate 55 running through the heart of the city,” he said. “We also have both Historic Highway 49 and 61, both physical attributes for the blues legends who roamed our great state. With these major thoroughfares, the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival has the potential to grow into one of the major music festivals in the South. 

“My vision is to further help the growth of the event by attracting great talent to keep our local community at home and extending the invitation to visitors to enjoy great music within a fairly minimal travel distance along with great ticket prices, wonderful hotel accommodations and less traffic problems that many major cities,” Thomas said.

“I would also love to see the festival evolve into a three-day event which incorporates gospel. Jackson is home to Malaco Records, which has played a vital role in the legacy of gospel music. We have the Award-winning Mississippi Mass Choir, The William Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, Jackson Southernaires and so many more. Having all these components can only make for a memorable experience.”

 

Artist Lineup

This year’s Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival lineup is as follows:

Aug. 18 – Ludacris, Jazmine Sullivan, Ro James, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Roberson, Bobby Rush, 601 Live Band, DJ Unpredictable, Eden Brent, the Jason Turner Band, Jonte’ Mayon, Nellie “Tiger” Travis and Selwyn Birchwood.

Aug. 19 – Fantasia, Eric Benet, Calvin Richardson, Dreezy, DJ Luke Nasty, AJC & The Envelope Pushers, Angela Walls, DJ Scrap Dirty, Eddie Cotton, Jarekus Singleton, Karen Brown, Los Brown, Rita B., The Black Bettys and The Cash Box Kings.

Friday night tickets are $55 and Saturday night tickets are $65 through all Ticketmaster Outlets. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday, with music starting an hour later. Visit www.jacksonfestival.com for full line-up, detailed information and updates.