Jackson music festival plans move indoors

By Stephanie R. Jones

Contributing Writer

jackson-rhythm-blues-festival-jackson-msWhen the Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival returns for its fourth annual run Aug. 19-20, the main difference will be the location of the event.

The festival is moving from its home for the past three years at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum to the Jackson Convention Center, organizers announced last week. They say the move will attract more attendees.

“The move will allow us more opportunity for growth and help give a different approach to the festival,” said Yolanda Clay-Moore of the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Past festivals have drawn approximately 5,000 to 10,000 people said Alex Thomas, festival coordinator. He said moving to an indoor venue will provide more stability than the outdoor areas at the Ag Museum. The weather – whether extreme August heat or rain – has been a variable in attendance.

“This way people will be able to sit and be indoors with air conditioning,” Thomas said. He added that festival goers also will be able to take advantage of other activities downtown has to offer.

The lineup is still being solidified but about 30 acts are anticipated during the two-day festival. So far, this year’s lineup includes:

Bone Thugs N Harmony, a Multi-Grammy-nominated hip-hop group

Goapele, soul, R&B singer/songwriter and human rights activist

Jagged Edge, a Grammy-nominated R&B group

Kindred the Family Soul, Neo-soul duo consisting of married couple Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon

Lanita Smith, the 2015 winner of Guitar Center’s singer/songwriter competition

L.T.D., an R&B/funk band known for the 1977 hit “Every Time I Turn Around (Back in Love Again)”

Morris Day & The Time, a Pop/Funk/Rock/Soul/Dance band founded by Prince

Silas, a Jackson native up and coming Hip-Hop Artist recently featured in Vibe Magazine

Tamia, a 6-time Grammy-nominated Canadian singer/songwriter.

Thomas said headliners are expected to be announced in April.

Stephanie R. Jones can be reached at srjones13@gmail.com or (601) 454-0372.

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