Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music: country, blues, rock ‘n roll — their roots are here. Now it’s even easier to experience those sounds of the True South with the new Live Music website via VisitMississippi.org/live.
With details about live music events across the state and what’s happening at local venues, the Live Music site offers details about upcoming performances, unique musical events and concerts.
Hear headliners like Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville and Cyndi Lauper at one of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast casinos. Or enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz at Underground 119 and The Yellow Scarf in Jackson, blues at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale and entertainers at venues like Dave’s Dark Horse or the Omnova Theater in the Golden Triangle. A list of such places and upcoming performances is compiled on the site.
“Enjoying great live music is one of the best ways to experience the authentic Mississippi and to unwind into our cultural offerings,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “The Live Music website is being developed into a one-stop resource that can be accessed at home or on-the-go. Whether you’re planning for a trip two months in advance or looking for something to do tonight, the site will be a handy tool.”
In addition to live music, Mississippi offers a myriad of other ways to get immersed in the music of the True South.
The Mississippi Blues Trail continues its mission of bringing to life the history of blues music all across the state. Blues Trail markers have been placed at sites where blues musicians lived and entertained. Others are situated at historic streets, train depots, blues clubs, cemeteries and even churches where blues musicians made their mark. To plan a Mississippi Blues Trail journey, go to msbluestrail.org. Or download the free Blues Trail app for iPhones via iTunes® to view maps of the markers, build itineraries, watch videos, explore artists’ timelines and other interactive features.
Not only is Mississippi the place where blues began, it’s also where country and rock ‘n roll were founded. Check out the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum in Meridian to learn more about the father of country music, also commonly referred to as “The Singing Brakeman.” Meridian is also home to Peavey®, one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment in the world.
The Mississippi Country Music Trail offers country music fans a way to experience the homes, stomping grounds and more of their favorite country artists. From country greats such as Conway Twitty, Charley Pride, Marty Stuart, Faith Hill, Paul Overstreet and others, the Country Music Trail is giving music lovers more to enjoy and explore than ever before in Mississippi.
No musical journey to Mississippi is complete without a visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo. And true fans will want to be at the Elvis Festival in Tupelo June 6-9. From the parade to performances by Montgomery Gentry and Cowboy Mouth to the tribute artist contest, the event has plenty to offer.
To learn more about planning a musical trip around Mississippi, go to VisitMississippi.org. Or call 1-866-SEE-MISS.
Editor’s note: This article contains information from a Mississippi Development Authority press release.
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