Schedule Set For Blues Music Week In Memphis

May 8-10

The schedule has been set for the BLUES FOUNDATION’s BLUES MUSIC WEEK that runs from MAY 8th-10th at various locations in MEMPHIS. The festivities start with the induction of the 40th class of the BLUES FOUNDATION’s BLUES HALL OF FAME, being held at the HALLORAN CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS. Inductees include ARETHA FRANKLIN, COUNT BASIE, IDA COX, PEE WEE CRAYTON and BOOKER T. & THE MG’s.

On THURSDAY, MAY 9th, the 40th BLUES MUSIC AWARDS will take place at MEMPHIS’ COOK CONVENTION CENTER. STEVEN VAN ZANDT will serve as host the event and presenters include MARIA MULDAUR, COLIN JAMES, LATIMORE, STEPPENWOLF’s JOHN KAY and more. 

Also on the 9th, THE BLUES FOUNDATION will curate a special BMA panel, “The Blues and Race – Part II,” moderated by NOELLE TRENT, PhD., the Director of Interpretation, Collections and Education at the NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM. Panelists include musicians BOBBY RUSH, BILLY BRANCH, THORNETTA DAVIS, TERRIE ODABI and festival promoter PAUL BENJAMIN. It will take place at the SHERATON MEMPHIS DOWNTOWN HOTEL, from 11:30a-1p. 

On MAY 10th, ALLIGATOR RECORDS founder BRUCE IGLAUER will make an appearance at THE BLUES HALL OF FAME at 1p, where he will share stories about his career and answer questions relating to his new memoir, Bitten by the Blues. The week concludes with a live music benefit at the HARD ROCK CAFÉ to benefit for THE BLUES FOUNDATION’s youth program, Generation Blues. Many BMA nominees and other musicians will perform, as well as the ANDY T BAND, who are the night's hosts. 

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