Visit Clarksdale

06/21/2024

This summer is heating up! When booking your stay in Clarksdale, why not get one with a pool? 👙 🏡 Whether y’all are planning lodging for a big group, a couple or just you, we’ve got y’all covered.

Book the lodging options in today’s post through airbnb.com. Just search “Clarksdale, MS.” Then look for the Listing Description that we've identified on each photo.

06/20/2024

Happy Summer Solstice! Make Clarksdale your home base as y’all enjoy summer in the Delta. Plan your summer road trip at visitclarksdale.com/outdoors. ☀️

From what part of the world are y’all dreaming of Clarksdale? 💙🗺️💚

📷 Top-left and Top-right by Delta Bohemian Tours
📷 Bottom-left by - Instagram
📷 Bottom-right by .a.smith1980 - Instagram

06/19/2024

Happy Juneteenth! 🎉 Join us in honoring this important day with Blues tunes that echo the spirit of resilience and hope. Our town’s rich Black heritage and iconic Blues scene make it the perfect place to reflect, rejoice, and immerse yourself in history. From legendary juke joints to spontaneous street performances, the Blues is alive and thriving here. Come experience the music that shaped our nation! 🌟 🎶

Our African American Heritage Map is a great way to begin exploring Clarksdale. Download the map here: visitclarksdale.com/information-brochures.

This week’s Sounds Around Town lineup was put together by Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Arts.

📷 Background photo by Rory Doyle

06/18/2024

Melvin Kindall Myles is a talented musician originally from Clarksdale. He moved to Atlanta in 2013 to pursue his music career and found a community at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

His time in Mississippi, rich with gospel and Blues influences, laid the foundation for his artistry, despite moving away for better opportunities. In Atlanta, Melvin formed the duo Lapidus&Myles, aiming to unite people through music. He recognizes Mississippi's unique community spirit and cultural legacy but emphasizes the need for social justice and economic opportunities before considering a return. Through his work, Melvin continues to honor his Mississippi roots while advocating for positive change.

Read more about Myles over at Rooted Magazine 👉 rooted.substack.com/p/mississippi-expat-melvin-myles

Clarksdale and Mississippi have complex histories. The artists coming from these places are complex, too, and we celebrate their stories!

06/17/2024

🎭🖼️ Explore Clarksdale’s rich history with a visit to the Tennessee Williams Rectory Museum, Cutrer Mansion, and St. George's Episcopal Church!

From 1917 to 1932, young Tom "Tennessee" Williams spent his childhood in Clarksdale, where his grandfather, Walter E. Dakin, was the church rector. The museum, housed in the former rectory’s upstairs bedrooms, brings this era to life.

👉 tennesseewilliamsrectorymuseum.com

The Cutrer Mansion, built in 1916 by architect Bayard Cairnes, hosted legendary parties and inspired many of Williams' famous works like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie."

Book your museum tour 24 hours in advance by texting (646) 465-1578.

👉cutrermansion.com

Mark your calendars and book your trip to Clarksdale for the Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival, returning on October 17-19, 2024!

Plan your trip 👉 visitclarksdale.com

06/16/2024

Happy Father’s Day! Treat a dad in your life to live Blues today at the conclusion of BAM FEST. Look forward to performances by Terry "Harmonica" Bean and Randy "19th Street Red" Cohen. 🙌🏾 🎸

📅 TODAY - Sunday, June 16th from 3 - 8 p.m.
📍 DELTA BLUES ALLEY CAFE
🎶 $20 for Sunday only. Tix at the door!

06/15/2024

Unwind and savor the Mississippi Delta with an ice-cold martini in Clarksdale. 🍸🧊

✔️ Cold drink
✔️ Live Blues 365 days a year
✔️ A trip y’all won’t soon forget!

Plan your road trip: visitclarksdale.com.

🍸 Levon's - Dirty Martini (left) and Watermelon Martini (top-right)
🍸 Yazoo Pass - Zed’s Filthy Dirty Martini (middle-right)
🍸 Ho**er Grocer & Eatery Clarksdale - Lemon Drop Martini (bottom-right)

06/14/2024

Zee’s Barbeque - enough said! 😋 🔥 Check out more of Clarksdale’s soul food, bbq and southern hospitality at visitclarksdale.com/dining-guide.

06/13/2024

Enjoy live music and a delicious, homestyle buffet dinner every Monday night at Hopson Commissary from 6 - 9 p.m.!

Sign up to receive texts with Monday Night Menus and line ups as well as occasional updates. It’s easy to sign up, just text JOIN to (833) 244-8430.

📷 Hopson Hospitality

06/12/2024

Catch Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Frank Guitarman Rimmer Sr., Stone Gas Band, Robert Kimbrough Sr., Bob Margolin, BOB STROGER, and many more performing this week in Clarksdale! 🎶🎸

Big thanks to Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Arts for curating Sounds Around Town.

06/12/2024

Your Blues pilgrimage and next romantic vacation don’t need to be mutually exclusive! 💕🎶

Stroll hand-in-hand through our charming downtown, enjoy intimate live Blues performances, and savor delicious Southern cuisine. Explore the rich history at local museums, take a scenic Mississippi River tour, and cozy up in unique lodging options. Create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Delta!

Today’s romantic getaways are available on vrbo.com - just search ‘Clarksdale, MS’. Then look for the VRBO Listing Description that we've identified on each photo.

06/10/2024

🎸 It's Howlin' Wolf Month at the Delta Blues Museum - Clarksdale, Mississippi. Today would have been Howlin' Wolf’s 114th birthday!

Mentored by Son House, Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Johnny Shines and Charley Patton, Howlin’ Wolf was a Blues legend who rocked the house like no other. Born Chester Arthur Burnett near West Point, MS, he captivated audiences with his powerful performances, often playing in Clarksdale. Wolf's iconic songs, like "Smokestack Lightnin'," "Spoonful," and "The Red Rooster," earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone ranks him 51st among the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." Celebrated with numerous awards, Wolf's legacy continues to inspire and resonate in the world of Blues and beyond. 🎶

If y'all dig Howlin' Wolf's signature voice, definitely look out for Randy "19th Street Red" Cohen who sometimes busks in front of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Arts on Sundays. "Red was busking on the front porch of Cat Head and he sounded like Howlin' Wolf had reappeared there in Clarksdale that day," - Jamie Anthony, host of the Blues Disciples Media podcast.

🎨 Mural - 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯’ 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧 by Toxicómano Callejero
📷 Image-3 published by the Delta Blues Museum

06/09/2024

Please wish a very happy birthday to hometown hero, music instructor and Blues phenom - Anthony BIG A Sherrod! 🍰🥳

Trained at the Delta Blues Museum - Clarksdale, Mississippi by Bluesman Johnnie Billington, Big A tears it up on bass, guitar, drums, keyboard and vocals. 🎸🥁 Catch him play with his band - Big A & The Allstars. His journey from church music to international stages embodies the rich Blues legacy of Clarksdale.

Happy birthday, Big A!

📷 Photo of Big A at Red's Clarksdale by Rory Doyle Photography

06/08/2024

The Den Again Diner is back, and they’re bringing the heat with live music, great eats and family fun like foosball! 🎶 🍲 🏆

📍 The Den Again Diner - 220 Yazoo Ave. near Yazoo Pass in downtown Clarksdale

See what else downtown Clarksdale has to offer at visitclarksdale.com.

📷 The delicious dishes in today's photos include the Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Platter and the Pinetop Pineapple Cake.

06/07/2024

May in Clarksdale is starting to rival April and October’s incredible music seasons! 🎶 🎸 For those of y’all that missed our May events, today’s video shows some of the highlights.

Book your stay for next May at visitclarksdale.com/stay-all!

📽️ Source video of Bad Apple Blues Fest by Delta Download. Performers include LUCIOUS SPILLER, Big T’s Auntie Gladys, Little Willie Farmer, James “Super Chikan” Johnson and Terry Big “T” Williams. Photos include Bones Fest XXVIII, the Women in Blues Festival, Tee Dee Young at Ground Zero Blues Club’s 23rd Anniversary Party and Deak Harp and band at Deak’s Harmonica Block Party.

06/07/2024

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06/06/2024

🎤🔥 Get ready for an unforgettable night of blues! Join us at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, on Friday, June 14th at 7 p.m. for the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's Blues Showcase. For just a $15 donation, enjoy performances by the Workshop Allstars, aka Pinetoppers, featuring Blues legends like Bob Margolin, Heather Crosse, Billy Branch, and many more!

Don't miss out on this incredible lineup and the chance to experience the heart of Blues music. Mark your calendars and see y'all there! 🎸🎶

06/05/2024

Another killer lineup of the best in Blues begins today! 🎸🎶

Thank you to Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Arts for curating Sounds Around Town.

06/04/2024

Check out this year's 🔥 lineup for B.A.M. FEST (Birthplace of American Music Festival)! This 3-day music festival in Clarksdale pays homage to the roots of American music, the Blues, and all the genres that grew from it.

📅 Friday, June 14th through Sunday, June 16th

🎶 See the full lineup and purchase tickets at bamfestms.com

🗺️ Plan your trip at visitclarksdale.com

Watermelon Slim | Frank Guitarman Rimmer Sr. | Delta Blues Alley Cafe | Terry "Harmonica" Bean | LUCIOUS SPILLER | Red's Clarksdale | The Southern Soul Band | Levon's | Stone Gas Band | Hambone Art Gallery | Terry Bigt Williams and the Family Band | Griot Arts Inc. | Robert Kimbrough Sr. | Otis Taylor | Ho**er Grocer & Eatery Clarksdale | Lady Trucker | Crossroads Cultural Arts Center | Jake And The Pearl Street Jumper Fan Page | Bluesberry CAFE | Randy "19th Street Red" Cohen | Visit Mississippi

06/03/2024

June is National Lemon Month, and Clarksdale offers a variety of mouth-puckering sensations! Don’t miss our lemon desserts, drinks, entrees and cocktails. 🍋😋

Dig into all of Clarksdale's dining options at visitclarksdale.com/dining-guide

06/02/2024

June is African American Music Appreciation Month, a.k.a. Black Music Month! 🙌🏽 🎶 This month honors the African American artists that shaped the trajectory of music in the U.S. and our nation's cultural heritage. Clarksdale has given rise to countless Blues legends like Charley Patton, Son House, Muddy Waters, John Lee Ho**er, and Sam Cooke! 🎸 Clarksdale has also been the hometown of several renowned rappers, hip hop artists and producers. 🎙️ Our historic town offers busking, intimate juke joints and festivals featuring the best in Blues. Luminaries born here helped shape civil rights, music, theater and more.

Clarksdale isn’t a place to read about - it’s a place to experience! Plan your musical pilgrimage at visitclarksdale.com.

Who are your favorite living Blues legends?

06/01/2024

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to Mr. Morgan Freeman!

Over 23 years ago, Mr. Freeman and the late Bill Luckett had the idea to start Ground Zero Blues Club right here in the home of the Blues - Clarksdale, MS. Ground Zero has become a Blues haven. If y’all haven’t made the trip, this year is the year!

Happy birthday, Mr. Freeman. Thank you for keeping juke joints going in the Mississippi Delta!

Enjoy live music tonight at Ground Zero, featuring: Keith "The Prince of the Delta Blues" Johnson & The Big Muddy Band! Cover charge is $12.00.

📷 Photos published by Ground Zero Blues Club

06/01/2024

Alphonso “Doc” Sanders tore it up at the Hambone Art Gallery during the Juke Joint Festival last month! 🎷 🔥

Dr. Sanders has been involved in music education for over 25 years. He is presently the Chair of Fine Arts and the Director of the BB King Recording Studio at the Mississippi Valley State University. He is an educator, clinician, recording pro, and performer in Jazz, Blues, and Popular Music. He plays the saxophone, trumpet, flute, and harmonica.

Clarksdale is proud to feature LIVE BLUES performers like Doc not just at the JJF, but every night of the year!

Which festival are y’all most looking forward to later this year?

Festival Lineup: https://www.visitclarksdale.com/new-events

05/30/2024

In today’s short film, we get a closer look into Robin Colonas’ Clarksdale origin story! Seattle-native turned Clarksdale local, Robin revitalized an abandoned movie theater in a historically African-American neighborhood to create the now beloved New Roxy!

🎦 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘺 is a short film by Aaron Phillips, Hanna Miller and Lara Petinal. It was created in 2015 and produced by Barefoot Workshops in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

🌴🦩 Share your favorite memories of the New Roxy in the comments below and we'll make sure Robin sees them!

a film by Aaron Phillips, Hanna Miller and Lara Petinal Seattle-native Robin Colonas gives new life to The New Roxy, an abandoned movie theater in a historically…

05/30/2024

The story highlights the effort and dedication required to preserve a beloved regional culinary tradition - Delta Hot Tamales! Hicks' World Famous Tamales & Banquet Hall 🙌🏿🔥

05/29/2024

Clarksdale’s Blues scene is smokin’ hot this week! 🔥 Immerse yourself in soul-stirring, foot-tappin’ live performances, including the Nashville-based blues & roots music group, Piper & The Hard Times. Fresh off their explosive win at the International Blues Challenge, they’re bringing their electrifying vibe to Ground Zero Blues Club this Friday, May 31st.

🎸💥 Now, we wanna hear from you: What’s your go-to blues track that never fails to get you groovin’? Drop your favorites in the comments and let’s keep the Blues vibes rollin’ strong! 💙

05/29/2024

🎶 June is African American Music Appreciation Month! 🎶

Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this special month honors the incredible contributions of African American musicians to our nation's rich cultural tapestry. Visit Clarksdale this June and beyond to celebrate the foundational sounds that have shaped music in America!

Here's some Blues festivals and events happening in Clarksdale this summer...

📅 June 14-16 — Birthplace of American Music Festival
📅 June 19 — Juneteenth Celebration
📅 August 9 - 11 — Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival
📅 August 31 — Red's Old-Timers Music Festival (Labor Day Weekend)
📅 September 13-14 — Mighty Roots Music Festival

Read more about the music that inspired the world in this Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture article: nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/celebrating-black-music-month

Image credit: Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

05/27/2024

🎶 Happy birthday to Clarksdale’s own Brother John Sellers! Sellers was a multifaceted talent in Blues, jazz, gospel, and folk. From his early days learning from legends on Clarksdale streets to his performances with Mahalia Jackson and Big Bill Broonzy, Brother John's journey took him from Mississippi to the heart of New York's folk revival.

He shined alongside greats like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan at Folk City, and collaborated closely with Alvin Ailey and on Broadway. His soul-stirring voice bridged the sacred and the secular, leaving a lasting impact with albums across multiple genres.

🎸🎷🎤

05/26/2024

Thanks for your kind words, Steve! Clarksdale will be waiting for your next visit. 🎶

Steve Madgwick is a journalist and travel writer that was visiting Clarksdale and the Mississippi Delta on assignment for Escape.com.au.

🎥 📓 Travel writers, journalists, content creators, etc. - plan your next story (or vacation) at visitclarksdale.com

05/25/2024

May is National Photography Month! Clarksdale has been blessed to have been photographed by some of the world’s finest photographers. Whether y’all are new to photography or are seasoned shutterbugs, Clarksdale’s landscapes, historical sites and Blues performers offer unforgettable shots!

We’d love to see your photos of your time spent in Clarksdale in the comments!