The third annual outdoor Bessie Smith Heritage Festival will be held on Aug. 21 from 6 p.m.–midnight on the front lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
This year’s musical line up includes: Anthony David, R&B artist and best known for his 2008 duet with India.Arie; internationally acclaimed jazz artist and former member of Incognito, Maysa Leak, Nashville’s contemporary jazz saxophonist, Joe Johnson; jazz and R&B artist and former lead singer of the Montclairs, Phillip Perry and headlining the festival is the legendary blues artist, Bobby “Blue” Bland.
The festival will include food, dancing, entertainment and celebration of the visual arts as Artists in Action will return for its second year. Artists in Action will feature nationally recognized artists demonstrating their talents and selling their works throughout the duration of the festival.
Tickets for the outdoor music festival are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate. Reserved tables are also available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.bessiesmithheritagefestival.com or at one of the following ticket outlets: Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Mary’s Lounge at 2125 McCallie Ave. or Café Lemont’s at 801 Dodds Ave.
For more information about the festival or to inquire about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, call 266-8658 or email bessiesmithheritagefestival@yahoo.com.