In one month, Public Art Chattanooga and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will host The Big Nine Art Bash, a celebration of public art and MLK Boulevard, with a special tribute to the late Booker T.
Scruggs. The community is invited to a fun, free evening of artwork and performances inspired by the Big 9 while enjoying a taste of MLK Boulevard.
Since the MLK Mural’s dedication last January, the boulevard has continued to see vibrant transformations that enhance the neighborhood, honor the Big 9’s rich cultural history, and promote economic growth. The latest addition, the MLK District Sculpture Exhibition, was installed in April and animates the lawn of the Bessie along with The Blue Trees.
On July 22, the sculptors will show off their work and share their unique process during the Big 9 Art Bash. The exhibition and lawn of the Bessie will come to life with interactive and site specific performances from The Pop Up Project. Some of the newest and longest-standing establishments along the boulevard will offer food and drink, and later in the evening, guests will enjoy an outdoor screening of the documentary, “America's Boulevard: A Mural on MLK,” about the creation of the MLK Mural.
“The renaissance happening on MLK Boulevard is breathing life into this historic corridor. The Big 9 Art Bash will resurrect the stories of this important neighborhood and take us back to another time by celebrating the African American history, culture, and music of the Big 9,” said Katelyn Kirnie, director of Public Art Chattanooga.
The Booker T. Scruggs Ensemble will perform a tribute to the group’s late visionary, who passed away earlier this month. Their closing set will be performed in tandem with choreography from the Pop Up Project to one of his songs.
“For years the Bessie has helped preserve and share the African American history of the neighborhood and region. We are excited to be a part of the revitalization of MLK Boulevard as a center for our neighbors to gather and for people to experience art and culture on our lawn,” said Dionne Jennings, president of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “The Big 9 Art Bash is one of many events we hope to host that encourage Chattanoogans to visit, explore, and learn more about this historic district.”
Big 9 Art Bash - Bessie Smith Lawn
Lineup for Sunday, July 22 (7-10 p.m.):
SCULPTURES by Charlie Newton, Ruth Aizuss Migdall, Charlie Brouwer, Harry McDaniel, R.L. Hughey and Deb McNeil
PERFORMANCES by The Pop Up Project: dancers Cornelius Heard, Mattie Waters, Jules Downum, Lacy Maselle
MUSICIANS: Booker T. Scruggs Ensemble, Lon Eldridge, Tyler Martelli and more
The first 125 guests who register in advance online will receive a free wristband granting access to the Bessie Patio and free food and drink from select MLK establishments. Registration is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-nine-art-bash-tickets-35472544335.