Weekend of Blues and Thunder Promises Excitement in West Point and Columbus

Weekend of Blues and Thunder at West Point and Columbus

West Point, Mississippi, is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with music and aerial spectacle! Whether you’re a blues aficionado, a fan of thrilling air shows, or just looking for a fun time, this weekend promises something for everyone.

Kickoff with Blues Music

The action starts Friday night, as the Black Prairie Blues Museum, located in downtown West Point, will host a special event featuring German photographer and blues promoter, Axel Kustner. His exhibit, titled “Gon’ Play It For Lil’ Brother—Axel Kustner’s Blues Odyssey,” captures his travels across America from 1978 to 2005 in search of blues musicians and the true essence of the blues genre.

The opening reception of this exhibit will be free and open to the public. Axel, a true enthusiast of the blues, dedicated many of his vacations to explore the backroads of America and connect with legendary artists like Big Joe Williams in Crawford. His collection is a remarkable trove of images that document the lives and music of many great blues icons, offering an opportunity for anyone interested in music history.

What to Expect

The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m., featuring a performance by the talented Mississippi musician, Libby Rae Watson. After her performance, Axel will lead a panel discussion alongside Scott Barretta, who hosts the award-winning Highway 61 on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, and acclaimed photographer Birney Imes. This is a chance to dive deep into the rich world of blues music and its roots.

A Grand Evening of Blues

On Saturday night, the museum opens its doors at 5 p.m. for the annual Black Prairie Blues Festival. This year’s lineup is not to be missed. Music will start at 5:30 p.m. with The Old Memphis Kings. Then, Brother Drew & Bidness will take the stage at 7 p.m., followed by the lively Ghost Town Blues Band at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are available for $30, either at the door or through the museum’s website, ensuring a fantastic evening filled with rhythm and soul!

Roots of the Blues

Mississippi is famous for its blues, and the Black Prairie region boasts an impressive history steeped in musical tradition. Though often overshadowed by the Delta Blues, the Black Prairie blues musicians have roots that run just as deep. This area not only produced legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Bukka White, and Lucille Bogan, but it also serves as a rich cultural backbone for the genre. The blues here originated from the hardships faced by laborers working the fertile black soil that characterizes the region, giving rise to a unique and profound musical expression.

Thunder Over Columbus

Columbus is all set to host the spectacular Thunder Over Columbus air show featuring the famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday, this event promises exhilarating military aviation performances alongside civilian acts. The gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with the opening ceremonies starting at noon.

Last year, the event attracted a whopping 60,000 spectators, and this year aims to be even bigger and better! Performances will include breathtaking displays from the USAF F-35 Lightning II Demo Team, the USAF C-17 Globemaster, and many more. Plus, there will be an array of static displays featuring aircraft like the F-22 Raptor.

Family Fun for Everyone

The air show is free for the public, making it an ideal outing for families and friends. With food vendors, concession stands, and merchandise stalls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For those planning to attend, be sure to check the event website for details on what items can be brought on base.

This weekend in West Point and Columbus is shaping up to be an impressive celebration of music and ingenuity. Whether you’re tapping your feet to the blues or gazing skyward at thrilling aerial performances, it promises to be a vibrant community event!