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" Blues will be 'King' for four days "
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By Pat Mitchell
The first weekend in May should be identified as an extended blues holiday as The Blues Foundation brings the genre home to Memphis. The international organization produces the W.C. Handy Weekend on May 1-4. The weekend kicks off May 1 with the 18th annual W.C. Handy Awards Ceremony. The W.C. Handy Award has been deemed the highest honor an artist can receive in the blues industry. Like the popular Grammy Awards, Handy winners are chosen by their peers in the industry. However, votes for the Handy Awards also are cast by more than 13,000 blues fans worldwide. Luther Allison and Alvin Youngblood Hart are the top nominees for 1997, each receiving five nominations. Allison walked away from last year's ceremony with a record five Handys. Also receiving multiple nominations this year are B.B. King, Paul Rishell and Little Annie, James Cotton, Joe Louis Walker and Mighty Sam McClain. Artists are nominated in 23 categories. The ceremony also includes performances by the top names, plus up-and-coming artists in the blues genre. The show will be hosted by Ruth Brown with performances by Luther Allison, Bobby Rush, Little Milton, Ann Peebles and more. As a surprise treat, Johnny Copeland will be the very special guest this year. The Handy ceremony will be Copeland's first national performance since he received a heart transplant in January. The Blues Foundation's other activities for real blues lovers include a blues-themed Symposium, the "Keeping the Blues Alive" Banquet, the Moonlight on the Mississippi cruise and a relaxing brunch on a riverboat to wrap up the weekend. Tickets are available through the Foundation office at 901-527-2583. Admission for these various events range from $16 to $35. Individuals interested in more educational focus should attend the Foundation's Blues Symposium scheduled for May 2 and 3. The topics discussed by this year's panels include "Getting the Most from Blues in the Schools," "Making Blues Radio Work," "Sponsoring the Blues" and "Managing The Blues" which explores the artist-management relationship. Friday, May 2, will be the night of recognition for the stars behind the stars. The "Keeping the Blues Alive" Banquet places the movers and shakers in the blues industry together to honor the people - nonperformers - who have gone beyond the call of duty to keep the blues thriving. These awards are given in 19 different categories - from blues promoter of the year to acknowledging achievement in print media and education. The Moonlight on the Mississippi and the Blues Brunch cruises offer a friendly, casual time for networking, chatting or enjoying Old Man River. Live entertainment will be provided on both cruises. All of these events, with the Beale Street Music Festival raging on the Mississippi, promise to make the first week of May a weekend to be remembered by all. When people mention the King, it's not Elvis, because for four days in Memphis the Blues will be King. For more information on the W.C. Handy Weekend or The Blues Foundation call 901-527-2583.
Check out Beale Street Caravan on the WKNO Stations Saturday Nights at 11 p.m. Show 27 Airdate: April 5 Beale Street Caravan looks at gospel and blues. Experience the Blind Boys of Alabama recorded live in Helena. Then journey down to the Center for Southern Folklore for The Vance Ensemble. Special features will include Jerry Wexler on Aretha Franklin and The Memphis Horns discussing the Staple Singers. Show 28 Airdate: April 12 Chubby Carrier takes over the high seas as the Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Cruise sets sail. Check out the Louisiana legend's favorites like "Who Stole the Hot Sauce?" and "Dance All Night". Then stroll down Beale Street to hear Blind Mississippi Morris in Memphis' Blues City Cafe. From "Beale Street Tonight" to "Highway 61," you'll be cruisin' the blues highway. Feature hosts Allen Toussaint and Bob Porter include segments on sounds from the Crescent City and blues news. Show 29 Airdate: April 19 John Lee Hooker was saluted by his peers and the music industry at the Blues Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award. The Caravan bootlegged the experience just for you. The event was hosted by the ever sassy Ruth Brown. Charlie Musselwhite, Little Milton, Luther Allison and B. B. King all get on stage to pay tribute to the Hoochie Coochie Man. John Lee makes it to a guitar to do a foot stompin' version of "Boogie Chillin'." Show 30 Airdate: April 26 Maria Mauldaur made the crowd long for "Midnight at the Oasis" even though there was water all around them. The Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Cruise sparkled with Maria's radiance. Get back on dry land at the Mississippi River port of Memphis for the downhome traditional sounds of Mose Vinson and L.T. Lewis recorded at Memphis' Center for Southern Folklore.
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