It could be said the COVID-19 pandemic has rendered some “blues” of its own as much of the social, economical and even educational landscapes have changed as a result.
On Tuesday, the cancellation of the Annual Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival was announced by Mississippi Action for Community Education (MACE) in a press release.
“Due to COVID-19 health mandates from the State of Mississippi and especially for the safety of our many Blues fans and supporters, MACE has decided to cancel this year’s Festival, as we know it,” the press release stated.
In lieu of the normal festivities that take place during the festival, a virtual blues festival will be streamed live beginning at noon Saturday, Sept. 19.
MACE has partnered with the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring this live virtual event to blues fans far and near.
MACE executive director Doris Benford said with the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival being the longest running festival in the nation, it was important to try and keep the momentum going by having a virtual celebration, though it’s far from comparable to the festival blues lovers look forward to every year.
“The organizers, Mr. Howard Boupte and Catherine Courtney, are still actively trying to produce a virtual festival that will capture the audience’s attention,” Benford added.
Additional information can be found by visiting MACE’s website, deltabluesms.org, the Blues Festival’s Facebook page at MSDeltaBlues or from the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, visitgreenville.org.
Benford said she encourages everyone to log into this year’s virtual festival and prepare to join fellow blues lovers next year on Sept. 18, 2021 for the 44th annual Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival.
