Holiday blues jam session set for Saturday

By Cassandra Mickens (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, December 18, 2009

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Blues Heritage Association will host its second annual Natchez Bluff Blues Jam at 8 p.m. Saturday at Under-The-Hill Saloon.

The cover charge is $3, and proceeds will benefit the Natchez Bluff Blues Festival, founder Eric Glatzer said.

“We invite anyone who loves music to come on out,” Glatzer said. “We also want to encourage all musicians to come out because (the jam session) is an opportunity for them to network.”

Stan Smith of Stan’s String Shop & Heard Music Company will officiate the jam session, which concludes a day of “Blues Christmas” events around Natchez Saturday.

Blues poet laureate and University of North Carolina professor Bill Farris will be in town signing his latest book, “Give My Poor Heart Ease,” from noon to 2 p.m. at Cover to Cover Books on Main Street.

Stan & Lena of Black Bayou will perform from 5 to 6 p.m. at the city Christmas tree on the corner of Main and Commerce streets.

Glatzer said “Blues Christmas” is an opportunity for the city to showcase its bluesy and soulful roots.

“We want to make Natchez a blues destination and the bigger we can create our brand, the better we can do that,” Glatzer said. “By embracing this blues heritage, we’re getting additional attention from the state, promoting Natchez and sending folks down this way.”

“Blues Christmas” is part of the first-ever “Christmas in Natchez: City of Lights” festivities.

For more information, call 601-660-2792.