2017 Grantee: MiSSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Learn more about Mississippi Valley State University at their website.

 
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GRANT PROJECT: “The chitlin’ circuit: The 2nd B.B.King DAY Symposium“

Mississippi Valley State University was awarded a $15,174.00 grant to support presenter honorariums and travel for “The Chitlin’ Circuit: the 3rd Annual B.B.King Day Symposium”.

Presenters and panels discussed such topics as:

  • Miss Mary Shepard, Queen of Jook, and the Story of Club Ebony, A Historic Chitlin’ Circuit Stop - Robert Terrell, Director of Opertions, BB King Museum and Interpretive Center

  • The book “The Chitlin’ Circuit, the Road to Rock and Roll” was presented by author Preston Lauterback

  • ‘Popular Radio and the Chitlin’ Circuit’ - Gus Redmond, Theodore Arthur, Jr., and Ruben Hughes with Moderator, Robert Terrell

  • Talkin’bout the Chitlin’ Circuit, with “Mr. Chitlin Circuit”, Bobby Rush and Club Owner, Teddy Johnson; Road Manager, Frank “Scrap Iron” Robinson, Jr.; and Musicians, Lil’ Ray Neal, Big George Brock, Jessie Robinson, and Bill “Howl-n-Madd” Perry – Moderated by Preston Lauderbach

  • What’s Your Blues Chitlin’ Circuit Story? Community Talk Moderated by Bobby Williamson, Delta Super Talk Radio

  • Beyond the Chitlin’ Circuit: The Birth of the Chicago Soul Entertainment Scene – Gus Redmond, Syl Johnson, Willie Henderson, Gene Barge, Jimmi Mayes, and Cash McCall – Moderator, Sherrell Holley

  • A Talk with Legendary Women – Ms. Sue Evans, Mrs. Willie Mae Bland, Ms. Dorothy Moore, Lora Walker, Mrs. Shirley Neal, and Vickie Baker – Moderator, Teeny Tucker

  • SANKOFA “go back and get it”: The Future of African Americans and the Blues - An Open Q&A Moderated by Charles Mitchell with guest Mickey Rogers, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Mark Anthony Lee, Tony Coleman, Mike Doster, King Edward, and Walter King.

Musical performances included:

  • Who was David “Honey Boy” Edwards? – Michael Frank and Special Music Tribute by Ben Payton

  • BB King’s “Lucille” Performance featuring Syl Johnson with Bobby Rush, Lil Ray Neal, and musicians Tony “T.C.” Coleman (drum), Eric Edwards (piano), and Jimmie Lee, Jr. (bass)

  • Special Tribute by Dorothy Moore with Musicians Melvin Hendrex and Sherrill Holly

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ABOUT THE GRANTEE

The University is driven by its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, service, and research--a commitment resulting in a learner-centered environment that prepares critical thinkers, exceptional communicators, and service-oriented, engaged, and productive citizens. MVSU is fundamentally committed to positively impacting the quality of life and creating extraordinary educational opportunities for the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

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