
North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Guide 2025
The Picnic is Ready for YOU!
Keepin’ the down home alive and well, well, well …
The goal of the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic is to enhance appreciation and educate the general public about the native art form of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues music through performance, preservation, and interpretation.
The Local Voice media company in Oxford, Mississippi is proud to partner with the Picnic to bring you this official festival guide. There are free souvenir printed copies around the picnic grounds and a digital download is available. Just scan the QR code on the big ass banner near the stage for more information, videos, and artists’ links. See you at the Picnic!
—Newt Rayburn (Publisher) and Nature Humphries (Editor)

Access the 2025 North Mississippi Hill Country
Picnic Digital Guide here

The stage miniature on the front cover was created by local artist Lee Harper. Cover design by Newt Rayburn.

WHAT TO BRING
Bug Spray
Blanket or chair for sitting
Water
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat for shade
Rain gear
Shade tent
More water!
WHAT NOT TO BRING
No weapons
No glass containers will be allowed ANYWHERE on the festival site
For safety reasons – NO motorized vehicles inside the festival (No golf carts or 4 wheelers except by event staff).
For safety seasons – NO pets
No professional photography equipment, please restrict photos to the first 2 songs of each artist set and NO video or audio recording.
THE PICNIC HAS
Portable toilets
Showers
Water faucets for drinking water
Vendors will be selling various food, snacks, and beverages
Campsites
The largest collection of authentic Hill Country Blues musicians you can find on one stage in 2025.
TICKETS & GENERAL INFORMATION:
Tickets are available online at NMSHillCountryPicnic.com and Eventbrite.
Online ticket sales end Wednesday, June 23 at 11:30 pm.
All ticket sales at the gate are CASH ONLY. There is no ATM available at the festival site.
VIP tickets must be purchased online.
Gates open Thursday, June 26 at 5 pm. No one will be admitted early. Music goes from 1 pm till midnight on Friday and 9 am till midnight on Saturday. All Picnic attendees must be off site by Sunday, June 29 by noon—no late departures.
Friday Only: $25
Saturday Only: $25
Camping: $15 (Flat rate of $15/person to spend 1–3 nights. If you spend the night you pay $15, no cars in camp ground.) No open fires on the festival site.
RV Fee: $100
Ice Chest inside festival: $10 (NO GLASS allowed on festival site.)
CASH ONLY – NO ATM AVAILABLE AT FESTIVAL SITE
If you go out the ticket gate, you must have your wristband on to re-enter the festival site.
Parking is FREE!
Children 12 and under are admitted for FREE
Really Cool Art Vendors and Picnic Merch are available for sale on site, Picnic Merch is CASH ONLY!
SHADE TENTS
Shade tents are only allowed in designated area and only as room allows. When that area is full no other shade tents will be allowed. Size limit 10×20, 10×10 is preferred.
WHAT DO VIP TICKETS INCLUDE?
The VIP ticket includes access to a covered, concrete floor pavilion with tables, chairs, and fans. One meal a day on Friday & Saturday and four non-alcoholic drinks each day. You are welcome to bring your own cooler for $10 (no glass please), and the very best view of the stage!

The North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic takes place at Betty Davis Ponderosa
Corner of Highway 7 South and Highway 310
7252 Highway 7 South
Waterford, Mississippi 38685
View Map
See also: “The Hill Country Picnic Celebrates 20th Anniversary June 27 & 28, 2025” by Davis Coen

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS:
The Black Keys – interview with Patrick Carney
LifeWings Peak Performance – interview with Richard Doss
Mississippi Arts Commission – interview with Maria Zeringue
R&B Feder Foundation for the Beaux Arts – interview with Ron Feder
Cathead Distillery – interview with Austin Evans
Cetacea Sound, Inc. – Interview with John McDowell
Access the 2025 North Mississippi Hill Country
Picnic Digital Guide here


Friday, June 27, 2025: HILL COUNTRY PICNIC MAIN STAGE Artist Lineup
DUWAYNE BURNSIDE
Playing Friday, June 27 at 11 pm on the Main Stage
DuWayne Burnside, son of the legendary bluesman R.L. Burnside, carries on his father’s musical legacy while carving out his own distinctive path in the blues world. DuWayne grew up immersed in the sounds of Hill Country blues, learning from his father and other local musicians. He inherited R.L.’s raw, hypnotic style but has evolved it with his own modern sensibilities, infusing elements of funk, soul, and rock into his music. DuWayne has collaborated with artists like North Mississippi Allstars and Cedric Burnside to keep the Hill Country blues tradition alive and thriving. With albums like Under Pressure and Bout 2 Get Wild, DuWayne continues to captivate listeners with his electrifying performances and soul-stirring songs, ensuring that the Burnside family’s musical legacy remains a vital force in the blues landscape.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duwayneburnsidemusic/
Facebook #2: https://www.facebook.com/duwayne.burnside/
Mississippi Arts Commission: https://arts.ms.gov/artist/duwayne-burnside/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duwayneburnside/
YouTube: Meet Me in the City / Duwayne Burnside

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS
Playing Friday, June 27 at 10 pm on the Main Stage
Luther and Cody Dickinson started the North Mississippi Allstars in 1996. They were inspired by their father, the legendary producer and musician Jim Dickinson, as well as their neighbors and elders, such as R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Otha Turner, and Fred McDowell. Luther’s first national tour was playing guitar for Burnside in 1997, when he was touring A Ass Pocket of Whiskey and selling out shows throughout North America. Luther says, “That experience blew my mind. RL, Kenny Brown, and Cedric Burnside taught me how to tour. Cody and I have been on the road ever since.” Their latest release Still Shakin’ (June 2025) celebrates the 25th anniversary of their Grammy-nominated debut album Shake Hands With Shorty. Luther says, “Still Shakin’ is a celebration of our life-changing first album, which we released 25 years ago, and a love letter of appreciation to everyone who supported us and kept us inthe game all these years.
Website: https://www.nmallstars.com
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Mississippi_Allstars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmallstars/
YouTube: North Mississippi Allstars – “Up And Rolling” [Official Video]

BLUE MOUNTAIN
Playing Friday, June 27 at 9 pm on the Main Stage
With their first Picnic appearance since 2013, Blue Mountain, formerly The Hilltops, emerged in Oxford, Miss. in the early ’90s, and has featured numerous drummers—most infamously Frank Coutch, and is led by hard-working guitarist, singer-songwriter Cary Hudson, with the talented Laurie Stirratt on bass and vocals. Hudson has also released several solo albums on the record label, Black Dog Records, and performs sometimes with daughter Anna.
See Also: Shake the Hand of the Man with a Handful of Love: Listen to “Jimmy Carter” the Song by the Great Oxford, Mississippi Band Blue Mountain
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mountain_(band)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blue-Mountain-Music-100062930273834/
A Band Called Blue Mountain: https://sergebielanko.substack.com/p/a-band-called-blue-mountain

KENT BURNSIDE
Playing Friday, June 27 at 8 pm on the Main Stage
Kent Burnside, grandson of the iconic bluesman R.L. Burnside, carries on his family’s musical tradition with passion and authenticity. Hailing from Holly Springs, Mississippi, Kent learned the blues from his grandfather and other local musicians, soaking in the raw energy and emotional depth of the Hill Country blues style. With his gritty vocals, soulful guitar playing, and driving rhythms, Kent channels the spirit of his forebears while infusing his own modern twist into the genre. Embracing the raw and unfiltered essence of the blues, Kent Burnside mesmerizes audiences with his electrifying performances, keeping the flame of Mississippi blues burning bright for new generations to discover and cherish.
Website: BurnsideKent.com

KUDZU KINGS
Playing Friday, June 27 at 7 pm on the Main Stage
The Kudzu Kings, hailing from Oxford, Mississippi, are renowned for their eclectic blend of rock, country, and Southern roots music. Formed in the mid-1990s, the band quickly gained a loyal following with their infectious melodies, tight harmonies, and high-energy performances. Drawing inspiration from their Southern surroundings, the Kudzu Kings infuse their music with a distinctive sense of place, capturing the essence of small-town life in the Deep South. With a knack for storytelling and a laid-back charm, the band’s songs often celebrate the quirks and idiosyncrasies of Southern Culture while exploring universal themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. Over the years, the Kudzu Kings have become beloved fixtures of Oxford’s music scene, embodying the spirit of community and camaraderie that defines the vibrant landscape of Mississippi.
Click here for more Kudzu Kings articles and videos from The Local Voice
Website: KudzuKings.com
Instagram: @KudzuKings

ROBERT KIMBROUGH SR. BLUES CONNECTION
Playing Friday, June 27 at 6 pm on the Main Stage
Robert Kimbrough Sr. continues the Cotton Patch Soul Blues style created by his father, the legendary Junior Kimbrough. From an early age, Robert was steeped in the sounds and life of North Mississippi and its distinctive style of blues. Growing up, Robert listened, first-hand, to Mississippi blues royalty that played with his father at home, at Junior’s Juke Joint Club, and the ever frequent weekend house party and porch jam session. The blues was simply part of everyday life as a Kimbrough.
Website: RobertKimbroughSr.com

ROCKET 88
Playing Friday, June 27 at 5 pm on the Main Stage
Rocket 88 was formed in the summer of 2005 and continues to bring its Mississippi-soaked sound to audiences. Sometimes referred to as “Oxford’s House Band,” Rosamond Posey (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jamie Posey (vocals, lead guitar, harmonica), and Nathan Robbins (bass, vocals) make up the core.
Click here to read The Local Voice’s 2023 Interview with Jamie and Rosamond Posey of Rocket 88
Website: Rocket88Music.com
Instagram: @Rocket88music

Friday, June 27, 2025: CAMPGROUND STAGE Artist Lineup
STUD FORD & WILL COPPAGE
Playing Friday, June 27 at 3 pm on the Campground Stage
Power duo Stud Ford & Will Coppage are old friends from Greenville, Miss., who have recently collaborated on a number of live performances and witnessed growing audiences. Coppage and blues legacy Ford released their debut EP Ain’t No Love in April 2025.
See also: Stud Ford Returns to the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic as Campground Stage Headliner Friday, June 27, 2025 at 3 pm

OLI & ADAM
Playing Friday, June 27 at 1 pm on the Campground Stage
Oli & Adam are a blues duo steeped in the North Mississippi traditions, consisting of New York-based Oliver Kostrinky (vocals & guitar), Adam Sikora (harmonica), who hails from Berlin, Germany.
YouTube: Mississipi Hill Country Blues live in Blues Club Troistedt, Oliver Kostrinsky /Adam Sikora


Saturday, June 28, 2025: HILL COUNTRY PICNIC MAIN STAGE Artist Lineup
GARRY BURNSIDE
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 pm on the Main Stage
Garry Burnside is an accomplished blues musician hailing from the storied Burnside family, a lineage renowned in the world of Mississippi blues. The son of the legendary R.L. Burnside, Garry has carved out his own niche while honoring his father’s legacy. His guitar playing is distinguished by a raw, powerful style that evokes the rugged spirit of the Delta, and his performances are a testament to his deep-rooted connection to the genre. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a variety of artists and bands, including the Burnside Exploration and the North Mississippi Allstars, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the blues.
In addition to his work as a performer, Garry Burnside is also committed to preserving and promoting the blues. He has participated in numerous educational initiatives and workshops, aiming to inspire a new generation of musicians to appreciate and continue the traditions of the Mississippi blues. Through his dedication to both his craft and his heritage, Garry Burnside not only upholds the legacy of his famous father but also ensures that the soulful sounds of the Mississippi blues will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Click here for The Local Voice’s 2022 interview with Garry Burnside
Website: GarryBurnside.com
Facebook: @GarryBurnside
Instagram: @Garry_Burnside

ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART’S MUSCLE THEORY
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 9 pm on the Main Stage
Alvin Youngblood Hart is a virtuoso guitarist and multi-instrumentalist deeply rooted in the blues tradition.Hailing from California but steeped in the rich musical heritage of Mississippi, Hart’s style effortlessly blends Delta blues, country, rock, and folk influences into a captivating tapestry of sound.
Throughout his career, Alvin Youngblood Hart has garnered critical acclaim and earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. He is known for his technical prowess on the guitar, seamlessly shifting between slide and fingerstyle playing with precision and flair.
With a discography spanning over two decades and collaborations with luminaries like Taj Mahal and Ben Harper, Alvin Youngblood Hart continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians with his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to the craft.
Click here for The Local Voice’s 2021 Interview with Alvin Youngblood Hart
Website: Alvin Youngblood Hart
Facebook: Alvin Youngblood Hart On Tour
Spotify: Alvin Youngblood Hart
Instagram: Alvin Youngblood Hart
YouTube: Alvin Youngblood Hart
YouTube: Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory – Millennium Stage (May 14, 2022)
YouTube: Alvin Youngblood Hart & Muscle Theory – Full Set – Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (2016)

KENNY BROWN
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 7:45 pm on the Main Stage
Kenny Brown is a highly respected blues musician renowned for his mastery of Mississippi Hill Country blues. Born and raised in Nesbit, Mississippi, Brown honed his skills playing alongside legends like Mississippi Fred McDowell and R.L. Burnside. His unique blend of traditional blues with elements of rock and punk has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Brown’s distinctive style, characterized by raw, hypnotic rhythms and blistering slide guitar work, pays homage to the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
See Also: Kenny Brown articles at The Local Voice

CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE & ELVIN BISHOP
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 6:30 pm on the Main Stage
Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite are Blues Hall of Famers and longtime friends from Chicago’s 1960s blues scene. They reconnected for a duo album 100 Years Of Blues, which is a raw, soulful collection blending originals and classics. Known for their deep roots, playful chemistry, and masterful musicianship, Bishop (of Paul Butterfield Blues Band fame) and Musselwhite (a Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso) deliver timeless blues steeped in authenticity and heart.
Read Nature Humphries’ interview with Charlie Musselwhite at The Local Voice: Blues Icon Charlie Musselwhite Joins the Hill Country Picnic Family
See also: Blues Tells The Truth in a World That’s Full of Lies: Charlie Musselwhite at The Local Voice

RISING STARS FIFE & DRUM BAND
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 5:30 pm on the Main Stage
Traditional fife and drum music is a vanishing American folk music tradition derived from country blues, martial music tradition, and African rhythms. The late Otha Turner founded the Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, which is now led by his granddaughter Shardé Thomas.
See more: articles about Rising Stars Fife & Drum Band at The Local Voice

ERIC DEATON
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 4:30 pm on the Main Stage
Eric Deaton is a torch-bearer of the North Mississippi Hill Country blues tradition, having received an apprenticeship first-hand from the masters of this particularly hypnotic, backwoods strain of blues. Eric has recorded albums with The Black Keys and Hank Williams, Jr. Eric’s band includes Junior Kimbrough’s son Kenny.
See also: North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Artist Interview: Eric Deaton
Read more articles at The Local Voice featuring Eric Deaton

JIMBO MATHUS
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 3:30 pm on the Main Stage
Jimbo Mathus is a multifaceted musician whose career spans genres from blues and Americana to rock and country. Born in Oxford, he grew up in Mississippi, deeply influenced by the rich musical heritage of the region. Mathus gained prominence as a founding member of the swing revival band Squirrel Nut Zippers in the 1990s.
Read more articles featuring Jimbo Mathus at The Local Voice

DUWAYNE BURNSIDE & KENNY BROWN DUO
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 2:50 pm on the Main Stage
R.L. Burnside’s son teams up with R.L.’s adopted son for this electric duo that is sure to get you off your seat and on your feet.

AFRISSIPPI
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 2:10 pm on the Main Stage
Afrissippi is an afro-beat/blues/experimental band based out of Oxford, Mississippi, with Guelel Kumba (voice and guitar), Eric Deaton (guitar and voice), Kinney Kimbrough (drums) Justin Showah (bass), and Papa Assane M’baye (handdrum). Guelel Kumba comes from the Futa Tooro region of West Africa, and is a member of the Fulani people. “The blues is close to my music. The lyrics are different, but the emotions are the same,” he says. “I loved the melodies but I was too young to understand the anguish yet.”
Read more articles featuring Afrissippi at The Local Voice

CAM KIMBROUGH HILL COUNTRY REUNION
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 1:30 pm on the Main Stage
Cam Kimbrough is a Hill Country artist, producer, drummer, guitar player, songwriter, rapper, and vocalist. Grandson of the legendary Junior Kimbrough, he is continuing the Hill Country music tradition with a very original and modern approach. Kimbrough recently spent several years performing regularly throughout the Southwestern U.S.
YouTube: Cam Kimbrough – Still Standing Official Music Video

WOLFEAGLE ft. TRENTON AYERS
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 12:45 pm on the Main Stage
Trenton Ayers has been playing guitar since age four. The son of Earl “Little Joe” Ayers, he has played with The Electric Mudd, Cedric Burnside Project, and more. He was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2015 for his album Descendants of Hill Country.
Webpage: Trenton Ayers
Facebook: Trenton Ayers
Twitter: Trenton Ayers
Instagram: Trenton Ayers
YouTube Channel: Trenton Ayers Hands of Fire
YouTube: How to get that Hill Country Blues guitar tone with Grammy nominee Trenton Ayers

BILL STEBER & LIBBY RAE WATSON
Playing Saturday, June 28 at Noon on the Main Stage
Libby Rae Watson is an authentic blues woman who has been playing since the early 1970s, when she discovered the blues in her hometown of Pascagoula. She helped organize the talent for the very first Delta Blues Festival in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1978. Libby Rae has played many festivals and music venues all over the world.
See also: North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Artist Q&A: Libby Rae Watson

Saturday, June 28: CAMPGROUND STAGE Artist Lineup
THE NONCONNAH OUTLAWS w/ MARLOW DURROUGH
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 11 am on the Campground Stage
Marlow Dorrough is a drummer and guitarist from Ruleville, Mississippi. He is the son of legendary Mississippi guitarist Duff Dorrough. He has played with Duff Dorrough & The Revelators, Solar Porch, Brad Moneymaker Band, Lawdogs, and more. With the Outlaws, Marlow regularly tours a variety of venues and festivals, and much like his father is a regional favorite.
Click here for The Local Voice’s 2022 interview with Marlow Dorrough
Facebook: MarlowDorrough

JUST GROOVIN’ EXPERIENCE w/ DAVIS COEN
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 10:45 am on the Campground Stage
Memphis R&B and funk/blues band Just Groovin’ Experience returns, with favorites from the vinyl years, blended with contemporary Mid-South blues. Recently they accompanied local guitarist Davis Coen on his Live at Proud Larry’s album.

LITTLE JOE AYERS
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 9:40 am on the Campground Stage
Earl “Little Joe” Ayers is a guitarist and singer from Lamar, Mississippi, who plays Hill Country blues. He was the bass player for legendary Cotton Patch Soul blues musician Junior Kimbrough, and the two played house parties together as teenagers. Ayers is known for his elegant guitar playing and soulful voice, and often performs covers in the style of R.L. Burnside or T-Model Ford.

JOHN MCDOWELL & CHRISTINE CONLEY
Playing Saturday, June 28 at 9 am on the Campground Stage
While their love of music began long before their love for each other, Christine Conley & John McDowell have combined the two to create fun and inspiring songs that will leave you smiling.
See also: North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Sponsor Spotlight: Cetacea Sound, Inc
YouTube: Songwriter Spotlight E20 John McDowell and Christine Conley, September 16, 2021

Access the 2025 North Mississippi Hill Country
Picnic Digital Guide here

More Hill Country Picnic articles from The Local Voice:
2024 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Artist Guide June 28 & 29, 2024
2023 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Artist Guide June 23 & 24, 2023
2022 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Artist Guide June 24 & 25, 2022
2022 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Vendors (Artists’ Village) 2022
2021 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Brings the Heat June 25–26, 2021
2019 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Returns Friday and Saturday June 28–29, 2019
2017 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Venue Change Due to Weather
2017 – Get Ready for the 12th Annual North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic June 22–25, 2017
2016 – North Mississippi Hill Country Blues Picnic is June 23–25, 2016
2015 – 10th Annual North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic: June 26-27, 2015
2014 – North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Returns June 27-28, 2014
2013 – Eighth Annual North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Set For June 28-29, 2013
2012 – Time For the 7th Annual North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic!
North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic Sponsors
Cathead Distillery • The Black Keys • Mississippi Arts Commission • LifeWings • Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area • R&B Feder Charitable Foundation for the Beaux–Arts • The Local Voice • Cetacea Sound • Visit Mississippi • Fat Possum • Frank Kossen • One Day Signs • Margo Cooper • Hick’s Convention Services • Mike & Lisa Bennett • Haynie Construction • The Library Sports Bar • Tom & Connie Kossen • Court Square Inn • Home Place Pastures • Blues on the Porch • Bennett Construction • Budweiser

