Born in the Clarksdale area in 1903, Son House was a Delta blues legend whose influence still shapes music today. He mentored icons like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, and his sound can be heard in artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Jack White, and Taj Mahal.
House was recorded by Alan Lomax and Paramount Records in the 1930s. He was a complicated man with a complicated life, torn between the life of a preacher and the life of an alcoholic musician who spent time in jail for murder.
After stepping away from music in the 1940s, Son House was rediscovered in 1964, leading to a powerful late-career revival. That story is captured in the documentary Two Trains Runnin’, which will return to this year’s festival.
This year’s lineup celebrates both legacy and the future of the blues, featuring:
- Jontavious Willis is a Grammy-nominated blues artist from rural Georgia, whose music is deeply rooted in tradition while bringing a fresh, modern energy to the genre.
- Erin Harpe is an award-winning blues artist, educator, and multi-instrumentalist based in Boston. Deeply influenced by legends like Mississippi John Hurt, her fingerstyle guitar work blends traditional country blues with a modern, soulful feel.
Angel “Cash” Ocasio, Jr., a standout from the Macon, Georgia music scene, is the founder and driving force behind Cash’s Juke Joint.
- Watermelon Slim (Bill Homans) is known for his raw, powerful blues and unmistakable voice. Blending slide guitar, gritty harmonica, and deeply personal storytelling, his music captures the spirit of workingman blues like few others.
- Deak Harp has been playing harmonica since the age of 12, inspired by blues legend James Cotton. After following Cotton’s band along the East Coast, Deak joined the James Cotton Blues Band, touring for six years and sharing the stage with the “Superharp” himself.
Together, these artists represent the next generation of blues while staying deeply rooted in the tradition Son House helped define.
The festival will also highlight incredible local Delta talent, with more artists to be announced soon.
Schedule
Thursday, May 28
3 pm: Live performances by Bear Ryan, Ray Cashman, Lucious Spiller, Chris Mullins, Kwan Kash, and some more great local legends! TBA!
Location: The Blue Room (216 3rd St.)
Admission: $10
Friday, May 29
3 pm: Two Trains Runnin’ documentary screening, Son House performance screening, and panel discussion. Location: The Blue Room (216 3rd St.)
FREE.
7 pm: Live performance by Cash’s Juke Joint, Deak Harp, and Watermelon Slim
Location: Hambone Art Gallery (111 E 2nd St.)
Admission $20.
Saturday, May 30
8 pm: Live performance by Jontavious Willis and Erin Harpe
Location: The Holy Moly (218 3rd St.)
Admission $25.
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