Photograph of Red Paden by Lou Bopp, courtesy of Cathead Delta Blues and Folk Art.
Labor Day Weekend Festival Founded in 2018 by Juke Joint Legend Red Paden
The eighth year of Red’s Old-Timers Blues Fest in Clarksdale, Mississippi, promises to be the best one yet. As always, it is free and open to the public. Festivities start at 10 am on Saturday, August 30, in the Martin Luther King Jr. Park near the corner of Sunflower Avenue and MLK Drive. More info at www.RedPaden.com.
“My dad started this blues festival to honor the old-timers, to bring them their flowers while they’re still living,” said Orlando Paden, Red’s son and festival organizer. “He asked me to keep his juke joint running and to grow his festival, so that’s just what I’m doing.”
The annual music event is held on the large, permanent stage in the Martin Luther King Jr. Park that overlooks the scenic Sunflower River, less than a block from world-famous Red’s Lounge. The park also includes a playground for kids. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. There will be a large tent on-site to provide extra shade plus portalets nearby.
In addition to a full day of free live music on the stage, the festival will again host its annual BBQ competition. And food trucks will be on hand. The BBQ competition starts at 10 am. The music starts at 11 am.
This year’s event is dedicated to both festival-founder Red Paden and one of his favorite old-time bluesmen—“Cadillac” John Nolden—who passed away recently at 98 years old. “Dad loved the old-timers,” the younger Paden noted. “And if you add up everyone’s age on this year’s roster, it adds up to about 500 years of blues experience.”
RED’S OLD-TIMERS BLUES FEST LINEUP:
- 11 am – Australia “Honey Bee” Jones
- Noon – Watermelon Slim
- 1 pm – Frank “Guitar” Rimmer Band
- 2 pm – Brotha Ric Patton & Carla Robinson
- 3 pm – Ms Gladys Blues Band
- 4 pm – Lucious Spiller Band
- 5 pm – Charlie Musselwhite
Headliner Charlie Musselwhite expressed excitement over performing at the festival. “Red lives on in our hearts, and I’m proud to be part of this festival that carries on Red’s spirit,” he said. “He was one of the coolest guys ever.”
Eighty-one-year-old Mississippi-native Musselwhite definitely qualifies as a blues “old-timer.” He released his first album, Stand Back!, in 1966 and his newest one, Look Out Highway, in May.
Musselwhite and the rest of the veteran lineup are expected to draw blues fans from both the region and the world.
“We loved Red and appreciated all of his efforts to keep the blues alive,” said Visit Clarksdale tourism director Bubba O’Keefe. “We’re proud to help support the festival and give blues fans around the globe one more reason to come to the blues mecca.”
In addition to the festival’s MLK Stage music, Red’s classic juke joint at 398 Sunflower Avenue will run nightly with even more live blues (cover charge applies):
- Thurs., 8/28 – Blues & BBQ Party
- Fri., 8/29 – Terry “Harmonica” Bean
- Sat., 8/30 – Little Willie Farmer Band
For more information, go to www.RedPaden.com or find the festival on Facebook. Search lodging options at www.VisitClarksdale.com.
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