A first-of-its-kind orchestral concert series celebrating Mississippi’s unmatched blues legacy—benefiting the Ground Zero Arts Foundation and presented in partnership with Visit Mississippi
Mississippi’s storied blues tradition takes center stage with the launch of Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, a first-of-its-kind national concert series that merges the emotional depth of Delta blues with the power of a live symphony orchestra. Presented in partnership with Visit Mississippi, Visit Clarksdale, and Memphis Tourism, the inaugural 20-city tour celebrates the state’s unmatched cultural legacy and brings its music to new audiences across the country. Performances will be held in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Kansas City, Nashville, Louisville, Durham, Palo Alto, Portland, and Scottsdale, as well as other locations in the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
This landmark concert series transcends the stage, serving as a powerful tribute to the birthplace of America’s music. With cinematic narration by Mississippi native and Academy Award®-winner Morgan Freeman, the performance guides audiences through the story of the blues from its origins through its evolution, revealing its enduring soul.
Freeman, co-founder of Clarksdale’s legendary Ground Zero Blues Club, lends his voice and personal connection to the Delta, anchoring the concert performances with cinematic narrations of stories, vignettes, and reflections that connect deeply with Mississippi’s past, present, and future. The show also features acclaimed musicians from Ground Zero including Anthony ‘Big A’ Sherrod, and surprise acclaimed guests performing orchestrally reimagined blues classics and originals.
“Blues is the soul of Mississippi—the rhythm of its history, its heartache, and its hope,” said Freeman. “This experience gives the blues its rightful place on the world’s stage and ensures its legacy continues to echo through future generations.”
The tour was developed in collaboration with Park Avenue Artists, a creative management firm known for producing culturally resonant, genre-defying experiences that elevate both artistry and purpose.
“At Park Avenue Artists, we believe in creating performances that entertain and move people,” said Ross Michaels, Partner at Park Avenue Artists. “This collaboration honors Mississippi’s legacy while building something entirely new and unforgettable.”
In addition to honoring the music, the series will directly benefit the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving Mississippi’s blues tradition and supporting the next generation of musicians through education, mentorship and live performance opportunities.
As presenting partner, Visit Mississippi will use the series to highlight the state’s deep connection to American music and inspire travelers to explore the region through its authentic cultural lens.
“Music has always been one of Mississippi’s greatest storytellers,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. “This tour allows us to share that story across the country and invite people to discover the place where it all began, from Clarksdale’s crossroads to concert halls nationwide.”
