14th CLARKSDALE FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL Features Mississippi-connected Movies, Blues Music, Special Guests and More January 26–28

The historic little town of Clarksdale, Mississippi, presses “play” on a brand-new, curated collection of movies, music, and special guests at its 14th annual Clarksdale Film & Music Festival January 26–28.

Schedule and details are at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.

“The Clarksdale Film & Music Festival specializes in Mississippi-connected and blues-themed films as well as incredible live music performances,” said artistic director Roger Stolle. “We bring in some fascinating guests and do our best to highlight movies and music that best reflect the history and culture of the ‘Land Where Blues Began’.”
 
This year’s “pop-up” movie theater is inside Stone Pony’s Tack Room at 226 Delta Avenue, Friday 3 pm–8 pm and Saturday 11 am–8 pm. The festival’s main music venue is Bluesberry Cafe at 235 Yazoo Avenue, Sunday 1 pm–4 pm. Of course, since it is Clarksdale, there is already live blues music seven days a week at various clubs and restaurants.
 
Weekly music calendar at www.cathead.biz/music-calendar. 

Visitor information: VisitClarksdale.com.
 
“We organize our film festival through the same non-profit as April’s Juke Joint Festival,” said Nan Hughes, director of the Clarksdale Downtown Development Association (501c3). “In addition to supporting musicians and artists, our aim is to provide a boost to local businesses during their slowest time of the year.”
 
According to Hughes, festival tickets are only $5 per day or $10 for a Weekend Pass thanks to the generosity of the event’s main sponsors: Visit Clarksdale Tourism, Clarksdale Public Utilities, City of Clarksdale, and Southern Bancorp. Lodging partners include Chateau Debris, Clark House, Hampton Inn, High Cotton Condos, Hooker Hotel, and Travelers Hotel.
 
“We are super excited about all of our premieres and special guests this year,” said Stolle. “We have an impressive roster of filmmakers traveling to Clarksdale to present their work from places like Brazil and Canada plus New York, Nashville, New Orleans, and beyond.”

 Highlights include the world premiere of new works starring or created by award-winning musicians like James “Super Chikan” Johnson and Jimbo Mathus. Mississippi and Clarksdale premieres include acclaimed new films such as The Blues Society, African Reasons, Born in Chicago, King Bee, and a special SFJAZZ at Home Charlie Musselwhite/Elvin Bishop concert film. Collections of music videos and student work will also be presented. Read more about the films at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.

Filmmakers, musicians and special guests include Corey Hart, Jefferson Mello, Mark Rankin, Brian Wilson, Nolan Dean, Tim Hardiman, John & Steve Zaffuto, August Palmer, James “Super Chikan” Johnson, Jimbo Mathus, Charlie Musselwhite, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Sean “Bad” Apple, Australia “Honey Bee” Jones, Watermelon Slim, and more.
 
“We have a wonderful array of places to stay, so we hope folks will come spend the whole weekend with us,” said Hughes, recommending the VisitClarksdale.com website and apps for lodging and dining options.
 
Festival tickets can be purchased at Stone Pony’s Tack Room door on the Friday and Saturday of the festival. More details are online now at www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com.