Tunica, MS - The 2023 Jus' Blues Music Awards & Conference just wrapped another remarkable and exciting event for blues and music enthusiasts. This was the 23rd Annual Jus’ Blues Music Awards Show in the 28-year existence of the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation. The annual conference was held at Bluesville Music Hall, the concert venue in the Horseshoe Casino & Hotel in Tunica, MS. The 4-day event typically features performances, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for blues and soul music musicians, enthusiasts, and industry professionals. It is Jus’ Blues’ largest Blacks in Blues awareness event as it is also their biggest fundraiser for their primary, student music education program, “Blues Got A Soul.” This year’s attendees had the opportunity to see, admire, learn, and respect the contributions and accomplishments of Blues & Soul music legends; like guitarists James “Super Chikan” Johnson, Dennis Jones, Wayne Baker Brooks, Jesse Robinson, and Corey Harris. Also acknowledged were vocalists Nora Jean Wallace, Vickie Baker, Sharon Lewis, and DieDra Ruff. Bassman Bob Stroger, boogie-woogie piano man Kenny “Blue Boss” Wayne, Royal Studios producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and sister Oona Mitchell, as well as broadcaster Jerry “Boogie” Mason, were amongst the Jus’ Blues Class of 2023 Honorees. Legend William Bell was honored for his accomplishments as an artist, arranger, writer, and producer. Founder and CEO Charles Mitchell presented him with an award in his namesake, the inaugural Jus’ Blues William Bell Blues & Soul Award.
|
This year’s Blues-Got-A-Soul Technology Conference & Workshop offered valuable insights as attendees learned about the unique beginnings of Delta Blues from Bluesman extraordinaire Vasti Jackson. Additionally, Entertainment Attorney Jonathan Mason gave an interesting overview of the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the music industry.
|
ATTY JONATHAN MASON - MODERATORJonathan is graduate of Howard University and Georgetown University Law Center. He began his legal career in 1992 as a litigator in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina office of a large regional law firm. Jonathan began representing “talent” in entertainment-related transactions. Jonathan representation of independent record labels, music producers, songwriters, production companies, concert promoters, visual artists, and fashion models. Jonathan's practice also includes entertainment-related litigation, including royalty and commission disputes, copyright infringement, and trademark infringement matters.
|
Vasti Jackson -(pronounced Vast-Eye)World renowned guitarist, and vocalist, Mississippi living
blues legend, Cultural ambassador, 2012 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee, and 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award recipient, Vasti Jackson is a powerful force in the world of music! As an artist, Vasti is known for sweat-drenched, soul-ripping live performances marked by some of the most stunning, and innovative guitar playing today. Vasti's stellar vocals, fiery guitar, and stage presence captures the audience, and leaves a lasting impression that celebrates the triumph of the blues, and the joy of rhythm that is soul satisfying to all that are lucky enough to experience his music. Question: What does BB King, The Grammys, Harry Connick, Jr., Martin Scorsese, Wynton Marsalis, and Cassandra Wilson, have in common? Vasti Jackson! Vasti Jackson is a consummate performer, songwriter, arranger, and producer. From his early beginnings playing in churches, and juke joints in McComb, MS |
2nd Annual Blues Got A Soul Golf Youth Fundraiser
The 2nd Annual Blues Got A Soul Golf Tournament was a huge success! This year's winner was Mr. John Pittman from Memphis, TN. We would like to thank all of the golfers who came out to support the Jus' Blues Music Foundation's youth Blues program fundraiser, these funds will also help to get our instrument program and workshop tour started. A special thank you to Tunica National Golf & Tennis for hosting the event. Thanks to Dr. Johnny Jones, Blues Got A Soul Chairman for putting it all together.
|