Bessie Smith's Big 9 Music Fest 2024

Event Page: www.bessiesmithcc.org/festival

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is proud to announce the return of the highly anticipated Bessie Smith’s Big 9 Music Fest, taking place on Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14. The festival will be held along the vibrant 200 block of East MLK Boulevard in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On Saturday, April 13, from 3:00pm to 11:00pm, attendees will be treated to a showcase of live local talent on the BlueCross BlueShield of TN Community Foundation Stage, located at the heart of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Performances by Karen Collins featuring Dexter Bell & Friends, Neshawn Calloway and Sound Advice, Luke Simmons and the Lovestruck, and Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers. Closing out the night will be a World Music Showcase featuring Ogya World Music Band and Dancers performing Reggae, African Music & Dance, Soca, Calypso and more. In addition to the stellar performances, the festival will feature a variety of food trucks, beer, and an array of captivating local art and merchandise available for purchase. Continuing the celebration on Sunday, April 14, from 1:30pm to 6:30pm, the grounds of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will transform into a haven of spiritual upliftment during Gospel on the Lawn. Local gospel groups and choirs will take the stage, spreading messages of joy and hope through their powerful performances. Performing will be Greater Tucker Mass Choir, The Remnant Ministries, Brother James Ward, Children of God, and Marcellas Barnes and the Sounds of Unity. There will be food trucks and local art and merchandise available for purchase. Bessie Smith’s Big 9 Music Fest is not just about music; it is a testament to Chattanooga’s rich African American history and a tribute to the individuals who have shaped it. Through these events, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center aims to honor the past while embracing the present and future contributions of the community. Both days of the festival are free to attend and are designed to be enjoyable for the whole family. Attendees can expect an unforgettable experience filled with soul-stirring music and cultural enrichment.