REMEMBERING THE PLANTATION INN

The West Memphis Blues & Rhythm Society proudly presents a tribute to a West Memphis icon, The Plantation Inn. Explore and celebrate the nightclub that shaped “the Memphis Sound”.

This event will take place October 19-20 in West Memphis, AR. For more information & tickets, call 870-514-6340.

Friday, Oct 19th (location - Southland Park Gaming & Racing in West Memphis)

9:30am – 3:30pm: “Ben Branch, Bowlegs, and The Birth of the Memphis Sound”
A symposium featuring the insights and memories of scholars and musicians, including legendary musician and producer Jim Dickinson.

8:00pm – 11:00pm: “The First Annual Plantation Inn Tribute Gala Starring Wayne Jackson & The PI Blues Band”
From the high-flying sounds of Calvin Newborn to the horn-punctuated rhythms of Bowleg Miller’s big band, the musical tradition of the Plantation Inn will be celebrated by this band fronted by Memphis Horn and Stax legend Wayne Jackson.

Saturday, Oct 20th (location – Worthington Park in West Memphis)

5:30pm: “The Plantation Main Stage Amateur Blues & Rhythm Contest”
The spirit of the Plantation Inn comes back to life with a rollicking contest for amateur blues & rhythm bands.

***Admission to contest is free***

First prize: a session at Willie Mitchell’s Royal Recording Studio
Runner up: a St. Blues guitar donated by WDIA

The show will be judged by an esteemed panel of musicians including Calvin Newborn, Wayne Jackson, Boo Mitchell, and Brenda Berger O’Brien, daughter of Plantation Inn founder Morris Berger.
Band registration is free through Oct 19th. Go to www.westmemphisblues.com for details.