BROWNSVILLE TN (JANUARY 12, 2015):

A new art exhibition depicting the historic and everyday sites of the Big Black Creek area of Denmark and Mercer, Tenn., is currently on view at the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville. The exhibit “Pondering the Past: Big Black Creek through the Eyes of Atelier Artist- Jackson” officially opened August 29 in the historic Denmark Church during its semi-annual Red Back Hymnal sing. The exhibit moved to the Heritage Center Sept. 1, and is currently on view through Sept. 20. The public may view the exhibit during regular hours and is also invited to a reception on Saturday, September 19, 5-7 p.m. Following the reception, the season’s last Concert on the Porch will be presented.

“Pondering the Past” consists of over 30 painting by regional artists under the direction of Fred Rawlinson, Rawlinson Gallery and Studio, Germantown, Tenn. The group is comprised of about 15 artist from West Tennessee and North Mississippi whose common goal is to become more proficient in expression of visual art. These well-respected artists have taken pictures of the community and recreated them in their own unique artistic styles.

A concert will follow the reception September 19 beginning at 7 p.m., with jazz music performed from the porch of Blues Pioneer Sleepy John Estes’ home. Philip Joyner Jr. will opening the evening performance. Joyner, a renowned jazz pianist, can be heard weekly playing for the international audiences of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tenn. He is both a soloist and a band leader. His works includes a CD entitles “By Special Request” and the score of the stage play “360 Degrees.” Joyner has also worked with such distinguished artists as Vanessa Williams, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Denise Williams.

Following Joyner, the band Blue Magnolia from Corinth, Miss., will take the stage. Blue Magnolia performs music that covers a century of pop, rock, blues and jazz. A theatrical influence can be heard in some of their selections from stage and film such as “Moon River,” Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “All That Jazz,” and more. The group consist of Tonya Freeman Maxedon, Anthony Hopper and Mikky Jones of Corinth, Miss., and Shawn Pitts of Selmer, Tenn. Maxedon and Hopper have performed together since the 1980s. Jones and Pitts joined the group in 2013. The musical style and various influences of the individual members gives this band a sound that defies the usual contemporary labels. With Jazz standards at the heart of their musical performances, Blue Magnolia performs regularly at Vicari in downtown Corinth, as well as festival and private events across the region.

For more information about the event, please contact the Center at 731-779-9000 or visit www.westtnheritage.com.

PHOTO: Jazz pianist Philip Joyner and the band Blue Magnolia will perform at the Delta Heritage Center’s “Concert on the Porch” Saturday, September 19. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception for “Pondering the Past,” the latest art exhibition on view at the Center and concludes with the Jazz concert at 7.

About the Center: The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds are Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.