BROWNSVILLE TN (July 11, 2018): Summer Jamz Music Fest kicks off July 20 in Brownsville, Tenn., with three days of live music at various locations around town. In addition to the great music, the Delta Heritage Center will host its first Book Jam with more than 10 local and regional authors showcasing their literary works.
“We all know this region has tremendous musical talents,” says Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Center director, “but we also have some amazing writers who are making their mark in the world of literature.”
The Book Jam will take place on Saturday, July 21, from 2-5 p.m., and includes 12 confirmed authors who will meet the public and sign copies of their books. Each will present a reading from their works during the afternoon.
Confirmed authors include:
• John Bomer Baxter – Attrition & Time
• James Cherry – Edge of the Wind
• Sharon Clark – A Cup of Tea for Royalty
• Roy Hawkins – From Roy-Al to a Royal Priesthood
• Tony Kail – A Secret History of Memphis Hodoo
• Billy King – Big Black Creek I, II, III
• Lisa Brooks (L. Nuchell) – The Spirit of Fear
• Angella Palmer-Banks – I.N.S.P.I.R.E.
• Don Polley – I Am Not An Anachronism
• Raye Springfield – I’m Going to Start Here & Legacy of Tamar
• Billy Tripp – The Mindfield Years
• Billy Weir – Rock-A-Billy: A Slice of Rock ‘n Roll History

Book subjects range from fiction to inspirational and include historical accounts, poetry and children’s books. Each author has a West Tennessee connection including six Haywood County natives. In keeping with the music theme, the Delta Project, a Memphis Blues duo, will entertain throughout the book event.
Summer Jamz Music Fest officially kicks off Friday evening, July 20, with Brownsville Rootz and features Backseat Crocodile, a Dyersburg, Tenn., alternative rock band whose lead guitarist and vocalist, Grant Carr, has a Brownsville connection. The show begins at 7 p.m., at Temple Adas Israel, 145 North Washington St.
Saturday evening, July 21, the Delta Heritage Center will present the second night of music with Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n Roll. Americana/Folk group Tucson Simpson takes the stage at 5 p.m., followed by the soulful rhythm and blues sounds of Vonda Peet. Memphis-based rock and roll band Mojo Medicine Machine headlines at 7p.m. Bring your lawn chairs for the outdoor concert immediately following the Book Jam. Concessions will be onsite.
The downtown Brownsville Amphitheater is the place to be for Sunday evening’s, July 22, Prayz in the Park. Local gospel choir Word of Life Singers led by Pastor Rickey Reed and Old Friends, a local group consisting of Liz Rankin, Kesha Burton and Ross Beckham will be featured beginning at 7 p.m. Again, bring your lawn chairs or blankets for this special concert.
All events are free admission courtesy of the Brownsville Arts Council and West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. For more information about the festival, call the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000 or email [email protected].
About the Center: The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, 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 is the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. The Delta Heritage Center is also a featured stop along the Americana Music Triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.