BROWNSVILLE TN (September 7, 2016):

You don’t have to be a Tina fan to enjoy this year’s Tina Turner Heritage Days. Along with Nutbush tours and tribute shows honoring the music icon, attendees will also get an opportunity to enjoy an antique tractor show, try different versions of Brunswick stew and experience the Tennessee State University Music Ensemble. These activities will begin Saturday, September 24, on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

(Photo, above) TSU students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of styles and genres as members of the Commercial Music Ensemble including Tina Turner Heritage Days September 24 in Brownsville.

Stew teams are invited to compete for the title of Stewmaster, during the Old Family Stew Cook-Off. Each team will do their best to prepare the best Brunswick stew while also raising funds for their favorite charity or cause. Stews will be ready to sample at 11:30 a.m., when judging begins. Teams will sell stew by the bowl, quart or gallon with all proceeds going toward a local or regional non-profit or charitable cause designated by each team. Entry fee is $20 per team to compete in the cook-off.

Antique tractors of all sizes, shapes and models will be on display beginning at 9 a.m., for Brownsville’s first Antique Tractor Show. Tractor owners will be on hand to talk about and demonstrate how their machines work. Five awards will be given during the show including oldest, smallest, largest, a Fence Row award and People’s Choice.

Tractor registration is free, as is admission to the show and cook-off. Trophies and awards will be given at 1 p.m.

Adding to the already stellar line up of performers for this year’s Tina Tribute Show is the Tennessee State University (TSU) Commercial Music Ensemble. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Crawford, the Commercial Music program continues a tradition of training and preparing talented students for careers in music performance.

Building on TSU legacies such as Jimmie Blanton, Hank Crawford, Carla Thomas, and others, TSU Commercial Music majors are performing on cruise ships, at theme parks and resorts, as well as working with established artists as background singers, songwriters, and producers.

“Current students are not only inspired by TSU graduates, but also living legends like Tina Turner,” says Crawford. “Her fiery song delivery and kinetic stage presence raised the bar for all performers that followed her. The Commercial Music Ensemble looks forward to paying tribute to Tina Turner and other West Tennessee artists, such as Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley.”

The 13 member ensemble will open the Tina Tribute show Saturday evening at the Carver High Gym on Jefferson St. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person.
For more information about these events, contact the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000 or visit www.TinaTurnerHeritageDays.com.