BROWNSVILLE TN (JUNE 25, 2016): July’s heat can’t stop good music and five Brownsville organizations have found a way to combine them. Summer Jamz Music Fest is a five-day event that includes indoor and outdoor venues offering live music. The events are free and two activities offer attendees a chance to participate. The music festival begins Thursday, July 14 through Monday, July 18.

“This is our second year to present Summer Jamz,” says Arts Director Achana Jarrett, “and we are super excited to ‘turn up the heat’ with lots of great music planned.”
Thursday night kicks off with “Jammin’ at Mr. Jimmy’s,” an open Blues jam at Jimmy’s Farmers Market in downtown Brownsville. The West Tennessee Blues Society (WTBS) is hosting the event that offers an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the show. The WTBS Jam Band will perform and provide backup for those wishing to participate – just bring your instruments, voice, dancing shoes and love of the Blues. The jam session begins at 6 p.m., and Jimmy’s will be grilling his famous burgers and more.

Friday evening will showcase hometown folks during “Brownsville Rootz.” The Brownsville Arts Council will present local talents at Temple Adas Israel, North Washington St. Selections will include instrumentals and vocalist. The doors will open at 6 pm and music begins at 7.

Saturday will feature day long activities all around Brownsville, including tours of Dunbar Carver Museum (Jefferson St.) from 1-4 p.m., and the MindField (West Main) from 2-4 p.m., courtesy of Main Street Brownsville.

The Brownsville Chamber invites you to “pop-in” to local businesses for special Celtic performances from 1-3 p.m. Locations include The Forked Deer (1p), Food Giant (1:30p), The MindField (2p) and Sonic Drive-In (2:30). According to Chamber Director Steve Hilton, the “pop-up musicians will be offering a sample of the music that will be featured at CelticFest in September.”
Saturday culminates with “Bluez, Soul & Rock ‘n Roll” beginning at 5 p.m., at the Delta Heritage Center. Sweet Angel and the Sweet Angel Blues Band will headline the outdoor concert that also includes Rockabilly’s Rayburn Anthony, the 901 Blues Band and Elam McKnight Band. Car enthusiasts are invited to cruise-in in their favorite rides and show off a little. Concessions will be on site and bleacher seating is available, or you are invited to bring your lawn chairs or blankets.

Sunday evening brings “Prayz in the Park” to the Brownsville Amphitheater. Beginning at 7 p.m., local choirs and groups will perform your favorite praise songs. Again bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a Sunday evening on the square.

Summer Jamz will conclude on Monday night with “Open Mic Monday.” This event will highlight the spoken word including poetry, short stories and song. Registration begins at 6 p.m., at the Delta Heritage Center.

All events are free, family-friendly and suitable for any ages. For more information about any of the Summer Jamz events, contact the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000 or visit www.facebook.com/summerjamfest

(Photo above): Sweet Angel and the Sweet Angel Blues Band will be the headliner act at the Delta Heritage Center Saturday night, July 16, during Summer Jamz Music Fest. The festival features live music and activities at various locations throughout Brownsville July 14-18.