(BROWNSVILLE TN) – The fifth annual Sleepy John’s Country Blues Jam will be held Saturday, January 27, 10am, at the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. The free event recognizes the birthday and legacy of Blues pioneer “Sleepy” John Adam Estes and is presented in partnership with the West Tennessee Blues Society. Skills clinics, a symposium and an acoustic jam session are all part of the day’s activities

Guitarist Elam McKnight will host a slide guitar clinic beginning at 10 am. This will be a basic introduction to two tunings (open G and open D) favored by legendary slide players of the past. It will also include technique and resource material helpful for beginners or experienced players. McKnight is well known in the blues, rock and country genres, and has released six studio albums.

D. Taylor, a Brownsville native and founding member of the band Little Boys Blue, has been playing harmonica since 1991. He now builds and sells them worldwide. Taylor will lead an introductory harmonica clinic at 11am. Participants are asked to bring their own harmonica in the key of C. Topics covered will include single note playing, single note riffs and bends, hand cupping and more.

Participants must bring their own instruments and are asked to pre-register. For more information about the event or to pre-register, call the Center at 731-779-9000 or email info@westtnheritage.com.

Concessions will be on site following the clinics and attendees are invited to enjoy birthday cake, recognizing what would have been Sleepy John’s 119th birthday.

An informal symposium will begin at 1pm. Entitled “Collective Preservation: Keeping the Blues Alive,” this program will take a look at how Blues societies work to preserve the Blues tradition through preservation efforts, education and the promotion of current artists. Audience participation and discussion is welcome and encouraged.

An open acoustic jam session will follow at 2pm. Participants are asked to bring their own instruments, voice or just your love for the music.  This jam session is non-competitive and open to everyone. Throughout the day, participants can tour the Delta Heritage Center and grounds including the last home of Estes and Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner.

To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.