(Memphis, TN) – Last night, May 10, 2017 was Big LLou’s 5th Annual Blues Hall of Fame Tribute Jam and Fundraiser, a star-studded authentic blues experience and “After Party with a Purpose.” The best and brightest in blues paid tribute to the musicians inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame. “THE JUKE JOYNT” was held at a new location called “The Warehouse” (just a couple of blocks from the Blues Museum). Trollies and shuttles brought people from Beale Street and the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Big Llou said, “It was our biggest, most well-attended event. We raised money for the Blues Hall of Fame and had a good time doing it. The patrons loved the new venue and the music kept everyone dancing until 2am. They all had a Wang Dang Doodle of a time.”
Over 22 musicians including Eddie Cotton, Barbara Blue, Victor Wainwright, Trudy Lynn, John Primer, Janiva Magness, Biscuit Miller, Kenny Neal and his brother Lil Ray Neal (first time they played on stage together in long time), Annika Chambers, Anthony Geraci and many, many more.
The house band led by Jack Rowell and his Royal Blues band held it down for many hours in perfect synch.
The celebrity hosts, Teddy Johnson from Teddy’s Juke Joint started off the festivities in his colorful cape and flashy showmanship, and Jackie Scott from Virginia, known as the Virginia Volcano ‘meeted and greeted’ the VIP ticket holders, escorted them to the best seats in the house and fed them soul food and gave them swag bags.
The new venue, a 100-year-old post office cum juke joint with 1940’s-style leather booths, wooden floors, and music memorabilia galore was the perfect venue for this authentic juke joint experience and boasted two full bars and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Eclectic food trucks just outside rounded out the festival vibe.
Patrons got to take home full bottles of Stubbs BBQ sauce, the hot-off-the-press annual Blues Festival Guide magazine, and samplers of Four Roses Bourbon, three of the top sponsors.
This event could not be made possible without the additional support of Tall City Blues Festival, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, and the National Blues Museum. The volunteers of the Memphis Blues Society were amazing and helped turn it into the real juke joint feel.
Mark your calendars to not miss this event for 2018. For more information visit,
Photos by Janine Harty
