Page 47 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2021

In April 2021, Clarksdale, MS, enjoyed the “pandemic-ly events presented over 70 blues acts, as well as monkeys
modified” Juke Joint Festival. Festival Co-Founder Roger Stolle riding dogs, racing pigs, Southern food vendors, arts and
of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, describes the keys to crafts exhibitors, a student art/writing competition, cultural
the festival’s success: “Lots of planning, lots of teamwork workshops and more. Saturday alone featured 13 daytime
and, yes, lots of rules. We made our expectations clear to music stages.” Though the Juke Joint Festival hopes to return
musicians, venues, volunteers and attendees. Then, we did to “normal” procedures next year, it is an uplifting example of
our part – distributing 4,000 free paper masks, 35 touchless what is now possible!
hand-sanitizer stations, many gallons of sanitizer, 44 crowd- The practices adopted over the last year, though,
control stanchions, 35 clear plexi virus shields for musicians will leave their mark. Gottheimer of Can’t Stop the Blues
and merchandising, 400 microphone covers, 15 touchless observes, “I think the world of virtual performance is here
thermometers, 30 sandwich-board ‘masking’ signs, 300 to stay. As things begin to open up, artists and venues
disposable gloves, 96 tubs of alcohol wipes, 24 cans of Lysol, will continue to record and/or stream live performances,
extra security personnel and more! Our local hospital even as they realize they can reach a much broader audience
provided free, on-site COVID-19 vaccinations.” The festival around the world, and generate additional income. Fans
moved traditionally indoor activities outside and added more have become accustomed to viewing virtual performances,
time between acts to allow for distancing and sanitizing. and are choosing music as an at-home entertainment. My
Stolle adds, “In the end, our four days of Juke Joint Festival only concern is the perceived value of online performances.

Performing at the 2021 Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, MS, (l to r): Sean "Bad" Apple, King Artemis, Miss Australia "Honeybee" Jones and Peggy "Lady Trucker" Hemphill.
Photo by Roger Stolle

Blues Festival Guide 2021 45