BY ROBERT MCFARLAND, JR.

Delta Business Journal

They came from New York and Los Angeles and points in between to join the Delta in pitching a Wang Dang Doddle in the cradle of the Blues Saturday night (Nov. 14).

The setting was elaborate; the atmosphere festive; the entertainment grand as nearly 1,000 people packed the huge white tent erected on Blues Alley, the site of the new Delta Blues Museum in the renovated rail freight depot.

Headliners for the event were ather of the British Blues John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers; Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor; and Grammy Award winning Blues guitarist Buddy Guy.

Opening the concert were master Bluesman Mr. Johnnie Billington and the Midnighters, five young men currently studying and performing with Mr. Johnnie.

But being thrilled by some of the best Blues talent in the world is not what this evening was about.

It is about a rebirth of downtown Clarksdale starting with the Delta Blues Museum, which opened its doors during the event to showcase a world class photo exhibition - State of the Blues - by Jeff Dunas of New York.

It is about economic renewal of a small city that once boasted a vibrant downtown trade area.

And it is about nourishing the artistic talents of young people in the worlds most fertile Blues climate.

The concert has been the vision of Los Angeles promoter Richard Bolen for the past year. Bolen wanted an event that would put the spotlight on his hometown of Clarksdale. Internationally known musicians would ensure the Delta town's recognition, and Bolens contacts in the industry made it possible.

Build it and they will come, says Bolen, speaking of an Iowa cornfield that draws thousands of visitors. Clarksdales field of dreams already exists in the Delta Blues Museum which is visited each year by thousands from all over the globe, says Bolen.

Bolens plans take the Delta Blues Museum a step further - as it becomes a virtual museum on the internet. This virtual museum will give the immediate ad impression needed to draw major corporate sponsors into the Museum operation, says Bolen.

Camera crews were highly visible at the event which will be broadcast by lalive.com on the internet in the near future.

As for arts and education, Bolen says if talent existed here before, it must exist now!' This is evidenced by the host of students ranging in age from 10 to 18 currently involved in the Delta Blues Education Program, led by former DBM curator and Blues musician John Ruskey, he adds.

One such talent is 15-year-old Anthony Sherrod, who has been a student of Billington for eight years. And for a few brief moments, Sherrod stole the show as Guy handed over his prized polka-dot guitar to the young man who wooed the crowd and Guy with his skill on the instrument.

This was the most exciting moment of the evening...when Buddy Guy, who didnt have any idea this kid was a student of Mr. Johnnies, but saw the kids interest in the music. He said from the stage, Do you play? Sherrord said yes and took the stage with such confidence, says Nan Hughes, of Pharr Brothers Advertising in Clarksdale. This is part of what this is all about...to keep Blues education going and bring the other arts into the program,Ó says Hughes.

With corporate funding and an improved economy from tourism, Bolen would like to see schools identify students showing an interest in the arts get more exposure to all the arts. He also sees the possibility of after-school and summer workshops conducted by professionals.

Normally, an event such as this would be viewed from its immediate impact on the economy, motel occupancy, gas and food purchases. But there is a bigger picture being drawn here.

This event is really an effort to focus the eyes of the world on Clarksdale as the home of the Blues, says Clarksdale Mayor Richard Webster who, along with others in city government, has worked hand-in-hand with Bolen on the event.

Its kind of like sowing seeds. With care and nurturing, the harvest will be the people who come here and spend time with us and money with out local merchants,Ó says Webster. We wont determine the success of this event on the day that it happens. Success in measurable terms will be seen down the road. Webster, who joined Bolen and Dunas for the ribbon cutting of the Museum and first showing of Dunas exhibition, took that ceremony as an opportunity to remember one of the team who is not with us this evening, speaking of the late Ron Gorsegner. Gorsegner, who was Director of the The Carnegie Library and the Delta Blues Museum, died unexpectedly in September.

It is vital that our community embrace the visitors attracted here by the Blues, says local businessman Kinchen (Bubba) OKeefe, Jr.

ÒWe can turn the light on and step out on the porch to welcome them, or we can lock the door and turn off the lights, says OKeefe, who hopes for a revitalized downtown business district that will cater to the tourism trade. We all benefit when our businesses prosper, he adds.

What were going to get first of all is increased awareness nationally and even internationally of the Delta Blues Museum, said Ron Hudson, executive director of the Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce. This is going to be a good start, and certainly not the end of it. Its going to be a long process, as is anything that has to do with economic development or tourism.

It is hoped that some of the corporate citizens, especially the really big companies, will see whats going on in Clarksdale and itll piqued their interest...that they will then come in with sponsorships and the mechanism necessary to build the exhibits for the Delta Blues Museum, says Hudson.

Becky Nicholson, manager of The Hampton Inn with her husband Nick, sees the Blues as a crop waiting to be harvested. We are eager for the downtown area and the Museum to move forward, says Nicholson. We have many guests who have spent the weekend in Memphis. They come to Clarksdale to see the Museum and spend the night, hoping to hear live Blues. A venue is really needed where performers can be heard. Nicolson says Shaner Hotel Groups tour and travel office, of which they are a member, is already promoting walk around Memphis tours that will include overnight trips to Clarksdale and other points in the Delta.

Dunas State of the Blues is on exhibit at the Delta Blues Museum, No. 1 Blues Alley until January 15, 1999. From Clarksdale, the exhibit travels to a Los Angeles museum and then to the Smithsonian Institution in April. Hours are 10 am to 3 pm Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for ages 6-17. The exhibit is free to groups of seniors and school children.

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