Brownsville Celebrates Summer with July Music Festival

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. – The weather is not all that's heating up this summer, especially in July during Brownsville's annual Summer Jamz Music Fest July 14-17 at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

The four-day event promises lots of music in a variety of locations, starting with local talent on Friday evening and concluding with a special songwriters Open Mic Monday. All events are free admission courtesy of the Brownsville Arts Council and West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

Brownsville Rootz kicks off the Summer Jams series with a Friday evening performance by local residents 7 p.m. at Temple Adas Israel, 145 North Washington St. With the Temple's unique acoustics, it’s the perfect place for listening to a variety of performances, from show tunes to country, gospel and more.

Saturday at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center includes a special exhibition and program featuring Memphis author Tony Kail. Kail talks about his book, "A Secret History of Memphis Hoodoo," and is available to sign books following the 4 p.m. presentation. Four regional groups take the stage at 6 p.m. to present a blues, soul & rock 'n roll show. The line-up includes Elmo and The Shades, OTIS, The Genre Band and Tee Rainer & Co. Concessions are on site and attendees are invited to visit local restaurants.

The downtown Brownsville Amphitheater is the place to be for Sunday evenings Prayz in the Park. Local gospel groups such as Harmony Baptist Church performers, Grover Westover and more begin at 7 p.m.

Summer Jamz Music Fest concludes with a special invitation to songwriters and composers to showcase their original works at Open Mic Monday 6 p.m. at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. This event also includes short stories, poetry and spoken word.

For more information, call the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000 or email info@westtnheritage.com. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is located at 121 Sunny Hill Cove in Brownsville, Tennessee.

PHOTO CAPTION: Elmo and the Shades headline the Saturday night, July 15 performance at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

About the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds is the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. The Delta Heritage Center is also a featured stop along the Americana Music Triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.