Best Places for Live Music in the Delta
It goes without saying that the Mississippi Delta is revered as the cradle of American music, drawing music lovers from all walks of life. We are not let down by the plethora of live music venues across the quaint towns and villages of the Delta.
Hey Joe’s
Hey Joe’s
Hey Joe's is a local favourite and a well-known place in the Delta to hear unique and alternative music. Quality food, excellent beer, and original live music are Hey Joe's three daily constants and have been since 2009. Hey Joe's is well recognized for featuring performers with an indie/folksy vibe and has even assisted in the rise of some bands like The Weeks. It is also popular with young professionals, local Teach for America Transplants (who bring a diverse atmosphere), and the student population. At this unique, cool venue, bands of different genres have performed.
Visit their sizable covered terrace and balcony, or enjoy trivia on Wednesday nights. The listed hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm. For a list of upcoming events and live music, visit their website (www.eatheyjoes.com).
Airport Grocery
This neighbourhood bar, which resembles a country store and is filled with antiques, collectibles, and a cozy environment just on the outskirts of Cleveland, is bursting with live local music most weekends. Airport Grocery offers locals and visitors traveling through the Delta the complete package, including a full bar and a menu full of delectable food of all kinds, including superb barbeque and famous delta hot tamales. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi
One of only two in existence (the other one is in LA), The GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi offers more than just exhibits: there’s often live music, music roundtables featuring famous artists and songwriters, and more. Enter the Sanders Sound stage for an intimate music experience with local artists as well as notable performers, such as Peter Frampton, Elvis's guitarist James Burton, Tony Joe White, and Roger Fisher of Heart. The Museum's fantastic exhibits have featured musical acts such as Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and The Supremes. Visit their website to learn who will be performing next. (www.grammymuseumms.com)
Deep Roots Music Series
Occurring at venues throughout the city of Cleveland, the Deep Roots Music Series offers live music 5 nights a week at various venues throughout the city. From catching a jazz band at Bar Fontaine’s rooftop bar, to getting down and dirty at Darry’s with some old school Blues, the whole city of Cleveland acts as a music venue throughout the week. For a full schedule of who’s playing where and when, as well as other Cleveland events, check out the Cleveland events calendar at www.visitclevelandms.com/events.
Ground Zero Blues Club
Visitors to Ground Zero will encounter the "real deal" musicians who reside in the Mississippi Delta and carry on the musical tradition of their forebears, showcasing the best of today's Delta Blues musicians. Although GZBC, owned in part by Mississippi Delta resident and Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, has received considerable national media coverage and recognition as one of the top Live Music Clubs in the country (and the world), it continues to be a local favorite and has not lost its small-town feel. Ground Zero has it all, including a full bar and a "down home" menu with delicious hamburgers, fried catfish, and slow-cooked pork barbecue. Before the evening is done, be sure to sign your name with the thousands of others on the wall, piece of furniture, or restroom stall!
Red’s Blues Club
Red's, a lounge, dance, and nightclub, is situated in the old Levine's Music Center structure in Clarksdale, where Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm previously performed. Any true blues fan visiting the Mississippi Delta MUST stop at Red's. Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m., and occasionally on Thursdays, live music is performed in this cozy club. Enjoy real blues music, grab a beer (cash only), BYO alcohol and wine, and if you're lucky, they might be grilling some BBQ that is offered on the street for a small charge.