Saturday, people will come from all over the world to a little community in northeastern Carroll County to celebrate legendary bluesman, Mississippi John Hurt. The festival is Sept. 1 and 2 in Avalon, the community where Hurt grew up.
The late bluesman, who died in 1966, was an award-winning blues-folklore musician who was famous for this way of playing the guitar. Hurt music is known all over the world and is still beloved by many. His style of playing is still heard in songs today.
The festival has been held for 18 years and is put on by Hurt’s granddaughter Mary Francis Hurt-Wright and the John Hurt Foundation.
This year’s festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m., and it usually includes a jam session from various musicians attending the festival. This year’s special guest performer is Ben Payton, a renowned musician who is originally from Greenwood and has played all over the county before returning to his native home.
Along with musical entertainment, food will be available as well as educational exhibits about the life of Mississippi John Hurt and the impact he made in the blues world.
On Sunday, the foundation will open Old St. James’s Church, the oldest church in Avalon and will hold services with a combined choir from churches all over the area. Hurt-Wright said this is the first time the Sunday service will be a new component to the annual festival
