Mississippi Heat
May 31, 2025 | 12 pm @ Rose Center
Morristown, TN – Rose Center & Council for the Arts invites music lovers of all ages to downtown Morristown for the second annual Between the Lakes Blues Festival Saturday, May 31, from 12-6 p.m. This vibrant outdoor celebration features an exciting lineup of blues musicians, local craft brews, artisan vendors, foodand free kid’s activities, creating a day of fun and rhythm for the whole family.
The festival kicks off at 12p.m. with Knoxville’s Mt. Olive Pleasure Club, a high-energy band delivering a dynamic mix of Jump Blues, Swing, Zydecoand R&B. Drawing influence from the rich musical traditions of New Orleans, Memphisand Chicago, the group brings authenticity and flair to every performance. At 1:30 p.m., Billy Crawford and Dublin’ Down, based in Bristol, Tennessee, take the stage. Crawford, an acclaimed guitarist and vocalist, has performed since 1986 with Blues greats like Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Double Trouble, and Morristown Bluesman Wallace Coleman. His band features seasoned musicians Keith Chinault (drums/vocals), Bill Smith (bass/vocals), and Matt Mullins (guitar/vocals), delivering tight harmonies and soulful grooves.
At 3p.m., Chicago-based musician Maurice John Vaughn brings his signature sound to the stage, blending guitar, saxophoneand heartfelt vocals. Vaughn, known for collaborations with Luther Allisonand Son Seals, sings with sincerity, shaped by his life in Chicago and influences like Muddy Waters and James Brown. His performances speak to real experiences and Blues traditions with a contemporary edge. Headlining at 4:30 PM is the internationally acclaimed Mississippi Heat, a Chicago Blues band founded by harmonica virtuoso Pierre Lacocque. Known for honoring the roots of Blues while infusing performances with fresh energy, the band features Inetta Visor (vocals), Terrence Williams (drums), and Chris “Hambone” Cameron (keys). Their soul-stirring and passionate performances have captivated audiences around the world.
"To make this festival more accessible at a time when the cost of everything seems to be rising, the price of admission has been reduced to $5. We just want the community to come out and enjoy this springtime event and support these artists and musicians," said Beccy Hamm, Rose Center's executive director.
The festival will feature a diverse collection of over 25 artisan vendors offering an array of handmade and specialty goods. Guests can explore acrylic fluid art, baker delights, body care products, craft beer, crochet plushies, sun catchers, crystal jewelry, and macramé. Additional offerings include handmade craft by students, goat milk products, purses, wallets, and makeup bags, roots and folk-inspired musical instruments, windchimes, herbal remedies, horseshoe art, Hummingbird Homes, permanent jewelry, and fresh flower arrangements. Children admission is free and activities will include potting wildflowers, painting flower pots, inflatable bounce castle, and other fun yard games.
The Between the Lakes Blues Festival is proud to recognize the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions help bring this celebration to life. 1907 Brewing Company, CBD PLUS USA, David and Nancy Lee, East Tennessee Foundation, Hal Drury, Hampton Inn, Marvin Windows and Doors, Morristown Tire and Performance, Oakes Home Supply, Positively Delightful Meals, Quality Waste, Smoky Mountain Blues Society, Soundtrax, Spacewalk of Morristown, and Twilight Productions. Children are free thanks to Visions By Vicki.
Rose Center, located at 442 W 2nd North Street in Morristown, is a nonprofit arts organization hosting classes, concerts, a professional art gallery, a local artists' shop, and business and party rentals. More information about Rose Center’s programs is available at rosecenter.org or by calling 423-581-4330. Rose Center receives support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and United Way.
Category: Music