The Mississippi Delta Heritage Project

MAY/JUNE 2008 
Beginning in early May 2008, 651 ARTS will present a series of concerts, performances, symposia, workshops and film screenings examining the influence that the Mississippi Delta has had on culture throughout the United States. The emphasis of the project will be an examination of the roots of Delta Blues in West African traditional music as well as how the Delta Blues has influenced and continues to influence contemporary blues, gospel, rock and jazz. This project will benefit greater New York area audiences, musicians and students, as well as the musicians of the Mississippi Delta. Because of 651’s commitment to reflecting contemporary culture of the Diaspora, we have also included three commissioned dance/theater works related to or by artists from the Delta, which will premiere during our season. 651’s Delta Heritage Project is born out of the desire to preserve a very particular and special part of American culture, as well as to illuminate its important influences. Details on upcoming shows coming soon!