Mayor Francis Slay has decreed Sunday, September 2, 2007, as Ike Turner Day in St. Louis. The legendary performer is headlining the second night of the Big Muddy Blues Festival, which takes place over Labor Day weekend, September 1 and 2. (Hint: September 2 is also my birthday. Mark your calendars.) Festival executive producer Dawne Massey sends the following note:
On Sunday, September 2, 2007, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay will declare it “Ike Turner Day,” from the main stage of the Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede's Landing. Turner, a former St. Louis area resident who made his mark on the American R&B and rock 'n' roll scene, will headline the festival main stage at 9 p.m. Prior to his performance, Mayor Slay will present the legendary musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer with a proclamation in honor of his storied career in the music industry. Turner won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in February 2007 for his latest release, Risin' with the Blues.
Other performers at the festival include Devon Allman's Honeytribe, Kim Massie, Terry "Big T" Williams and Wesley "Junebug" Jefferson on Sunday; Saturday will feature Big George Brock & The Houserockers, Alvin Jett & Phat Noiz Blues Band and Big Sam's Funky Nation. For more information, check out the event's official Web site, www.LacledesLanding.com.
