Although it’s been seven years, it seems like just yesterday that I sat in a downtown restaurant with a small group of people brought together by Decatur Magazine Publisher Beth Stringer to talk about her idea for a summer music series. At that time, we didn’t really know what direction this idea would take, but we were all intrigued by the prospect of free summer music events in Central Park.

The concept of presenting blues, brews, and food soon became the center of discussion, and the Blues in Central Park series was born. This summer marks the sixth year of these concerts, which have become among summer’s most highly anticipated events.

It always seems ironic to me that music called “blues” can generate such a party atmosphere. To be sure, the blues have undergone quite a development since her beginnings in the rural South. Over the last hundred years or so, this music — which began as an expression of suffering and oppression— has evolved into a style that crosses racial and social barriers, and now provides a musical vehicle for a wide range of creative artists.

We’ve been lucky to see many of these artists in Central Park during the last five years. Some of them have embraced the more traditional forms of the blues, while others have fused blues with pop and rock influences. It’s been fun to hear the variety of personal styles these artists have brought to the Central Park stage.

I think you’ll share my excitement about this year’s line up. On Thursday, June 15, Big Bill Morganfield kicks off the series with his own style of Chicago blues, reminiscent of his father, the great Muddy Waters. While genes don’t always guarantee success for sons of famous fathers, Big Bill Morganfield’s blues pedigree has served him well. He has indeed inherited much from McKinley Morganfield (a.k.a. Muddy Waters), and has matured nicely as a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

Born in 1956, Bill did not begin his musical voyage until after his father died, and he locked himself away for several years to hone his skills as a guitarist. With an English degree from Tuskegee University and a Communications degree from Auburn, Bill supported himself with teaching positions while he developed his skills. In 1999, his debut recording, “Rising Son,” was produced in Chicago, and in 2000, he won the W.C. Handy Award for “Best New Blues Artist.”

On Thursday, July 20, Ana Popovic brings an international flair to Central Park. Born in Yugoslavia in 1976, it seemed unlikely that Ana would become a credible blues artist. However, with the support of her musician father, Ana pursued her musical passion and, by 1998, was playing all the major clubs in her native country and on Yugoslavian television. Before long, she was playing blues festivals in Greece and Hungary, and soon became a popular fixture on the German and Dutch blues scene.

In 2000, Ana came to Memphis to record her first release. Now, after her third album, she tours internationally and recently appeared as the first European blues artist ever on the prestigious “Blues Cruise 2006.” Her soulful voice and unique jazz-tinged instrumental style makes this an event you won’t want to miss.

Finally, on Thursday, August 17, Decatur will rock to the sounds of Rockin’ Jake. Hailed as one of the premier harmonica players in the country, Jake combines swamp funk and zydeco with the blues styles of Paul Butterfield and Muddy Waters.

Originally from the East Coast, Jake relocated to New Orleans in 1990 and began working with many of the Crescent City’s great blues artists. He’s toured with Maria Muldaur and others, and has recorded for national television shows and commercials. A five-time winner of Off Beat Magazine’s coveted “Best of the Beat” award for best harmonica player, Rockin’ Jake will surely pack Central Park.

This year, June’s performance also will be the grand finale of the International Arts Experience. In keeping with a global theme, imported beers and ethnic cuisine will be offered at all three events.

This could be the best series yet, so don’t miss a single Blues performance. Vendors open at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 7 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the Blues in Central Park 2006 Schedule

For the past 23 years, Randall Reyman has been performing on the Kirkland
stage as Principal Trumpet with the Millikin/Decatur Symphony Orchestra.

This article originally appeared in the June / July 2006 issue of Decatur Magazine.
It may not be reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without the publisher's consent.
© Copyright 2006 Decatur Magazine - First String Productions. All rights reserved.