Jimmy Thackery, who kicks off the series on Thursday, June 19, is a longtime “blues traveler." He worked for fifteen years with the Nighthawks and, since 1987, has led his own band in 300 shows a year. Having worked with Muddy Waters, Thackery’s powerful guitar style is steeped in blues tradition, and his appearance in Central Park is a “must see.”

On Thursday, July 17, Reverend Raven brings his hard-hitting blues band to Decatur. One look at his performance schedule reveals another road-seasoned blues man committed to spreading his musical message from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania to the Virgin Islands.

On Thursday, August 21, Kim Massie storms into Central Park with her blues band. A long-time musical icon in St. Louis, Massie does it all, from Delta blues to gospel to jazz. A gifted vocalist and musical actress, she’s won numerous awards and acclaim.

All shows run from 7 to 10 p.m., with food and beverage vendors open at 6 p.m.

Mark your calendars now, because you won’t want to miss a single performance this summer.

If you’re lucky, you may even manage to hang out with the musicians — and hear some of their road stories.

Decatur Magazine's Blues in Central Park series is sponsored by:

Decatur Area Arts Council, Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Theatre, Miller Brewing Company, Hickory Point Bank, Lock Stock & Barrel, Busey Bank, Soy Capital Bank, JL Hubbard Insurance & Bonds, Miles Chevrolet, Crown Toyota/Scion, WAND-TV News Center 17, and Goss Graphic Design.

This article originally appeared in the June / July 2008 issue of Decatur Magazine.
It may not be reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without the publisher's consent.
© Copyright 2008 Decatur Magazine - First String Productions. All rights reserved.