The summer heat is officially behind us, Fall is in the air, and festival season is in full swing! I am extremely excited to tell you about Music at the Mounds 2017 on Oct. 28 and 29. Located at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, this two-day event promises to be one of the premier musical events in our area.

I approached Lance Harris, director of the Grand Village, about organizing a music festival, a dream of mine for many years. He liked the idea, and together, we reinvigorated an event that was first started at The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians back in the 1980s and ran for about 15 years.

In 2015, we launched the new Music at the Mounds and despite torrential rain, a relocation to Trinity’s school gym  and very little experience, our first event was a success. Last year, we decided to make it a two-day festival in order to make more of an impact on our local economy. The plan was to create enough of a draw, that folks would come from out of town and stay in Natchez for the full weekend, where they could not only attend our event, but also enjoy some of the other great offerings our city provides.

This year, Bubba McCabe joined our team and, with his help, we’ve put together a festival that we can honestly say, rivals other established events in the state. We also enlisted the help of a few locals. Jack Kelly, Morgan Mizell and Katie Ernst have assisted with spreading the word and finding sponsors. Their efforts have been effective and much appreciated! We’ve added a larger stage with a professional sound crew to ensure the best sound quality for the audience, as well as the performers. We are very proud of this year’s lineup:

Saturday Oct. 28

• 7:30 to 9 p.m. — George Porter Jr & Runnin’ Pardners
• 6 to 7:15 p.m.— The Dexateens
• 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. — Jimbo Mathus Hoodoo
• 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. — Will Kimbrough
• 12:45 to 2 p.m. —  Cary Hudson
• 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — Anne Freeman & The Garbage Sons

Sunday, Oct. 29

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Dave Jordan & the NIA
• 4 to 5:15 p.m. — Gunboat
• 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. – Lightnin’ Malcolm
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Brandon McCranie & The Fellers Groove Band
• Noon to 1:15 p.m. — Matt Willis

Local food vendors and artists from the region will also be on hand selling a variety of arts and crafts. Bring your wallet and walk away with a unique piece of your own or a delicious treat.

The event is open to the public, and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 & under per day.  Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.  No coolers or ice chests allowed. Beer WILL be sold on the premises.

Personally, I cannot thank the people who’ve made this event possible enough. From Lance and Bubba, to the amazing local businesses and individuals who’ve given their time and/or money, Music at the Mounds could only happen because of you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The project is partially funded by Visit Mississippi and Visit Natchez.
Brandon McCranie is the organizer of the reinvigorated Music on the Mounds.