Eric Glatzer said he feels like he’s accomplishing his goal. Nine years ago when Glatzer put together the first Natchez Bluff Blues Festival he wanted to produce an event that would bring the races together through music.

&uot;I’ve seen in nine years a remarkable improvement in black and white relations,&uot; Glatzer said.

And he expects this year to be no different.

With expectations of 2,500 people at the main venue and immeasurable numbers drifting in and out of 10 satellite venues this weekend, Glatzer said he is getting excited about the future of the festival.

&uot;This is the first year I’ve already started talking about year 10,&uot; Glatzer said. &uot;It is more established and has a good reputation in the blues community.&uot;

Satellite venue Main Street Market Caf owner Mike Byrne said he expects to see several 100 in his business during the event.

&uot;Everyone has a good time,&uot; Byrne said. &uot;It touches all ages and all races. It is neat to see the diverse crowd. You’ll see grandma out there dancing with grandson.&uot;

Glatzer encourages families to attend by including activities like the moonwalk and fish bowl for children. The main venue, Rosalie’s Bicentennial Garden, will have local vendors, food and drinks. The Isle of Capri stage in the main venue will have seven performances from 11:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Saturday including Kenny Neal’s world-class blues band.

Club performances will start at 6 p.m. and continue until 3:30 a.m. Friday night at eight clubs, five of which are on Main Street.

The festival will conclude Sunday with Blue Brunches from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at five locations.

&uot;The whole downtown comes to life with people and sounds,&uot; Glatzer said.

Economic impact was another one of Glatzer’s original concepts, he said.

Glatzer said blues music was something everyone could relate to.

&uot;Blues is a celebration of man’s indomitable right to survive,&uot; he said. &uot;At the end of the day you are still going to be there for the most part.&uot;

The festival and Mississippi blues music has received attention from ABC’s 20/20, ETV and the state government, Glatzer said.

&uot;I encourage people to catch as many of the different shows as possible,&uot; he said. &uot;There is a wide variety of music.&uot;

Performances will include country western and electric blues music among others. Performers include Alvin Shelby and the Adams Mass Choir, Li’l Poochie, Y.Z. Ealey Band, Li’l Jimi Reed, Frankie Lee with Bill Perry Band, Eric Hughes Band, Kenny Neal, Rex Pruitt and Friends, Sherman Lee Dillon, Black Bayou with Josh Roberts, Job’s Tears, DJ Dizzy, Maggie Brown and the Jason Turner Band.

Admission is $10 for the main venue and $1 for children under 12. Some clubs will have a cover charge.