NATCHEZ — Miss-Lou residents have the opportunity to board a bus and travel together to the official launch of the Americana Music Triangle this May.

A 56-passenger bus will depart from the Natchez Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Friday, May 8, and will travel to Clarksdale and join the Americana Music Triangle festivities at 3 p.m. at Ground Zero, a blues club owned in part by Morgan Freeman.

Departure from Clarksdale back to Natchez will be no later than 10 p.m. that night.

During the festivities, the leaders of the Americana Music Triangle will recognize Natchez.

The Americana Music Triangle, founded by Aubrey Preston, is a roadmap that would include several stops between the music triangle’s three points — Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans.

On that route, travelers would pass through Natchez twice where they will have the opportunity to take in authentic music.

Those who attend the launch party in Clarksdale will have the opportunity to meet different individuals from the triangle who are involved in the restaurant business, hotel business or own a bed and breakfast, said Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau interactive marketing manager Hannah Durkin.

“We are going to give Natchez people a taste of what they do in Clarksdale,” Durkin said. “They may be able to meet different musicians that they can have come to Natchez. It’s just a way to connect people and be involved.”

Several other cities within the Americana Music Triangle will also host a launch party.

“It’s very vital for people to know about other places within the triangle,” Durkin said. “That way we will be able to work together as a community and give people the chance to see what other cities are doing.”

The cost of the trip is $25 per person, which can be paid for via check or cash. All checks need to be made out to Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Cash or checks can be dropped off at the Visit Natchez offices connected to the Natchez Visitor Center on 640 S. Canal St. in downtown Natchez. Deadline for signing up for the bus trip is May 1.

Those who wish to attend may fill out a form to reserve a seat by visiting visitnatchez.org/amt.

Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided during the four-hour trip to Clarksdale.

Preston said there are many reasons to participate in the trip to Clarksdale and the Americana Music Triangle in its entirety.

“I think people from overseas will really appreciate having great direction while receiving a good music experience,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for businesses, it’s a great opportunity for our visitors and it’s a lot of fun.”

Preston expects Natchez to prosper during the Americana Music Triangle.

“Natchez is the point guard between the south part of the triangle and the north part of the triangle,” Preston said. “It’s a town that has a strong relationship with everything in the south.”

The City of Ferriday, which also has a rich music history, is also included in the Americana Music Triangle.

“Natchez and Ferriday have a lot to offer the triangle as far as their important histories and musical aspects.”