Jackson Free Press

A few things are distinct to Mississippi culture: We deal with the heat by complaining about it. We like a little tea with our sugar. We quote the Bible ... a lot. And we claim a music that we have buried deep, deep in our souls—the blues.

That music is the theme of the Greater Jackson Arts Council's seventh annual Storytellers Ball, "Blame it on the Blues" set for Aug. 9, at the Arts Center of Mississippi. "This is our annual fundraiser, and a kick-off to the annual arts season," GJAC Executive Director Janet Scott says. "Plus, it just happens to be one of the best parties of the year—fun, diverse and full of amazing music."

Organizers want guests to get caught up in back-porch blues singing and swaying to the rhythm. "This year is about celebrating one of Mississippi's greatest gifts to the world, blues, and its effects on art and people," Charles Smith, the operations manager for the GJAC, says. "We are turning the arts center into a juke joint with upbeat music and décor that capture what blues is all about."

This year's honorees are Bobby Rush and Dorothy Moore. The ball will include an exhibit of Sharon McConnell Dickerson's "A Cast of Blues" and Sandra Murchison's "Blues Trail." H.C. Porter's photography "Blues @ Home" will hang from July 17 through Aug. 31 in the Arts Center.

Tickets for "Blame It on The Blues" are $50 by reservation at 601-960-1557 or advance purchase at jacksonartscouncil.tix.com and 1-800-595-4TIX. The event is 6:30-11 p.m. on Aug. 9.