Jackson Free Press

While Jackson-based blues artist Dexter Allen describes himself as "a little country boy with a little talent," the last two years of his career have earned him enough attention to dispute that.

Before he made his big-screen debut last year as bassist Sam Thomas in the James Brown biopic, "Get on Up," Allen became the first musician to release an album on Deep Rush Records other than the label's legendary owner, guitarist Bobby Rush. Allen's fourth studio project, "Bluez of My Soul," hit stores in April 2014 to high praise from critics.

His first hallmark in 2015 was the release of his second album on Deep Rush, "Trilogy of My Bluez," in June.

"You've got some traditional (blues), you've got some R&B, (and) you've got some soul—three different types of blues all rolled up into one," Allen says.

Last month, Allen was elected to the board of directors for The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tenn., a position with which he plans to keep the blues alive through educating others about the genre's legacy and importance. Allen's goal is to create platforms that allow artists across the world to collaborate, thus increasing visibility and ensuring the genre's longevity.

Allen first became interested in more philanthropic pursuits in 2010 when Peggy Brown, the current board chairman of the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, introduced him to Blues in the Schools, a program that teaches children about blues history, its cultural significance and their connection to the music. Then, in 2012, Allen led a workshop with autistic children.

He was nervous in the beginning.

"I didn't know if my program was going to suffice, not knowing it was just what was needed. It was a humbling experience," he says. Now, "every time I have an opportunity to work with autistic children or even autistic young adults, I take (it)."

Fans can find Allen at the third annual Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival when he performs at the event for his second time, following an appearance at the inaugural festival.

"I'm excited about meeting the fans—old ones and new ones—and I think this event is so good for the city of Jackson. We haven't had anything like it since Jubilee Jam," Allen says of the festival. "I'm also looking forward to reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in a long time."

Dexter Allen performs 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on the Highway 49 Blues Shack stage for the Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive, 601-432-4500). For more information, visit jacksonrhythmandbluesfestival.com.