Iconic Clarksdale: Cutrer Mansion & Clark House

Enter the very first home in Clarksdale, built for founder John Clark, and tour the famed Cutrer mansion with its executive director and co-chair of the Tennessee Williams Festival, Jen Waller. As she guides you through the elegance once graced by the town's founders and debutantes, she'll share the history and stories of John Clark, Blanche Clark Cutrer, and the other characters that inspired Tennessee Williams during his childhood here.

Benefits: the Cutrer Mansion

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11am and 5pm  *  Meet: front office, 109 Clark St.

Book by: Please book 24 hours in advance.

(1 hour)

The Carnegie Library

Take a trip through time at the Carnegie Library as librarians unlock stories of Clarksdale's history and people. You'll start with their collection of Native American arrowheads, pottery, and artifacts from local Delta mound sites, learning what a mound was and why they're here. Experience history through original documents, photographs and maps.  Then travel upstairs to peer through historic stained glass, experience virtual reality, and curl up with a good book whilst sitting inside a canoe hand-dug by Quawpaw's founder John Rusky.

Monday-Friday 9am  *  Meet: front desk, 114 Delta Ave.

Book by midnight, please.

(30 minutes)

The UnRecorded History of the Blues

The UnRecorded History of Blues is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an exclusive ancient oral history of Blues. This musical oral history dates back thousands of years to an African Oral tradition in which history was not allowed to be recorded, only passed down orally.  Senegalese musician Guelel Kumba, leader of the band Afrissippi, delivers this spine-tingling epic true story of the origins of Blues music. Nowhere in the world except at Crossroads will this story be told. Stay after the performance for a live Q&A with Guelel and Crossroads Executive Director Chandra Williams. 

Benefits: Crossroads Cultural Arts Center

Saturdays at 11am.  *  Meet at Crossroads Cultural Arts Center 332 Delta Ave.

(1.5 hours) 

Deak Harp sings the blues

Get up close and personal with real bluesman Deak Harp.  He'll regale you with stories of the Delta blues life, show you how harmonicas are made, and even rock out in a private session right in his store and studio.  Limit: 12 per session.

Benefits: Pinetop Perkins Foundation

Monday - Wednesday 4:30pm, Thursday - Saturday 1pm  *  Meet: Deak's, 13 3rd St.Book by: noon Mon-Wed; 11am Thu-Sat.

(30 minutes)

Deak Harp plays the harp - and so can you

Founder and phenomenon behind Deak's Mississippi Saxophones & Blues Emporium and Deak's Harmonica Block Party -- yes, Deak himself -- will teach you how harmonicas are made... and played.  Learn something new on your Delta roadtrip, and leave with all you need to play live blues yourself: in less than an hour Deak will teach you how to carry a tune.  The price includes your own learner harmonica -- and plenty stories of a life singing the blues.  Limit: 8 per class.

Benefits: Pinetop Perkins Foundation

Thursday - Saturday 1:30pm  *  Meet: Deak's, 13 3rd St.

Book by 11am, please.

(1 hour)

The Stan Street Experience: Music

Join proprietor Stan Street onstage in Hambone Art & Music for a live Q&A with the artist about the Delta blues. Stan leads panel discussions and performances for thousands across the country -- and you get to experience the epicenter of it all. He'll tell tales of life with legends, offer background on who's playing in town, and welcome your own questions about anything. Following the discussion he'll introduce you to the basics of blues composition, and bring you up on stage (IF desired!) to build the beat and an only-in-Clarksdale impromptu band. Guitar, keys, harp, drums, a heckuva voice and even wilder stories: Stan Street's got it all. Limit: 20 per session.

Benefits: Clarksdale Animal Rescue & Shelter

Dates vary per Stan's touring schedule; check calendar  *  Meet: Hambone, 111 E. 2nd St.

Book by noon, please.

(1 hour)

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The Stan Street Experience: Art

Talk about a Delta Renaissance man: Stan Street was an artist before he became a bonafide bluesman.  For all you who appreciate fine art, or just want to try something creative and new, Stan will welcome you into his personal studio behind the gallery. He'll both demonstrate and teach technique as you create your very own unique Mississippi Delta painting.  Fast-drying paints mean you'll take your canvas home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir, handmade -- by you.  Just as chill in front of a canvas as he is onstage, he teaches methods that give you freedom to have fun, without fear of mistakes.  Soft drinks provided; beer & wine available for purchase, or BYOB.  Limit: 6 per class.

Benefits: Clarksdale Animal Rescue & Shelter

Dates vary per Stan's touring schedule; check calendar  *  Meet: Hambone, 111 E. 2nd St.

Book by noon, please.

(2 hours)

Play pool with the Messengers

Meet the Messengers: Marthella and Sherman are the 4th generation behind Messengers bar and pool hall.  It's been a family-run business in the heart of Clarksdale for over 100 years.  Come before doors open to tour their family photos on the wall -- then learn from the master as Sherman teaches technique and practice shots you can use to clear a pool table...or at least look good while trying.

Limit: 4 per class.  Additional classes can be added to accommodate more people.  Soft drinks provided; beer available for purchase.

Dates and times TBD  *  Meet: Messengers, 133 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Book by noon, please.

(30 minutes)