Welcome to the 3rd Annual Jessie Mae Hemphill Hill Country Blues Festival

Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Crossroads Cultural Arts Center in Clarksdale, Mississippi, for the 3rd Annual Jessie Mae Hemphill Hill Country Blues Festival—a celebration of the music, culture, and enduring legacy of one of North Mississippi’s most influential blues pioneers. This special gathering brings together some of the finest Hill Country Blues artists, Delta musicians, and emerging talents for a full day of authentic Mississippi blues, food, fellowship, and community.

Led by Peggy Sue Hemphill-Lesueur, better known as Lady Trucker, cousin of Jessie Mae Hemphill, and presented in partnership with The Blues Fund, the festival continues its mission of preserving and promoting the distinctive North Mississippi Hill Country Blues tradition. Jessie Mae’s hypnotic rhythms, driving guitar style, and powerful spirit helped shape a sound that remains unique in the blues world. Through performances by legendary artists, family members, and the next generation of musicians, her influence continues to inspire audiences around the globe.

This year’s festival features an incredible lineup including Lil’ Joe Ayers, Duwayne Burnside, Watermelon Slim, Kinney Kimbrough, Lightnin’ Malcolm, Deak Harp, Rev Slim, Queen Iretta, EJ Mathews, Janky, Spit Cup and the Jukes, and many more, along with the Hemphill Hill Country Awards Show honoring those who continue to carry this musical tradition forward.

Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or discovering Hill Country Blues for the first time, you’ll experience the raw energy, deep grooves, and rich storytelling that make this music so special. Come enjoy great food, unforgettable performances, and the warm spirit of Mississippi hospitality as we celebrate the life, music, and legacy of Jessie Mae Hemphill.

It’s a Hill Country Party at the Crossroads! We look forward to seeing you in Clarksdale for a day you’ll never forget.