Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Learn about the origins of the blues, including Southern delta traditions and big-city electrification, through expressive performances and informative lectures.
Programming supported in part by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Arizona Commission on the Arts
All activities are happening Saturday and Sunday unless noted otherwise.
Craft: Harmonica 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. South El Río Make your own harmonica and play in harmony with the day’s performances.
Photo Booth 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. El Río Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Performance: Eric Ramsey 11:30 a.m.–noon North El Rio Hear the signature sounds of the slide guitar and the distinctly melancholic vocals of the blues with International Blues Challenge winner Eric Ramsey
Curator Talk: Instruments and Emotion: How Do Musicians Communicate the Blues? 12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Event Room 2 Blues artists have developed special techniques to manipulate the sounds of their instruments. Join curator for United States / Canada Rich Walter for a discussion about the history of the blues and its expressive musical techniques.
Performance: Bluesman Mike and the Blues Review Band 1:15 p.m.–2:00 p.m. North El Río See Bluesman Mike and the Blues Review Band perform blues classics new and old.
Film: Sidemen: Long Road to Glory 2:30–4:00 p.m. Event Room 2 Watch the documentary Sidemen: Long Road to Glory, an intimate look into the lives, legacies, and music of bluesmen Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.
Programming is subject to change.
Lunch at Café Allegro Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Enjoy a menu of delicious global cuisine with fresh entrées, salads, soups, and grill items showcasing local produce and flavors from around the world.
Shop the Museum Store The Museum Store will feature blues CDs and LPs, books, and musical instruments.
Members save 10% on most items in the Museum Store and online. Every purchase benefits MIM and its programs.
Phoenix Blues Society
