Bessie Smith Strut June 8, 2009

The achievements of the legendary Bessie Smith, "The Empress of the Blues", are honored at the annual Bessie Smith Strut in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Strut is a rich part of the Riverbend Festival that is celebrated on the first Monday of the festival, and is known as the largest block party in the South. It is a free downtown event with three stages of top-notch Rhythm & Blues held along Martin Luther King Boulevard. A crowd of more than 40,000 gather to celebrate the "Empress", where barbecue and blues are on every corner. Riverbend's goal of bringing the community together is truly evident at this unique and successful celebration.

For the first time in years, the party won't end when the headliner hits the last note at the Strut. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is proud to present, Randy Pavlock and The Daddy Mack Blues Band June 8 from approximately 9pm until everyone's tired of dancing. Just $5 at the door gets you into the post-Strut party, in the air conditioned comfort of the Center with plenty of food, drinks, adult beverages and seating to go around.

Official Website: http://www.riverbendfestival.com/BessieSmithStrut.php