The 29th Blues Music Awards will be Thursday May 8 at the Grand Casino and Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. While the complete schedule of events is still unfolding, be sure to click on the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau logo to your left, to get an idea of the offerings in the area. We know that many nominees will be performing in Tunica and Clarksdale before and after the Awards and tours will be available to visit all the blues historical sites in the Delta, including the new Mississippi Blues Marker Trail, developed by 2008 Blues Music Awards sponsor, the Mississippi Development Authority, Division of Tourism, and the Mississippi Blues Commission.
The host hotel for the 2008 Blues Music Awards will be the Veranda, part of the Grand Casino Resort, in Tunica, MS. Special $79.00 guest rates apply to those attending the 2008 Blues Music Awards.
You can reserve online for Wednesday, May 7 and/or Thursday, May 8. If you wish to stay before or after those dates, you may NOT reserve those additional dates online so you may wish to make reservations for your entire stay by phone.
To reserve by phone call 800.394.7263. The Code is S 05 BLUE
To reserve online click here.
Even when I'm not nominated I love being at the awards. It's like a family reunion and I get to hang with friends, heroes, mentees (is that a word?) knowledgeable industry people and fans in an environment which nourishes my soul and fuels my spirit for the rest of the year's long hours, bad food, lack of respect and remuneration. I know I speak for many many artists as well as club owners, photographers, writers, record company owners etc...Ann Rabson 2006
I was just honored to be included on the list and excited to get the chance to perform. I attended the ceremony to see and be seen. The trip was a blast from the first day. And it was great to catch up with friends and to meet new people. IT is the opportunity for blues folks to gather in a moment of solidarity. And great performances, too. I am dragging (too many catfish suppers at 3 A.M.) but elated over the whole experience. Bravo to all! I have attended several different Handy's ceremonies, dating back to the first few, and this latest for me was by far the best! Rich Del Grosso--2006
The presenting sponsors are once again The GIBSON Foundation.
The 2008 Blues Music Awards are also sponsored by BMI, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
The 2007 show followed the format of the sold-out and critically-acclaimed shows of recent years. More than 65 nominees have already confirmed their attendance so the night will be filled with their appearances and performances in a dinner table setting in the Convention Center's ballroom.
The event brings together Blues performers, industry representatives and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year. Each year, the Foundation present The Blues Music Awards to the artists selected by its members. They are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists. As always, a pre-party will immediately precede the Awards and feature the 2007 IBC winners.
The Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Charter Members' Dinner will be held the night before on Wednesday, May 9. Contact The Blues Foundation about becoming a Charter Member in order to attend this star-studded event.
For more information, contact Joe Whitmer at (901) 527-2583 or joe@blues.org.
For up-to-date information, visit this page regularly.
