On an average day, The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus serves as a relaxing setting to take a stroll on the green lawn among the towering live oak trees. The view toward the beach is just as breathtaking to watch boats glide through the rolling waves, the mirage of islands in the distance or the colorful kites fl own against the blue and white sky.

When August 23 rolls around, Southern Miss and the City of Long Beach will bring some soul to the campus with the Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival. People of all ages are welcome to spread out a blanket and enjoy the music. For everyone who wants to explore the local artistry or indulge in some traditional southern cuisine, simply visit all the booths that will be set up on the festival grounds.

The main musical acts that will perform for the
festival are the Sauce Boss, the Steve Warren Band and the Jerry Ball Jazz and Blues Quintet. The performance lineup is expected to grow in the weeks before to include local non-profit children’s organizations and other jazz and blues musical groups. Children will also have a fun time during the festival playing an assortment of games and winning prizes.

The Sauce Boss, also known as Bill Wharton and the Ingredients, is popular with blues audiences for performing with a unique Floridian style. While the band is busy making music, Wharton is also cooking his famous gumbo on stage. As Wharton performs and cooks, the audience can only hope that by the end of the performance, some of that spicy gumbo will get passed around. Most of the Sauce Boss’ performances end with every eager listener getting to taste some musical gumbo. The Sauce Boss inevitably received his name for his great music and spicy cooking.

The Steve Warren Band regularly performs anywhere from New Orleans to Florida with their funky blues-rock style of music. Lead performer Warren has been playing the guitar by ear since he was nine years old. The goal of Warren and his band is to revive original blues music in Mississippi – the birthplace of the blues. With his band, Warren “has clearly developed his own blend of down home music and an exciting style of the blues.”

For those who appreciate jazz and blues improvisation, the Jerry Ball Jazz and Blues Quintet captures this unique musical expression. Ball, a professional musician for over 35 years, plays the saxophone while leading the band. The soulful sounds produced by these musicians will get any festival audience in the jazz and blues mood.

Although there is no admission fee for festival-goers, proceeds received from the festival will benefit the Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth Development Coalition. Artists’ booths and concession areas will be open throughout the front of the Gulf Park campus for everyone to visit.

The Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival,
which is free and open to the public,
is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, from 2 until 8 p.m.
on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus
at 730 East Beach Boulevard in Long Beach.
For more information on the festival,
please visit www.usm.edu/gc/jazz-n-blues/ .

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