Grammy Museum Mississippi, the only museum outside of Los Angeles officially associated with the annual music awards, is celebrating 10 years this week, and officials have a large slate of programming on deck to ring in the milestone.
Thursday marks the decennial of visitors first being allowed into the Cleveland museum on March 5, 2016.
The anniversary celebration will begin with a performance by Grammy-winning country artist Dwight Yoakam at nearby Delta State University’s Bologna Performing Arts Center.
On Saturday, there will be an anniversary ceremony on the museum grounds followed by a Roots Music Festival that will feature performances by Grammy-winning bluesman Bobby Rush, Cedric Burnside, and Boo Mitchell, among others, along with children’s activities and family-friendly programming.
The entire weekend will align with the broader America250 commemoration, promising a bluesy, patriotic feel. Plus, admission to the museum is free on Saturday.
“Over the past decade, we’ve welcomed visitors from around the world, provided thousands of students with meaningful music education experiences, and helped ensure that Mississippi’s role in shaping America music is honored and preserved for years to come,” Grammy Museum Mississippi executive director Emily Havens said. “It’s been incredible to see how our museum has inspired young people, honored legendary artists, and connected visitors to the deep roots of Mississippi music.”
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“This celebration weekend is our way of saying thank you to the Cleveland community and to the individuals and businesses who have supported and believed in this museum and its mission from the very beginning,” Grammy Museum Mississippi Board President Becky Nowell added. “I’m looking forward to a fun and meaningful weekend celebrating the past 10 years and beginning the next decade together.”
A full rundown of events associated with Grammy Museum Mississippi’s 10th anniversary can be found below.
Thursday, March 5
At 7:30 p.m., Dwight Yoakam will take the stage at Delta State’s Bologna Performing Arts Center.
Yoakam first achieved mainstream success with his 1986 album release of “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” His biggest hits include “Guitars, Cadillacs,” “Honky Tonk Man,” “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” and “Fast As You.” He has been nominated for 18 Grammys, with two wins coming in the categories of Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male in 1994 and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 1999.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Saturday, March 7
At 11 a.m., Grammy Museum Mississippi will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate and celebrate the anniversary and the impact of the first 10 years. Immediately following the ceremony, a free Roots Music Festival will be held on the museum’s lawn. The festival will also include free access to the museum, food available for purchase, hands-on education programming from noon to 2 p.m., and live performances by Hi Rhythm, Bobby Rush, Terrence and Marcella Simien, Boo Mitchell, and Cedric Burnside.
Rush, Mitchell, and Burnside – all considered sons of the Mississippi blues scene – have a combined 14 Grammy nominations with six wins.
The event, plus free admission accompanying it, will end at 4 p.m.