November 21, 2006

JACKSON, TENNESSEE—Since 1985 the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) (southeasttourism.org ) has published the Top 20 Events and has been dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its member states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. This program seeks to bring more publicity and widespread recognition to the best events offered. Events across the Southeast United States compete to receive the prestigious Top 20 designation through a nomination process. Eligibility requires an event to be in at least its third year and have an attendance in excess of 1,000.

Themes for most festivals, even today, center around some aspect of heritage, livelihood, or sometimes just a unique or humorous aspect of their area that support a great celebration. Each festival in the South represents a special piece of culture and heritage. Early on, Southeast Tourism Society recognized the unique, diverse and unparalleled events in the region.

Jackson Downtown Development Corporation’s (JDDC) Shannon Street Blues and Heritage Festival is honored to have been selected as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. Otherwise known as “Bluesfest,” the Jackson festival is entering into its 16^th year of celebrating this popular event and it will take place on June 1 and 2, this summer. Situated on historic Shannon Street and home to blues and rock-a-billy, Jackson’s deep, rich, legacy of great musical influences are celebrated with soul-filled sounds as award winning musicians perform.

Plans are underway for the two day festival to be held at the West Tennessee Farmers Market featuring local and national talent and unbelievable blues artists featuring Norma Jean Brusso, Jimbo Mathus, and Big George Brock to mention a few. Visit www.DowntownJackson.com to see a full line-up for Bluesfest and how you can be a part of it by taking advantage of the great volunteer opportunities. While there you can see what else is happening downtown Jackson.

Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization charged with improving the quality of life for Jacksonians by strengthening the pulse of the downtown through concentrated efforts in organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring with a historic preservation focus. The Shannon Street Blues and Heritage Festival is the primary fundraiser for JDDC. For more information, contact Jackson Downtown Development Corporation at 427.7573