The Bessie Smith Heritage Festival Offers Plenty of Star Power

This week the scene gears up for a celebration of music and culture like no other...As the scenic city hosts the first Bessie Smith Heritage festival.

Named for one of Chattanooga's most iconic individuals...the festival commemorates Bessie Smith on the very streets that she began performing on as a child... all the way to her ascension to one of the greatest female blues singers of the 20's and 30's.

This event is one of many scheduled to bring about the revitalization of the Martin Luther King boulevard area and to raise funds for the African American museum.

This event promises plenty of star power...beginning with headliner Rueben Studdard .

"I've been here a couple of times and I have a lot of close friends that are here so thought it would be cool to come here and finally get a chance to do a show in Chattanooga."

But that's only the tip of the ice berg...the Bessie Smith heritage festival jam packs the day with music for all tastes...

Festival will also be treated to the likes of world renowned guitar player and vocalist...blues man Vasti Jackson.

Along with the smooth sounds of Memphis saxophone great Joe Johnson..

Not to mention the R&B stylings of Calvin Richardson and the jazz funk explosion of Birmingham's Just a Few Cats...

But as if that's not enough music fans are in for a special treat, when they feel the positive vibes of world beat sensations the Ogya band.

Led by drummer and vocalist Kofi Mawuko Ogya delivers a sound that is truly *world music* drawing influences from all genres like reggae, calypso, even bluegrass.

For thirty five years this transplant from Ghana has been making the world a better place through music.. and for Kofi the message is clear,

" I about peace,love, happiness, and bringing people together. Irregardless of the color of your skin, irregardless of religious beliefs, irregardless of where you come from"--Kofi Mawuko.

So don't miss out this Saturday...this is a festival that as uniquely chattanooga as Bessie Smith herself.

Come celebrate her legacy and our own cultures here in the scenic city... and raise money for a great cause at the African American Museum and Bessie Smith Hall front lawn .