Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi CEO Michael Callahan was feeling a little under the weather when it came time to pen this month’s column.
He asked me to follow up on a cover story we featured in our October 2025 issue.
Something extraordinary happened in Mississippi the weekend of Nov. 7.
Specifically, downtown Jackson was transformed into the cultural and artistic capital of the nation.
For the first time in its 82-year history, The National Folk Festival was held in the Deep South.
The free, three-day outdoor multicultural celebration of music, dance, and traditional arts event set up a three-year residency in downtown Jackson.
That means if you missed it this year, you are in luck.
My wife and I attended all three days, and it was a wonder.
There were six stages with constant live music playing from artists from all over the country.
There were gospel groups, a zydeco band from Opelousas, Louisiana, a bluegrass singer from Kentucky, a country and western band from Montana, salsa and flamenco bands, Korean drummers from Chicago, southern soul artists, and a Washington, D.C. go go/funk band.
Not only did the nation introduce some of their artists to Mississippi, but Mississippi had the opportunity to show off some of its own musical heroes to the visitors.
The weekend kicked off with a march from the Sonic Boom, Jackson State University’s legendary marching band. The night was headlined by another Mississippi legend — blues and R&B singer Bobby Rush. The crowd went crazy for the 92-year-old vocalist who had just been nominated for his 8th Grammy Award earlier in the day.
Over the weekend, we watched Greenville bluesman Keith Johnson, known as “The Prince of the Delta Blues” and Muddy Waters’ great nephew, play sizzing electric guitar.
Speaking of Waters, one of his sidemen, Chicago guitarist John Primer, was honored on stage with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker. Primer, from Camden, Mississippi, then played an electrifying set with his band, the Real Deal Blues Band.
I could go on and on.
Did I already say this entire event was free?
The only moment I felt a twinge of sadness is when I spotted empty seats. The crowds were solid but could have been so much better.
The weather was gorgeous. The environment was extremely safe. I realize there were home games in Oxford and Starkville, but something like the National Folk Festival doesn’t come around very often, much less to our home state.
The National Folk Festival was a true gift to the state, the city, and all its people.
A big thanks to the city of Jackson, the state of Mississippi, city, county, and state law enforcement and first responders, all the amazing volunteers, and the National Council for Traditional Arts for choosing our state.
I hope more Mississippians take advantage of the event over the next two years.
Jackson has had its issues. I know because I live there. But it’s also our capital city. The key word is “our.”
Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy the issue.
