The wait is over. The Live at 100 Men Hall LP will be released at a celebration Saturday, June 13, at the Hall.
The LP, which is on blue vinyl, was produced with a grant secured through the Creative Economy office, a division of The Mississippi Development Authority/Tourism.
“This project is truly a dream come true,” said Kerrie Loya, CEO of the 100 Men Hall nonprofit. “It’s fitting that the LP will be released five years after the unveiling of our Blues Trail Marker because when I heard Homemade Jamz play at that event, I knew I wanted to produce a live album. I just had no idea where I would ever get the money for such a big project. Our board of directors and I are so grateful for this grant and the support of our state tourism office.”
Bands featured on the LP are Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Bill Howl-n-madd Perry, Marcia Ball, The New Orleans Upstarts, Little Freddie King and Pockit Tyme featuring Cornell Williams and Big D Perkins.
Artist Sharon Mulligan (a favorite of mine) created the cover art. Photographer Emily Hawkins provided the photos and Roger Stolle, owner of Cat Head Records in Clarksdale, wrote the liner notes.
“I also have to thank my husband Jesse, whose amazing musical production skills really brought this LP to life,” said Kerrie. “He spent countless hours pouring over the recordings of shows we’ve had here since 2011 and was able to really put together a beautiful record.”
Said Jesse, “An LP holds only 18 minutes of music per side, so the hardest part was piecing together an LP with more than two songs per side. Live performances frequently turn into jams that can go on for a long time.”
The LP sells for $45 including out-of-state shipping and is available for preorder on our website www.100menhall.org. The LPs will be shipped after Saturday’s release party. Doors open at 7 and tickets are $10. There will be short presentation featuring speakers from the state tourism office and then the LP will be played. The House Katz will provide live music afterward. The Live at 100 Men Hall LP will be available for sale the night of the event.
Tickets for the release party can be purchased on the Hall website or by calling 228-342-5770.