Bessie Smith Cultural Center

A festive Monday night turned into a sobering Tuesday morning at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on M.L. King Jr. Boulevard.

Between 12 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesday, someone broke into the center and took a large amount of money, Chattanooga police said.

The theft occurred just hours after the center wrapped up the annual Bessie Smith Strut that features blues and jazz music, barbecue and family fun.

This year, admission to the annual festival cost $10. Veteran musician Bobby Rush headlined the event.

"We're extremely disappointed," said Bessie Smith Cultural Center Director Rose Martin.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 423-698-2525.