Lenny Williams headlines Bessie Smith Heritage Festival

Two days of events at Bessie Smith Cultural Center begin Saturday

Lenny Williams
Lenny Williams

The Bessie Smith Heritage Festival kicks off Saturday, May 6, with two days of music and activities designed for all ages.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center President Dionne Jennings says a day of family fun has been planned for Saturday between noon and 4 p.m. The museum will be open for free tours during that time so visitors may see the new photo exhibit on black musicians as well as the current exhibit on The Impressions.

"We will have an aerospace engineer from NASA, Dr. Aprille Joy Ericsson, here from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to talk about her career and what it's like to be a black female working for NASA, especially in light of the 'Hidden Figures' movie," says Jennings. Ericsson is a NASA instrument manager, aerospace engineer and academic.

At 1:30 p.m., Roe Anderson will lead an hour-long yoga class on the center's lawn designed for beginners and intermediates, combined with information on the cleansing effect of yoga on the body.

From 2:30 until 4 p.m., there will be music with a deejay and other activities.

A fundraising concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

Deacon Bluz and the Holysmoke Band will perform followed by national R&B recording artist Lenny Williams at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. There will be a cash bar and food catered by BBQ Rowe for sale on-site.

For more information: 423-266-8658.

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