Published: September 11, 2009 11:00 pm      

Farish Street Festival bringing old school funk back to Jackson with soul

Special to The Star



The Farish Street Heritage Festival is one of the City of Jackson’s and Mississippi’s most exciting and anticipated annual events. It began 31 years ago as a way to celebrate African American culture and history while increasing the awareness of the Historic Farish Street District. Scheduled for Sept. 18-19, the 2009 Festival promises to be a weekend of unparallel entertainment, celebration, culture and community.

“This event is so much more than a festival, it's an unforgettable experience for all who attend,” said Alberta Ross Gibson, chairman of the Farish Street Festival Board and Committee. “It's a fitting reminder that the Farish Street Historic district is the heart and soul of our capital city, and its preservation is vital to our continued progress. This neighborhood’s proud legacy is an essential part of our city's culture and history.”

Taking pride in being the second longest consecutively produced African American festival in the state of Mississippi, this year’s Festival is keeping with the tradition of mixing old school funk and soul stirring blues. The 2009 Farish Street Festival entertainment line up is certain to bring a sense of nostalgia to the redeveloping area.

Headlining this year’s Festival are funk legends Original P and Midnight Star and blues men Eddie Cotton, Zac Harmon, and Grady Champion.

“This Festival happens as the same weekend as the big WC Gordon Classic were Jackson State takes on Grambling State University,” said Lee King, the Festival’s executive producer. “So after people finish watching two of the best the SWAC has to offer, they can come and be entertained by some of the best that music has to offer.”

The Friday (Sept. 18) before the big rivalry game between the JSU Tigers and the G-Men of Grambling, the Festival, in conjunction with Tiger Fund, will host a pep rally at the Festival site. This event is free and open to the public. Gates open at 6 p.m.

The Festival not only serves as entertainment, but is also a tourist attraction for the capital city. Each year thousands emerge upon the community that was settled by freed slaves to enjoy a weekend of family friendly entertainment, cultural enlightenment and empowerment.

“The tourism product here in the capital city continues to grow and improve through events such as the Farish Street Festival,” said Wanda Collier-Wilson, president and CEO of the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Farish Street has a rich and unique history, and the Festival celebrates both the past and future re-birth of a significant area of Jackson. The Farish Street Festival brings visitors to our city, allowing them to see that Jackson is a premier destination and truly the City with Soul.”

This year’s Festival is being brought in part by Peavey Electronics, City of Jackson, Jackson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Hinds County, Mississippi Arts Commission, TV One, Comcast Cable, Roberts Walthall Hotel, Capital City Beverage and AT&T.

Tickets for the Farish Street Festival went on sale Monday, Aug. 31. A limited number of $10 tickets can be purchased at all Bebop locations, Bama Record Shop on Bailey Avenue and Bully’s Soul Food Restaurant. For more information visit www.farishstfestival.com or call (601) 948-5667.



Farish Street Historic District and Festival history



Special to The Star



The Farish Street Historic District is the only African American historic site listed on the national register that was built by former slaves, whose great-great grandchildren still work and live in the district.

Farish Street takes its name from Walter Farish, a former slave who settled on the northeast corner of Davis and Farish Streets. Several other African American families moved to the area near Mr. Farish and his family. The 1869 Jackson directory listed 22 freed blacks as residents of the District. The Farish Street District has thrived and survived through Emancipation, Reconstruction, Segregation, Civil Rights and Urban Renewal.

Farish Street was the economic Mecca of the African American Community in its heyday. This street and community have so much history. The area had everything, to include, five and dime stores, dress shops, florists, medical care services, legal services, nice restaurants, funeral homes, a movie theater, churches, a furniture store, community centers, beauty shops, and even once served as the home of Jackson State University. Thus, it was a self-contained community, a model by which current communities are striving to recreate.

Farish Street was once the hub for education, social, political, religious and entertainment activities for Jackson’s African American community. In celebration of the neighborhood’s rich and unique heritage, The Festival board of directors will continue to host this annual celebration in the Historic Farish Street community of downtown Jackson.

The Farish Street Heritage Festival of Jackson, Inc. (“The Festival”), is a non-profit African-American art’s organization consisting of an eleven-member volunteer board of directors. The members remain committed to honoring this rich legacy through a unique cultural extravaganza known as the Farish Street Heritage Festival. The Festival features several stages of live entertainment presenting national, regional, and local artists and performers.

Festival patrons also enjoy arts and crafts exhibit featuring vendors from around the world. Attendees can delight their palette with some of the best “soul food” and ethnic delicacies. Children can play all day at the Kitty Kottage filled with face painting, arts and crafts, music and various cultural activities.

The Farish Street Heritage Festival provides entertainment for the entire family and offers a diverse array of cultural programming in Mississippi exposing festival participants to artists they cannot frequently see. The Farish Street Heritage Festival of Jackson, Mississippi, Inc., board works hard to foster a relationship with the community and to find sponsors to support this event.