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Sonic Boom of the South
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Bobby Rush
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Jeff Little Trio w/ Wayne Henderson
Organizers of the 82nd National Folk Festival have announced six additional performers who will take the stage in downtown Jackson this November 7–9. The latest round of artists showcases a diverse mix of musical traditions and includes several performers with strong Mississippi roots.
“The National Folk Festival is a special opportunity for Jackson and the state of Mississippi to demonstrate that we’re ready to host a world-class festival in our capital city’s historic downtown,” said Jackson Mayor John Horhn. “Hundreds of excellent artists are coming to our city from across the country. I’m especially proud to see acclaimed Jackson artists featured in today’s announcement and getting the national attention they deserve. Such a crowd-pleasing lineup is sure to resonate with our community and bring enormous energy to the event.”
The newly announced performers are:
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Bobby Rush (Jackson, Mississippi) – Soul blues legend and Grammy Award winner
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Jeff Little Trio featuring Wayne Henderson (Boone, North Carolina & Rugby, Virginia) – Blue Ridge-style piano and guitar
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Ms. Jody (Bay Springs, Mississippi) – Southern soul powerhouse
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Oka Hamma Alla Hilha Alhiha (Redwater, Mississippi) – Traditional Choctaw social dancing
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Sonic Boom of the South (Jackson, Mississippi) – Jackson State University’s iconic marching band
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Tres en Punto (Mission, Texas) – Trio romántico ensemble specializing in romantic Latin ballads
This year’s festival includes a special partnership with the Mississippi NAACP State Conference to present Bobby Rush in a featured performance. The festival’s opening night, November 7, will also mark the kickoff of the Mississippi NAACP’s 80th annual state convention.
“Music is the art form that gives one the fortitude to continue to fight in the struggle towards justice,” said Charles Taylor, Executive Director of the Mississippi NAACP State Conference. “Music unites us all. I am excited that the Mississippi State Conference NAACP will be partnering with the National Folk Festival, which will bring hundreds of artists to stages in the heart of the city. This year, we celebrate the 80th year of our State Conference, and to do so, we will do it the Mississippi way—with catfish and blues.”
More artist announcements are expected in the coming weeks. The full festival lineup will feature performances across multiple stages, highlighting the deep cultural roots and rich musical traditions of communities from every corner of the country. Admission is free.