The Bessie Smith Heritage Festival kicks off this weekend.
And it's even bigger this year.
News 12's Nordia Epps has more on what's new for the fifth year of the music and arts festival.
There's more music for less money at this year's Bessie Smith Heritage Festival.
The fifth annual celebration named in honor of the Chattanooga music legend will feature two nights of Blues, Neo-soul and Jazz.
DieDra Ruff and the Ruff Pro Band, The Michael Foster Project and Grammy nominated Jazz pianist composer and producer Jeff Lorber are just a few of the nationally known artists who'll be performing inside the Bessie Smith Cultural Center starting at 7 Saturday and Sunday Nights.
In the past the one-day festival took place outside on the lawn.
Rose Martin, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, "This year we talked about it and it just seemed to be a good time to transition. Of course, there have been some concern about the extreme temperatures outside with the heat. It seems to be raining, storming, a lot more frequently, so it was just a good opportunity to transition and to do this model."
And there's a free family event this year.
"Bessie's Arts on 9th" will start off the festival Saturday on the Lawn of the Cultural Center from 10 to 4.
There will be vendors like in the past and visual artists will join them.
Local band Rick Rushing and the Blue's strangers will provide live music
Rick Rushing, "We're going to play some original music and we're going to play some other stuff that people probably are familiar with just to get everything started on the right foot. We hope to kick it off pretty right."
Kick off two nights of music, art, food and fun on M.L. King Boulevard.
It's sure to make Bessie proud.
In Chattanooga Nordia Epps, WDEF News 12.
Today's the last day to get discounted tickets.
Click here to learn more.
