Bessie Smith Strut Returns

The Bessie Smith Strut returns this summer on a new day. And representatives say you can look forward to some exciting new changes to this year’s event.

With less than 8 weeks to go, preparations for the Bessie Smith Strut are ramping up. Dionne Jennings, Bessie Smith Cultural Center Executive Director said, "The Strut is just something that, 32 years here in Chattanooga. It is a Chattanooga tradition." The gates will open at 4:30pm Monday, June 8th. Chip Baker, Friends of the Festival said, "To me this is a very exciting time for our community. The Strut and Riverbend are really the bedrock of all of these great things that you see going on in Chattanooga. "

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center has spent the last three months with Friends of the Festival retuning various aspects of the event. Jennings said, "Planning and changing all of the processes and procedures for the Strut to ensure that this year, it is a very smooth event that is executed well, and that it’s a great success." And bands will perform on a new stage. Baker said, "Excited to announce that Champy’s will be sponsoring a stage. It’s going to be called the Champy’s Chicken Stage." Friends of the Festival and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center believe the lineup will certainly get your attention. Jennings said, "We are the Bessie. We are the Blues. And we are looking forward to a wonderful time."

Performances are as follows:
Bessie Smith Hall Stage: Deacon Bluz at 6pm. Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials at 7:30pm. 9pm slot TBA.
Champy’s Chicken Stage: Davina & The Vagabonds at 5:45pm. Jarekus Singleton at 7:30pm. DieDra at 8:45pm.