As Mississippi prepares to celebrate Arts Day at the Capitol on February 4, there is no better time to recognize the state’s profound impact on the global music landscape. Just one day before the annual event honoring the arts inside the State Capitol, this announcement of next month’s celebration of Mississippi musicians serves as a powerful reminder of the rich musical legacy that has shaped the state—and the world. Mississippi Musicians Month, a project led by Dr. Jay Dean and the Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA) in collaboration with Rep. Missy McGee, was signed into law on March 19, 2024, and invites all Mississippians to honor and elevate the musicians who have called this state home.
“Great and timeless music is one of Mississippi’s chief exports,” said Dean. “This is why we dedicate March to a statewide celebration of our musicians, inviting every Mississippi community to participate. We encourage musical performances of all kinds throughout the month, every year.”
Mississippi, recognized as the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” has shaped countless genres—from the soul-stirring Delta blues to gospel, jazz, and country. Pioneers like Charley Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson, and Jimmie Rodgers created a musical legacy that continues to influence artists worldwide. By dedicating March as Mississippi Musicians Month, the state reaffirms its role as a global music leader and encourages communities to embrace and showcase their local talent.
A Unified Celebration: Share Your Events with the State
To ensure every musical performance, festival, and event receives the recognition it deserves, Visit Mississippi is curating a statewide event calendar highlighting all musical happenings throughout March. Musicians, venues, and event organizers are encouraged to submit their performances to be featured in this comprehensive guide.
“While the Hattiesburg Concert Association and FestivalSouth, in collaboration with Representative Missy McGee, have proudly led this initiative, this project belongs to the entire state of Mississippi,” Dean emphasized. “It is not the effort of a single organization—it is a statewide celebration that everyone should embrace. We encourage every community to honor and promote Mississippi’s rich musical heritage and its talented musicians throughout March. To unify this celebration, we invite all Mississippi musical organizations and presenters to incorporate one of the official logos in the promotion and presentation of any musical performances during this time. Let’s make March a true showcase of Mississippi’s music, together.”
Whether it’s a small acoustic set in a local coffee shop, a grand symphonic performance, or a blues festival in the Delta, every event matters. By submitting performances to the Mississippi Musicians Month calendar, organizers help shine a light on the extraordinary talent across the state, ensuring audiences—both local and visiting—can easily find and experience the magic of Mississippi’s music scene.
Marlo Dorsey, CEO of Visit Hattiesburg and a member of the HCA Executive Board, highlighted the significance of this declaration for both residents and visitors. “Mississippi Musicians Month is a fantastic opportunity for communities statewide to celebrate our rich musical history. We hope to see live music events and festivals flourish each spring as part of this recognition. This designation is also an open invitation for visitors to experience the vibrant heartbeat of our music scene, shaped by generations of remarkable musicians.”
Mississippi’s enduring influence on global music spans generations and genres. This annual tribute is not just about honoring the past but also celebrating the present and future of music in Mississippi. From historic juke joints and recording studios to grand symphony halls, Mississippi musicians continue to innovate and shape the world’s soundscape.
About the Hattiesburg Concert Association
For over 25 years, the Hattiesburg Concert Association—presenters of FestivalSouth and the Meistersingers of Mississippi—has been a leading force in Mississippi’s arts and culture scene. Committed to producing outstanding events that engage, educate, and enrich communities, HCA’s initiatives enhance the state’s creative economy while promoting social and economic development.
