Natchez: A Lifetime of Music

Carrying a tune for over three hundred years

Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues, and, so many claim, the base of American music itself. In the river city of Natchez, history is meant not only to be seen but also heard. Tribal music of the Natchez Indians and gospel hymns; the nightmare of the Rhythm Club Fire in 1940 and the joy of a young musician playing downtown today—all of these are an integral part of the song of Natchez. A willing ear can tune in to all of these, and much more, during a visit to the oldest settlement on the Mississippi.

Natchez holds a spot on the Mississippi Blues Trail as well as in the Americana Music Triangle, where it marks a prominent station on the “Gold Record Road” winding up from New Orleans towards Nashville. Audiophiles, history buffs, and casual road-trippers alike will enjoy the stop-off in Natchez, with its markers commemorating notable musicians, the Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum, and the Delta Music Museum just a hop over in neighboring Ferriday.

Of course, all that is in addition to the allure of Natchez present, which boasts live music at various venues almost every night of the week. As a bonus, it's often served up alongside some of the city's unparalleled Southern cuisine. Bowie's Tavern, Biscuits and Blues, and Rolling River Bistro are all favorites among locals and visitors for catching a taste of some tunes with dinner; Smoot's Grocery is another hot spot for toe-tapping, though you're more likely to find a pour of craft beer than a bag of produce at the counter.

Music-lovers traveling in May, take note: The Natchez Festival of Music is a month-long extravaganza spanning all manner of genres, events, and venues, so it might be worth setting aside a couple extra days to fill up your dance card. The Festival embraces jazz, Broadway, opera, rock, Latin, blues, and more, plus events for kids. If you miss out in May, the organization sponsors live music and theatre performances year-round. 2019's schedule is still in the works, but keep an eye (and ear) out for festival favorites such as “Rockin' on the River” and “Rossini, Puccini, & Martinis!”