“It’s such a beautiful and great day to have a grand opening…finally opening the doors and letting everyone see what we’ve been working on was so exciting.” – Casey Jolley, Sale Events Manger of the National Blues Museum

St. Louis Blues Musician Chuck Berry exhibit at the National Blues Museum

St. Louis’ own Blues Musician Chuck Berry exhibit at the National Blues Museum

St. Louis’s very own National Blues Museum celebrated its grand opening this weekend. Located in the downtown area, patrons from near and far received a healthy dose of the Blues. Years of organizing, development, and fundraising have all contributed to this momentous occasion. The first of its kind and St. Louis is home to the National Blues Museum.

Honoring this historic event, Normandy High School Band lead a marching procession taking us through the front doors right into the museum, the musical sounds of past and present Blues musicians filled the atmosphere, B.B. King and Betsy Smith flowed through the gallery.

St. Louis’ very own accomplished Blues musician, Chuck Berry known for his record-breaking hits such as, “Maybellene”, Jonny B. Goode, and “Roll Over Beethoven” has his own exhibit. His signature shiny red guitar added just a bit of St. Louis to the museum filled with Blues legends from the Delta, Chicago, and Louisiana.

“As a resident of St. Louis I want to support the arts. The museum is such a big deal, the historical portion of the National Blues Museum is a first of its kind, and it’s right here in St. Louis.” – Michelle Robinson, Museum Guest

High technology exhibit of the Legendary Bessie Smith.

High technology exhibit of the Legendary Bessie Smith.

Many feel with all the negativity surrounding the St. Louis region, the museum helped shed a positive light on our city. “The museum brings such a different atmosphere to St. Louis. We offer a fun way to learn and share music”, said Casey Jolley

The National Blues Museum celebrates the genre as one of the foundations of all American music. The museum offers not just entertainment, but education as well. With high quality interactive exhibits and a state-of-the-art theater, visitors can experience the Blues in all its entirety.

Many enjoyed live performances from Phi, David Dee, and a young star in the making, harmonica sensation, Kiersy Wisecarver. Performing live in the Lumiere Place Legend Room, at such a young age Kiersy soulful tunes brought down the house. Our very own National Blues Museum is caring for and maintaining the up keep of music’s’ most sacred genre of national and international Blues artist. By telling the countless stories of the Blues through several displays. The National Blues Museum is expected to attract music fans from all over, of all genres, and based off the exhibits I can see why.

Kiersy Wisecarver, young star on the rising playing live in front of a packed house in the Lumiere Place Legends Room. At the grand opening of the National Blues Museum

Kiersy Wisecarver, young star on the rising playing live in front of a packed house in the Lumiere Place Legends Room. At the grand opening of the National Blues Museum

” I love the Blues, I was raised on it. I’m really excited about the museum.” – Doris Smith, National Blues Museum Volunteer

To learn more about our newest musical gem or to simply catch up with them follow the National Blues Museum on Facebook at National Blues Museum.

Photos By: Jasmine Spann

Ashley Winters
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