James Booker grew up splitting time between New Orleans and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. This weekend, 100 Men Hall, a Black energy center that hosted legendary musicians as part of the Chitlin Circuit, will host the second annual Booker Fest, a fundraiser for the hall. For decades, 100 Men Hall provided a safe place for the African American community of Bay St. Louis and surrounding areas to gather. Today, a nonprofit raises funds to preserve and maintain 100 Men Hall, one of the few standing buildings on the Mississippi Blues Trail. 

Booker Fest is designed to bring awareness to one of the town’s most gifted artists who played all around the Bay and on the historic stage at the 100 Men Hall. Booker Fest will include performances by Joe Krown Trio, St. Rose Gospel, Josh Paxton and Joe Ashlar, Sunni Patterson, and Quiana Lynell. The weekend will end with a Drag Brunch by Catastrophe, Zamareyah, Latonia, and Misty in Booker's honor.

Full details and tickets can be found at the100menhall.com.

Booker Fest Schedule

Friday, September 2

7-9pm Joe Krown Trio

Saturday, Sep 3

11am-12pm  St. Rose Gospel on 100 Men Hall's historic stage

12:30-2pm  Booker piano tribute performed by Josh Paxton and Joe Ashlar

2:30-3:30pm Spoken Word - Sunni Patterson

4-6pm Quiana Lynell and Trio

6:30-8:30pm Rita Brent Comedy

Sunday, Sep 4

10am-1pm – Booker Drag Brunch with Catastrophe, Zamareyah, Latonia & Misty