Clarksdale, Miss. (May 27, 2025) – Mississippi's storied blues tradition takes center stage with the launch of Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience (www.symphonicblues.com) a first-of-its-kind national concert series that merges the emotional depth of Delta blues with the power of a live symphony orchestra. Presented in partnership with Visit Mississippi, Visit Clarksdale and Memphis Tourism, the inaugural 20-city tour celebrates the state's unmatched cultural legacy and brings its music to new audiences across the country. Performances will be held in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Kansas City, Nashville, Louisville, Durham, Palo Alto, Portland and Scottsdale, as well as other locations in the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

This landmark concert series transcends the stage, serving as a powerful tribute to the birthplace of America's music. With cinematic narration by Mississippi native and Academy Award®-winner Morgan Freeman, the performance guides audiences through the story of the blues from its origins through its evolution, revealing its enduring soul.

Freeman, co-founder of Clarksdale's legendary Ground Zero Blues Club, lends his voice and personal connection to the Delta, anchoring the concert performances with cinematic narrations of stories, vignettes, and reflections that connect deeply with Mississippi's past, present, and future. The show also features acclaimed musicians from Ground Zero including Anthony 'Big A' Sherrod, and surprise acclaimed guests performing orchestrally reimagined blues classics and originals.

“Blues is the soul of Mississippi—the rhythm of its history, its heartache, and its hope,” said Freeman. “This experience gives the blues its rightful place on the world's stage and ensures its legacy continues to echo through future generations.”

The tour was developed in collaboration with Park Avenue Artists, a creative management firm known for producing culturally resonant, genre-defying experiences that elevate both artistry and purpose.

“At Park Avenue Artists, we believe in creating performances that entertain and move people,” said Ross Michaels, Partner at Park Avenue Artists. “This collaboration honors Mississippi's legacy while building something entirely new and unforgettable.”

In addition to honoring the music, the series will directly benefit the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving Mississippi's blues tradition and supporting the next generation of musicians through education, mentorship and live performance opportunities.

As presenting partner, Visit Mississippi will use the series to highlight the state's deep connection to American music and inspire travelers to explore the region through its authentic cultural lens.

“Music has always been one of Mississippi's greatest storytellers,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. “This tour allows us to share that story across the country and invite people to discover the place where it all began, from Clarksdale's crossroads to concert halls nationwide.”

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About Visit Mississippi
Celebrated as The Hospitality State and proudly known as the Birthplace of America's Music, Mississippi invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history, and unforgettable adventures. From the soulful sounds of the Delta to the serene beauty of the Gulf Coast and Appalachian foothills, Mississippi is a destination where every journey tells a story. 

Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state's official destination marketing organization. As storytellers and cultural ambassadors, we champion Mississippi through strategic global marketing, innovative partnerships, and creative collaboration. Our mission is to elevate the state's thriving tourism economy and inspire visitors from around the world to discover the magic of Mississippi.

About Visit Clarksdale
Visit Clarksdale promotes Clarksdale, Mississippi, to travelers from around the world. Known as the birthplace of the blues, Clarksdale offers live music seven nights a week along with rich civil rights history, deep cultural roots, and literary significance as the childhood home of Tennessee Williams. Gritty, authentic, and full of soul, Clarksdale is a destination where visitors don't just hear the blues—they experience it. With so much to see and do, we encourage travelers to stay two or three nights—and discover why they'll want to return again and again.

About Memphis Tourism
Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience is proudly supported by Memphis Tourism, the official destination marketing organization for Memphis and Shelby County. Memphis Tourism helps amplify the city's rich musical heritage—from the blues of Beale Street to the soul of Stax—by partnering with cultural experiences that celebrate its global influence. Their support ensures that the legacy of Memphis continues to inspire audiences across the country. Learn more about the city's music, food, and culture.

About Ground Zero Blues Club
Founded in 2001 by Morgan Freeman, Bill Luckett, and Howard Stovall, Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, stands at the epicenter of America's most iconic music genre. Located just steps from the legendary crossroads of Highways 61 and 49, the club is a living tribute to the Delta Blues—offering an authentic stage for seasoned legends and rising local talent alike. With its juke joint ambiance, nightly live music, and deep community roots, Ground Zero Blues Club considered the top blues club in the world has become a must-visit destination for blues fans from around the world seeking the soul of Mississippi in an authentic juke joint setting.

About Ground Zero Arts Foundation
The Ground Zero Arts Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Ground Zero Blues Club, established to preserve the legacy of the blues and invest in the future of music in the Mississippi Delta. Through education, artist support, and community programming, the Foundation is dedicated to keeping the blues alive while engaging and inspiring new generations of audiences and musicians.

About Park Avenue Artists
Park Avenue Artists is a company of wide-ranging individuals, tastes and artistic pursuits. From managing Grammy and Emmy Award-winning talent, to developing cutting-edge virtual instrument software, to booking and producing innovative concert programs, PAA extends the entertainment industry beyond its traditional scope.