Folk Festival Folklife Area Participants Announced
September 9, 2025
The National Folk Festival revealed today the Mississippi performers who will take the stage November 7-9, 2025, in downtown Jackson. This marks the first year of the festival's three-year residency in the capital city.
At today's announcement at the Old Capitol Museum, four featured artists gave attendees a preview: quilter Stephany Brown, native plant experts Dr. Tammy Greer and Robin Whitfield, and the Mighty Gospel Warriors gospel group.
Celebrating Two Mississippi Icons
This year's Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage centers on "Legacies of Empowerment," honoring the 100th birthdays of blues legend B.B. King and civil rights leader Medgar Evers. The program showcases how these icons continue to influence Mississippi's living traditions.
"We're excited to showcase Mississippi's vibrant living traditions, ranging from gospel and quilting to blues and hip hop," said David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission.
What to Expect
The festival will feature traditions from across Mississippi—from the Gulf Coast to the Delta to the Hill Country. Visitors can experience:
- Music: Blues, gospel, hip hop, punk, Mexican huapango, and Choctaw social dancing
- Crafts: Quilting, basketmaking, sign painting, and skateboard design
- Traditions: Black agricultural practices, motorcycle culture, and zine making
- Food: Traditional Mississippi foodways
Featured Artists Include:
Music Performers:
- James "Super Chikan" Johnson (Delta blues)
- Jimmy "Duck" Holmes (Bentonia blues)
- Tougaloo College Choir (gospel)
- Hip hop artists Vitamin Cea, DevMacc, and Phingaprint
- Punk bands from Columbus, Hattiesburg, and Jackson
Traditional Craftspeople:
- Eleanor Chickaway (Choctaw basketmaking)
- Bobby Whalen (hand-painted signs)
- Multiple quilting artists and groups
- The Bland Family Farm (agricultural traditions)
The complete lineup features more than 25 artists and groups representing Mississippi's diverse cultural heritage.
Festival Details
When: November 7-9, 2025
Where: Downtown Jackson
Cost: FREE to the public
For more information, visit nationalfolkfestival.com or follow @NFFJackson on social media.