The Bessie Smith Strut will combine the blues and barbeque next Monday, June 10, from 5-10 p.m. on Martin Luther King Boulevard.
The Event Director and Executive Director of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Rose Martin, announced an array of blues artists and bands performing at this year’s Strut. They include: Chattanooga’s own, Deacon Bluz; Blues Guitarists, Scotty Bratcher and Eric Sardinas; Brooklyn New York based band, Pimps of Joytime; Blues recording artists, James “Nick” Nixson and Dedra Ruff and Ruff Pro Band.
Gate admission to Chattanooga’s street fest will be charged to everyone including those with Riverbend pins. Tickets are $5 in advance or with a Riverbend pin and $10 at the gate. Advanced tickets may be purchased at one of the following ticket outlets:
Chattanooga and North Georgia Area Kangaroo Gas Stations
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Champy’s, 526 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Roshanna’s Hair & Beauty Bar, 320 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Steelpan Restaurant, 825 Houston St.
Gates to the Bessie Smith Strut open at 5 p.m. and performances will begin at 5:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org or call 266-8658.
2013 Bessie Smith Strut Fact Sheet
Will the Strut be fenced in like last year?
Like last year, the Bessie Smith Strut will be fenced in and an admission fee has been imposed.
How much are the tickets?
Tickets purchased are $5 for all Strut goers including ones who are Riverbend pin holders. Tickets will increase to $10 after June 8 for non pin holders. Children 6 and under are free.
Where can tickets be purchased?
Advanced tickets may be purchased at one of the following ticket outlets:
Chattanooga and North Georgia Area Kangaroo Gas Stations
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Champy’s, 526 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Roshanna’s Hair & Beauty Bar, 320 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Steelpan Restaurant, 825 Houston St.
Will there be reserved seating?
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center will have reserved seating on the patio, which includes bathroom access and a beverage station. Please call the Center at 266-8658 for additional details.
After paying for the expenses associated with hosting the Strut, what will happen to the remaining money?
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center will cover all related expenses from the 2013 Bessie Smith Strut. The organization also wishes to ensure the sustainability of this legendary street fest by establishing start-up funds for the 2014 Strut.
Should funds remain, they will be reinvested in the Martin Luther King corridor and in the community to ensure that the Bessie Smith Cultural Center has programs that support the mission of the center, which is to be the premier interdisciplinary cultural center that promotes cultural, educational, and artistic excellence; fosters the research and education of African and African American heritage; collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits art relating to the history and culture; and provides a venue that allows the community to celebrate through education, art and entertainment.
Where are the entrance gates to the Strut?
While the Strut will be enclosed with fencing this year, there will be three entrances that will provide easy and direct access to the street fest.
Martin Luther King & Lindsay
King Street & 10th Street
Martin Luther King & Mabel
What items are acceptable to bring to the Strut?
Strut goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, cameras, and special needs assistive devices to the Strut. However, the following items are prohibited:
Coolers
Food or Beverages
Glass containers
Framed or large backpacks
Carts
Fireworks or explosives
Pets
Skateboards, scooters, personal motorized vehicles or bicycles
Video/Audio equipment: No video or audio recording will be allowed
Metal aerosol containers, including sunscreen
Weapons of any kind or firearms
Illegal substances (including narcotics or drug paraphernalia)
Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, giveaways, etc.
No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed
Strut goers and their belongings are subject to search upon entry and re-entry of the Bessie Smith Strut.
What additional improvements have been made to the 2013 Bessie Smith Strut?
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center has made several improvements to enhance this year’s Strut. They include:
Entertainment: Two additional bands have been added to this year’s entertainment line-up to enhance the Strut experience.
Security: In addition to the Chattanooga Police Department securing the Strut, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center has employed off duty Chattanooga Police Department and private security officers to ensure the safety of Strut goers.
Vendors: All vendors will undergo a permitting process and no outlaw vendors are permitted. Additionally, all beer permit holders have undergone training to promote safety and compliance.
Logistics: The Strut site has an approved logistics plan to enhance safety. Additionally, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will utilize Team Captains throughout the site to provide information to event participants to enhance the experience.
Children Supervision Required at the Strut: All children 17 and under are required to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.