Support the First Annual Foxfire Blues Assembly
Donation protected
In the backdrop of a global pandemic and widespread racial and political unrest, bluesman Jontavious Willis reached out to Foxfire Ranch about hosting 8 black bluesmen for a week of sanctuary, fellowship, deep learning, storytelling and immersion in the blues. From these conversations the Foxfire Blues Assembly was born, as a vehicle for nurturing, connecting, and supporting the next generation of the blues vanguard. The attendees this year include Christone "Kingfish" Ingram (Mississippi), Jontavious Willis (Georgia), Marquise Knox (Missouri), Stephen Hull (Wisconsin), Jamia “Jayy Hopp” Hopson (Georgia), DK Harrell (Louisiana), Sean McDonald (Georgia), and Little Dylan Triplett (Illinois). Their ages range from 18 years old to the ripe old age of 29.
Over the course of July 12-18, these musicians will deepen their study of the blues, share protips on professionalism, and have intimate visits, story sharing, and dinners with an intergenerational cross-section of Mississippi blues musicians. The week will conclude with 2 nights of concerts that are open to the public, in an outdoor setting observing appropriate physical distancing protocols.
Foxfire Ranch is a black-owned farm and event venue located in Waterford, Mississippi in the North Mississippi Hill Country. These 80 acres have been in the Hollowell family for over 100 years. As we envision the next century we are holding Foxfire as a space for rest, retreat, connection, deep learning, and celebration. We are a resource for artists, healers, and lovers of justice. We are committed to the survival of our unique cultural traditions, art, and expressions.
Autonomous Black land spaces have always served a central role in preserving and sharing blues music and cultural expression. For the past 12 years, every Sunday from March to Thanksgiving, Foxfire Ranch has hosted evening concerts featuring Hill Country Blues musicians and culture-bearers. Through the support of our local community and blues lovers from around the globe, we have created a truly intergenerational and interracial space for everyone - full of wide-open joyful spaces, blue skies, tall knotty pines, and food that feeds your soul.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the game for so many of us. We can’t do all of the things we used to do. However, through this experience, Foxfire is clear and stands firm in our commitment to supporting the artists that keep our culture thriving, and the music that is medicine for hard times. We have never received any grants for supporting this cultural work, we are self-funded and steadily inching forward year after year.
Until now we have never created a space for our many supporters and friends to financially contribute to our work. Now we are asking that you consider donating to the Foxfire Blues Assembly. Your contributions will help cover the costs of housing, food, stipends for all of the artists, a sound technician, the labor of the Foxfire staff and family, and the proper documentation of this entire experience through photography and videography. At the end of this, there will be footage that can be utilized and shared by all of the musicians in order to build their personal platforms and reach a broader audience (particularly for those who are not yet touring musicians). We are not charging any of the attendees for their participation in the retreat.
So if you are a lover of the blues, a supporter of Foxfire Ranch, or simply someone wanting to support young black men - this is your time! If you are someone who believes in the power of our ancestors and the undeniable ways they move through our voices and fingertips - please give as you’re able to, and circulate this request among the folks in your networks. We are thankful for each of you, and totally trust in the abundance that flows from and through beloved community!
Over the course of July 12-18, these musicians will deepen their study of the blues, share protips on professionalism, and have intimate visits, story sharing, and dinners with an intergenerational cross-section of Mississippi blues musicians. The week will conclude with 2 nights of concerts that are open to the public, in an outdoor setting observing appropriate physical distancing protocols.
Foxfire Ranch is a black-owned farm and event venue located in Waterford, Mississippi in the North Mississippi Hill Country. These 80 acres have been in the Hollowell family for over 100 years. As we envision the next century we are holding Foxfire as a space for rest, retreat, connection, deep learning, and celebration. We are a resource for artists, healers, and lovers of justice. We are committed to the survival of our unique cultural traditions, art, and expressions.
Autonomous Black land spaces have always served a central role in preserving and sharing blues music and cultural expression. For the past 12 years, every Sunday from March to Thanksgiving, Foxfire Ranch has hosted evening concerts featuring Hill Country Blues musicians and culture-bearers. Through the support of our local community and blues lovers from around the globe, we have created a truly intergenerational and interracial space for everyone - full of wide-open joyful spaces, blue skies, tall knotty pines, and food that feeds your soul.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the game for so many of us. We can’t do all of the things we used to do. However, through this experience, Foxfire is clear and stands firm in our commitment to supporting the artists that keep our culture thriving, and the music that is medicine for hard times. We have never received any grants for supporting this cultural work, we are self-funded and steadily inching forward year after year.
Until now we have never created a space for our many supporters and friends to financially contribute to our work. Now we are asking that you consider donating to the Foxfire Blues Assembly. Your contributions will help cover the costs of housing, food, stipends for all of the artists, a sound technician, the labor of the Foxfire staff and family, and the proper documentation of this entire experience through photography and videography. At the end of this, there will be footage that can be utilized and shared by all of the musicians in order to build their personal platforms and reach a broader audience (particularly for those who are not yet touring musicians). We are not charging any of the attendees for their participation in the retreat.
So if you are a lover of the blues, a supporter of Foxfire Ranch, or simply someone wanting to support young black men - this is your time! If you are someone who believes in the power of our ancestors and the undeniable ways they move through our voices and fingertips - please give as you’re able to, and circulate this request among the folks in your networks. We are thankful for each of you, and totally trust in the abundance that flows from and through beloved community!
Organizer and beneficiary
Foxfire Ranch
Organizer
Laws Hill, MS
Annette Hollowell
Beneficiary