The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University (Jonesboro campus) is holding its fifteenth annual Delta Blues Symposium on 2-4 April 2009. The theme for Delta Blues Symposium XV is the celebration of Delta culture throughout the past 100 years. Underscoring its multidisciplinary approach, the symposium includes scholars and students of the humanities and social sciences whose presentations cover such topics as the emergence of the blues in this region; cultural politics and history, a range of expressive forms specific in the Delta, such as tatooing, rap music, and other art forms; as well as noted poets and fiction writers. Featured guests include blues scholars Doug Seroff, David Evans, Judy Peiser, and John Minton; poet Dale Smith; writer Janis Kearney; playwright and actor David Starwalt; and musicians Lemuel Sheppard, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, the Bluesberry Jam Band, and Valerie June. These last three guests are part of a Saturday afternoon blues bash that will appear on ASU's Student Union Heritage Plaza. All symposium events are free and open to the public, and unless otherwise noted, will be held in ASU’s Student Union, Mockingbird Room. For a schedule of events during this three-day program go to http://www.clt.astate.edu/blues/dbs2009schedule.htm.

Further information can be had by contacting the Delta Blues Symposium Committee or by checking the Symposium website: www.clt.astate.edu/blues.

Delta Symposium Committee
Department of English and Philosophy
PO Box 1890
Arkansas State University
State University, AR 72467
rburns@astate.edu
Phone: 870-972-3043
Fax: 870-972-3045