DEEP BLUES FESTIVAL FAQ AND TIPS FOR JUKIN’
Clarksdale, MS is a small Southern town and things work just a little bit slower here. We have some great food and beverage options but most restaurants aren’t open 7 days a week. Hours vary and can be limited. Do a little research, plan ahead and ask a local for advice when you get in town.
I bought tickets online. Where do I pick up my wristband?
Your festival tickets/wristbands are available at the door of the first show you attend (either New Roxy or Shack Up Inn) or at Will Call. Will Call hours: Thursday thru Saturday, New Roxy 2 pm – 6:30 pm, Shack Up Inn 7 pm – 9 pm
What is a Benefactor and what do I get for becoming one?
Deep Blues Festival is a fan driven event. We can’t do it without support from our friends – that is where benefactors come in! Benefactor support helps secure bands, their accommodations & travel, and much more.
Benefactors make this festival happen – so what do they get in return?
Perks of becoming a benefactor include:
- First dibs on accommodation at one of our partner lodging locations: Shack Up Inn, Travelers Hotel, Hooker Hotel, Squeeze Box Inn, & Delta Digs. Only benefactors will be able to book with these convenient and eclectic establishments
- Guaranteed opportunity to purchase 4 day passes. These sell out quickly due to limited capacity at Shack Up Inn’s Juke Joint Chapel. 4 day passes guarantee access to ALL shows at New Roxy & Shack Up Inn.
- Exclusive access to the Benefactors Ball – a special Friday night show for Benefactors ONLY where limited snacks and libations are provided in an authentic Clarksdale juke joint.
- Access to the private upstairs lounge at New Roxy, where limited snacks and libations are provided. This allows you to watch the New Roxy shows from the balconies and occasionally mingle with the artists!
- **Please note, benefactor passes are NOT festival passes. 4 day passes must still be purchased in addition to benefactor passes in order to attend the shows at Shack Up Inn and New Roxy. 1 Benefactor pass = ability to book a room for two at partner accommodations, but NO guests are included for the Benefactors Ball or New Roxy VIP Lounge.
While one Benefactor Pass will allow you to book a room for two at our partner accommodations, no guests are included in the pass for the other Benefactor perks.
All members of your party must have a Benefactor Pass to be admitted to the Benefactors Ball and the New Roxy private lounge.
My partner and I want to purchase one benefactor pass in order to book a room, but I do not care to receive the other benefactor perks. Can we purchase one benefactor pass and two 4 day passes?
Not until April 1st. Benefactors get the first opportunity for 4 Day passes beginning February 14th, which means we cannot open 4 day passes to be purchased independently from benefactor passes until they go on sale to the general public.
If this scenario applies to you, we suggest purchasing the Benefactor + 4 Day bundle now, and purchasing your second 4 Day pass on April 1st.
How come I can’t get tickets online for the Juke Joint Chapel shows at the Shack Up Inn?
Due to the smaller capacity of the Shack Up Inn, those shows are sold out for presale. A limited number of tickets MAY be released at the door. Don’t worry though, there’s still lots of great music to check out! See next question.
Are other venues offering music during the festival?
Yes! New Roxy and Shack Up Inn are the official night time venues included in the All-Festival Pass, but there are several other venues that offer live music including Red’s, Levon’s, Hopeless Case Bar at Hambone Art Gallery and Ground Zero Blues Club.
Separate cover charges will apply.
How do I get from the Shack Up Inn to downtown Clarksdale?
It is about a five minute drive (~4 miles).
I don’t want to drive after I’ve been drinking, what are my options?
Clarksdale has a few cab services, but be mindful that the drivers do not work 24 hours a day. Check with the front desk of your lodging provider – some properties have a shuttle available.
Get to know your fellow festival goers and consider carpooling with a designated driver.
Is it OK to walk/bike from Shack Up Inn to downtown?
Not advised, particularly at night. There are no sidewalks or bike lanes and the back roads are not well lit.
Where can I find information about lodging?
Try the web pages of VISIT CLARKSDALE and CAT HEAD Delta Blues and Folks Art for lodging options. There are also Air BnB properties in the area.
Is there a camping option?
There is primitive tent camping along the Sunflower River downtown through Quapaw Canoe Company. Email john@island63.com to reserve a spot! www.island63.com
What services are available at the festival Venues?
Shack Up Inn has a full bar with a limited food menu during the shows. Check with them to see if they are offering breakfast during your stay. They take credit cards.
New Roxy is an open air, beer and cash only establishment. You may bring your own liquor and purchase setups of ice/mixers.
Are Children allowed to attend?
Kids are welcome at the day time busking stations. However, the night time venues (New Roxy and Shack Up Inn) are adult oriented shows and not appropriate for children.
Is there anything else going on in town that we should check out?
Why, yes there is! The Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival (https://deltawilliamsfestival.com/) is happening the same weekend as Deep Blues Festival.
I’m want to get in a run while I’m in town. Suggestions?
There is a Benefit 5K Run/Walk Saturday Morning at 0800 from downtown Clarksdale out to the Shack Up Inn. Proceeds from the run benefit the Delta Blues Museum. Details and advance registration at https://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/
Where are the ATMs located?
There are several banks and corner stores located downtown which are equipped with ATMs. Many venues in Clarksdale do not have ATM’s and some are cash only.
Can I use credit cards around town?
Sure, but be aware that some local businesses and Juke Joints are CASH only, including the New Roxy. The Shack Up Inn accepts credit cards.
Where can I get coffee?
Both Meraki Roasting Company and Yazoo Pass have good coffee options. If you are a real coffee junkie beware of their hours, Yazoo Pass is not usually open on Sundays.
Where can we get supplies such as snacks, sunscreen etc.?
Clarksdale does not have a major grocery store. There is a Walmart on the highway or in downtown there is a Save a Lot. We also have a local seed + supply store called Collective Seed + Supply where you can find limited snacks & grocery items.
Is it legal to consume alcohol on the street or bring my drink in a ‘go cup’?
Nope.
Can I smoke in bars or restaurants?
Nope.
How late do restaurants stay open?
Most restaurants stop serving food at 9pm. Late night food options are primarily Fast Food on the Highway so plan accordingly for late night meals.
Do I need my ID around town?
It would be wise to carry your ID at all times.
Should I bring any special clothes or equipment?
A light jacket is always a good idea. Average evening temperature in October is in the low to mid 50’s. Sunscreen and Mosquito repellant are also good to have.
I’m a band. How do I apply for next year?
Please contact us at deepbluesfest@gmail.com AFTER January 1. Including links to your web page, bios and samples of your music help us greatly.