The Commercial Appeal

Otis Clay to headline Cooper-Young Fest

Annual arts event set for Sept. 19

- By Bob Mehr mehr@commercial­appeal.com 901-529-2373

Grammy nominee, Blues Hall of Famer and Hi Records veteran Otis Clay will headline the 2015 Cooper-Young Festival.

The 28th edition of the annual outdoor arts and music event is set for Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Organizers have announced 15 acts playing on three stages spread throughout the Cooper Young neighborho­od.

Notable locals set to appear on the main stage — located in front of the Young Avenue Deli — include roots duo Deering and Down, singer Alexis Grace and Chinese Dub Connection Embassy.

R&B great Clay will be backed by a group of musicians dubbed the “Take Me to the River Band,” put together by Royal Studios producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and featuring alumni of the Hi Rhythm Section and Stax Records.

Cooper-Young-based rock label and retail store Goner Records is teaming up with the Memphis Grizzlies to present a joint stage located at Young and Meda Street. Goner acts Nots and Aquarian Blood will be among those performing.

Also, members of the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to appear, and signed items from the team will be raffled off.

The School of Rock will host a third stage located in the First Congo Church parking lot. A series of student bands — paying tribute to classic rockers like Alice Cooper and Tom Petty — will be playing throughout the day.

For more informatio­n, go to cooperyoun­gfestival.com.

 ?? BRANDON DILL/SPECIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL ?? W.C. Handy Heritage Awards Lifetime Achievemen­t recipient Otis Clay will headline this year’s CooperYoun­g Fest on Sept. 19.
BRANDON DILL/SPECIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL W.C. Handy Heritage Awards Lifetime Achievemen­t recipient Otis Clay will headline this year’s CooperYoun­g Fest on Sept. 19.

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