2022 Ben Fest

WABG Radio Presents...

The 2nd Annual BenFest

September 2, 2023
From 12 Noon until Late

On the grounds of Studio-B
Columbus, Mississippi

Awesomeam.com is hosting our 7th annual music festival.
Bring your coolers and your tents. From 12 noon until late.

This year's theme is centered around Amedee A. Frederick, "The Creole Blues Man" from Abita Springs, Louisiana. We will commission and dedicate "The Amedee Bottle Tree" in 2023. Special Honoree will be Mr. James Howard Meredith, civil rights activist who will receive the Benjamin J. Sims & Lingiam Odems, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award along with broadcasters Mr. Stan Allen & Dr. Tommy Williams.

This year's recipients of The Benjamin J. Sims & Lingiam Odems, Integrity Awards will be presented to: Ms Edna Turner, Mr. Ike Walker, Mr. Robert Terrell Ms. Terri Lynn Kathey, Mr. Chad Clark, Mr. Willie Moore, Sr., Mr. Luster Walker, Mr. R. H. Brown, and Mr. Randy Weeks.

But you must RSVP this year by calling (662) 327-1789 or e-mail thejamespoe@yahoo.com.

The event is dedicated to our good friend, Benjamin J. Sims (March 25, 1945 - March 6, 2022), musician and the author of "Singing Rumplelstiltskin - Discovering The Pathway To The Best Days Of My Life"

Amazon.com: Singing Rumpelstiltskin: Discovering A Pathway To The Best Days Of My Life eBook:
Sims, Benjamin J.: Kindle Store

2023 Line-Up

• Amedee A. Frederick & The Ponchatrain Shakers
(Amedee "A5" Frederick & Jojjo Wight)
• Terri Lynn Kathey & Thunder Blues
• Keith & Margie
• Mississippi Marshall Deluxe
• Red Meat Rhetoric
• Emcee by Randy "Wildman" Brown
• Sound & Engineering by Phillip Savell

2023 Schedule

12:00 - 1:00 - Poe Opening/Welcome/Posting of Colors/Awards Presentations/Rollcall

1:00 - 1:15 - Astonishing Expectations Presentation https://astonishingexpectations.org/

1:30 - 2:30 - Red Meat Rhetoric

2:30 - 3:30 - Keith & Margie

3:30 - 4:30 - Mississippi Marshall & Grayson Ackerland

4:30 - 5:30 - Amedee A. Frederick & The Pontchatrain Shakers (Amedee "A5" Frederick & Jojjo Wight)

6:00 - 8:00 - Terri Lynn Kathey & Thunder Blues (Kevin Kathey, Jamie Bowles, Paolo Oliveira, Dee Jai Combs)

8:00 - Until Later - Free for all Jam Session

Emcee: Randy "Wildman" Brown

Sound & Engineering: Phillip Savell

Poster: Rambling Steve Garnder

Portrait of Ben Sims: Kenzo Miyata