Categories
Music Music Blog

Rum Boogie Cafe Celebrates 30 Years

Suzanne Mcclain

The hanging guitars at the Rum Boogie Cafe.

The Rum Boogie Cafe will celebrate 30 years on Beale this weekend with a whole slew of live shows. Opened on Friday, May 8th in 1985, the Rum Boogie Cafe has been the home of many legendary Beale Street performers, in addition to being a watering hole for tourists and locals alike. The anniversary activities will follow the official opening of the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame, see below for the complete list of performers and show times.

Friday, May 8th

1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The 4th Annual Beale Street Mess Around featuring: Janiva Magness, Jarekus Singleton, Brandon Santini, Mick Kolassa, Igor Prado, “Monster” Mike Welch, Anthony Geraci, Annika Chambers, Jeff Jensen, John Primer, Bob Corritore, and many more. $10, all ages.

6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Tas Cru and his Band of Tortured Souls.

10:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Vizztone Label Group presents the Blues Party On Beale. This All-Star showcase will be hosted by former Muddy Waters sideman and multiple Blues Music Award winner Bob Margolin, featuring special guests: Brandon Santini, Amanda Fish, Dave Gross, Long Tall Deb, Rob Stone, Bob Corritore, and many more.

Saturday, May 9th

5:30-8:30 p.m. at Fubar (Rum Boogie upstairs)
Women in Blues Showcase:
An afternoon of the finest emerging blues talent.

9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Gracie Curran and the High Falutin’ Band.

Categories
Special Sections

Don McMinn

Don McMinn fronted Rum Boogie Café’s first house band when it opened in 1985, a time when Beale Street was undergoing major redevelopment. “Within a year, it was the hottest spot around,” McMinn says. He played Rum Boogie for nine years, at one point bringing his sons, Rome and Doug, into the band. “I watched them turn into pretty good musicians,” he says. “Papa” Don McMinn & Nightrain still record and tour today, playing Memphis music, a mix of Stax-era R&B and Delta boogie blues. He’s named the “Pale Prince of Beale” on his honorary brass note on Beale’s Walk of Fame.