By Alexandra Ellsworth
Staff Reporter
Ladies will be taking the stage for performances this Saturday at the third annual Johnny Shines Blues Festival.
Carroline Shines, daughter of the late Johnny Shines and organizer of the event, is introducing a new all-female lineup to this year’s festival to support women in the music industry.
The festival will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Johnny Shine Street, with performances by Carroline Shines, Panga Laster, Porsha Ray, Alabama Annie, Hattie B. and BJ Miller.
As a blues artist herself, Shines understands the difficulties that come with being a female artist in the blues, jazz, hip hop and RB genres.
“Being a female performer, I know all we have to go through to get a contract,” Shines said. “This industry is really sexist. You have to have a certain look to be noticed. We shouldn’t have to take off our clothes to be noticed. Listen to my voice. Listen to my story.”
Hattie Butler, or Hattie B. as she is known on stage, said she agrees with Shines’ views on women in the music industry.
“I salute Ms. Shines,” Butler said. “She is doing something no one else has ever done: an all-female lineup.”
As an RB and hip hop vocalist, Butler experienced many of the same difficulties.
“It has mostly been about the way a woman looks, but now it seems that people are getting back to talent,” she said. “That’s where it needs to be.”
Bulter said she felt that in the past they skipped over people with talent because they don’t visually fit the mold.
“It’s kind of like being a model,” she said. “You have to be a certain height or weight to make it.”
Butler is also excited to be a part of this all-ladies lineup.
“I think that the festival is going to be totally awesome,” Butler said. “I can’t wait to perform with these ladies, and I hope everyone has a good time.”
Although the festival this year is about recognition of female artists, it is also still about celebrating the life and music of Johnny Shines.
“I wanted people to remember my dad,” Shines said about her decision to start the festival. “I wanted to keep his legacy alive and bring good, hopeful music to Alabama.”
Shines plans to keep this annual festival going for as long as she can.
“As long as I have breath in my body, I will be doing this,” Shines said.
This down-home, southern hospitable atmosphere and some of that “good hopeful music” is the perfect combination for a good time, Shines said.
“Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and whatever else you need, ‘cause we are going to party!” Shines said.
Tickets will be $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Woodrow’s Barbeque on Rice Mine Rd. or Greensboro Ave.
