Who is up next on the Gateway to the Delta Festival stage on Oct.18? Our next two entertainers are very different in their musical styles, but they have one very important thing in common – they know how to put on a great show!
William “Sir Kindred” Kindred is a Mississippi-raised artist blending blues, soul and R&B music, with roots that run deep in the Delta. Kindred was trained at Smith Chapel M.B. Church and Mississippi Valley State University. He has opened for top blues acts and performed at festivals like Africa in April, Lambert Day, and many more. With eight original singles, covers of Tyrone Davis, and his latest radio single “Slidin’”, Sir Kindred continues to create heartfelt music and content. He shared that he has always been very blessed in life and in his music. Sir Kindred is quick to say that his motto is “Stay blessed!” So, if you are in the mood for some good Delta blues and smooth R&B sounds, you don’t want to miss his performance.
Transitioning from the afternoon into the evening and performing after Sir Kindred will be hometown favorite S.L.A.S.H, a local band that consists of all family members and plays Southern style rock, classic country and new country. The band members are Joseph Lindley (vocals), Kelvin Simmons (lead guitar), Kizer Smith (rhythm and lead guitar), Steve Simmons (drums), and Roger Allbrittton (bass). S.L.A.S.H recently performed at the Grenada Downtown Jubilee and has provided musical entertainment for numerous Gateway to the Delta Festivals. They always keep the crowd singing along.
But, the music lineup is not the only great thing about Gateway this year. Join us for the Gateway to the Delta Pageants as we crown Tiny Miss, Little Miss and Little Mr. Gateway to the Delta Festival 2025 that morning. Children of all ages from Tallahatchie County strut their stuff on the Gateway stage as proud parents and relatives snap pictures.
The wonderful thing about our pageant is that no fancy pageant clothes are needed, and we want to celebrate the fun of just being a kid. Each entrant receives a prize for having the courage to step out in front of the crowd and may be accompanied by a parent to ensure that they feel comfortable. Application forms may be picked up at CARE or the Flower Basket and Gifts until Oct. 10 and can also be emailed to parents who would like for their children to participate.
At the conclusion of our Gateway to the Delta Festival last year, there was one request that kept ringing loud and clear for weeks. New time slot in the music lineup, but the same great group. So, we are excited to share that the “Party Band of the South” — yes, we mean the Krackerjacks — will take the stage this year at Gateway 2025 beginning at 7 p.m.
Formed over 44 years ago, The Krackerjacks quickly discovered their forte’ by becoming the Party Band of the South. The band has performed for weddings, corporate events, college parties, country clubs and festivals throughout the Mid-South. Specializing in classic horn-driven Motown, Stax and R&B favorites, their members include, Charlie Ross (bass and vocals), Mike Dill (drums), Steve Lewis (guitar and vocals), Mark Hudson (trumpet and vocals), Randy McCormack (trumpet), Nate Murphree (trombone and vocals) Ricky “Toad” Johnson (keyboards and vocal) and Heath Beck (sound and lights).
Their members have extensive stage experience ranging from performing with previous acts, with some of the guys having started out exclusively with the Krackerjacks. They bring vocal perfection and harmony to a variety of music genres, while concentrating on a performance to ensure a fun time for all by attracting audiences of all ages.
Your dancing shoes are not the only thing that you need to shine up for the festival. Shine up that beautiful roadster and enter it in the Gateway Car Show. Mayor Sedrick Smith is again hosting our car show and to register your prized car or truck all you need to do is call Charleston City Hall. Winning entries will receive trophies and, of course, bragging rights into the new year.
Great music, beautiful cars, and we are just getting started with revealing all of the great things happening at our Gateway to the Delta Festival on Oct. 18
