Photo courtesy by Documentary Arts.
The musical “Lonesome Blues” will pay tribute to one of Deep Ellum’s most influential musicians, Blind Lemon Jefferson, a blues singer-songwriter-guitarist who performed in Deep Ellum in the early 1900s. Produced by Documentary Arts in association with Central Track Productions, the show opens Sunday, Feb. 25, and continues with weekend matinees through Sunday, April 7, at Club Dada in Deep Ellum.
Written by author/filmmaker Alan Govenar and acclaimed actor/director Akin Babatundé, the one-man musical is sponsored in part by the Deep Ellum Community Association, and presented in association with the African American Museum, Dallas, which is presenting two exhibitions to commemorate Deep Ellum’s 150th anniversary.
“Lonesome Blues” celebrates the life and accomplishments of Jefferson. Born in rural East Texas and discovered on a street corner in Deep Ellum in 1925, Jefferson made more than 80 records over the next four years, becoming one of the biggest country blues singers of the generation.
“This show culminates more than two decades of collaboration with Akin Babatundé. While few biographical details are known about Blind Lemon, Akin and I have worked to create a powerful metaphor for his life and music and his profound influence on the growth of American popular music,” Govenar said.
The family-friendly performances of “Lonesome Blues” are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 25, March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30, and April 6-7.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for youth ages 6 to 18 and seniors ages 65 and up.
