Blues School in the USA 2024: European Guitarists Discover the Mississippi Delta

After several days spent exploring the Mississippi Delta and discovering some of the region’s most important blues landmarks, two young European guitarists, Odin from Croatia and Orphée from France, arrived in Clarksdale to take part in the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop.

The workshop represents a unique opportunity for young European blues musicians to experience the roots of the music in the place where so much of its history was written. For Odin and Orphée, the journey to Mississippi was not simply a trip to attend a blues workshop: it was a chance to meet established musicians, study the blues tradition directly from experienced artists, and immerse themselves in the culture of the Delta.

From Europe to the Mississippi Delta

Their American blues experience continued at the Shack Up Inn, where the two guitarists met the other participants as well as the musicians who would guide them throughout the workshop.

The first encounters quickly turned into music. After an initial jam session, the young guitarists began their lessons with Johnny Burgin, while legendary blues guitarist Bob Margolin, known as Steady Rollin’ Bob, was also present to oversee and support the workshop participants.

For young musicians coming from Europe, studying blues in Mississippi provides an opportunity to connect with the tradition beyond recordings and books. The direct interaction between students and professional blues musicians is an essential part of the experience, allowing the participants to learn through playing, listening and sharing the stage.

Photo by Berislav Sokac

Discovering the Delta Blues Museum

The workshop experience also included a visit to the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, one of the key destinations for anyone interested in the history and heritage of Mississippi blues.

For Odin and Orphée, the visit was another opportunity to deepen their understanding of the musical tradition they have been studying in Europe. The Mississippi Delta remains central to the story of the blues, and Clarksdale has long been associated with some of the most important chapters in the development of the genre.

Combining practical lessons, live music, jams and visits to important blues locations, the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop offers young musicians a particularly immersive way to experience the Delta blues tradition.

The Final Concert at Ground Zero Blues Club

The week will culminate on Friday evening with a final concert at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale.

The young European participants will share the stage with an impressive group of blues musicians and workshop teachers, bringing together different generations and styles of blues in one final performance.

The lineup includes bassists Heather Crosse, Terrence Grayson and Bob Stroger, drummers Tony Braunagel and Lee Williams, acoustic guitarist Doug McLeod, pianist Victor Wainwright, singer Lisa Biales, and harmonica master Billy Branch.

For Odin and Orphée, performing alongside these experienced artists will be the natural conclusion to several days of lessons, jams and immersion in the Mississippi blues tradition. It will also provide the young musicians with the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned during their time in Clarksdale.

Photo by Berislav Sokac

A European Connection to the Roots of the Blues

The participation of two young musicians from Croatia and France highlights the continuing connection between the European blues scene and the musical heritage of the United States.

Blues has developed a strong and passionate following across Europe, where festivals, clubs, blues societies and musicians continue to keep the genre alive and introduce it to new audiences. Initiatives that allow young European artists to travel to Mississippi and study directly with established American blues musicians create an important cultural and musical bridge between the two continents.

This experience was made possible thanks to the European Blues Union, in partnership with the Pinetop Perkins Foundation. Supporting young musicians and creating opportunities for international exchange is an important way of ensuring that the blues tradition continues to evolve while remaining connected to its historical roots.

For Odin and Orphée, the 2024 Blues School in the USA is therefore much more than a workshop. It is an encounter with the Mississippi Delta, its musicians, its history and its living blues culture — an experience that they will take back with them to the European blues scene.