Lil’ Jimmy Reed Plays Rio’s Mississippi Delta Blues Bar Tonight

By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Legendary Louisiana Bluesman Lil’ Jimmy Reed arrives in Rio on Wednesday, July 18th, to play the Mississippi Delta Blues Bar in Gamboa. At eighty years of age, Lil’ Jimmy Reed is one of the last few truly legendary bluesmen still actively touring the world, so this will be a delight for any fans of live blues music.

Leon Atkins, aka Lil’ Jimmy Reed, is world famous for his accomplished guitar playing, gravelly vocals and the beautiful sound of his harmonica. Hardly short in stature, Lil’ Jimmy is a tall, lean, charismatic figure who epitomizes the classic Louisiana blues tradition.

He earned his moniker while playing the blues clubs around Baton Rouge, when one night he was asked to fill in for blues star Jimmy Reed. Someone wittily dubbed him “Lil’” Jimmy Reed, and the name has stuck ever since.

Lil’ Jimmy Reed has played with legendary blues figures such as BB King and Bobby “Blue” Bland. Always touring incessantly like a true bluesman, he has played festivals in the U.S., UK, Canada, France, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and many, many more places all over the world.

Lil’ Jimmy’s performances are one of the last chances to hear the raw, unadulterated sound of authentic Louisiana blues from someone who embodies its true spirit.

This is a perfect night for those who enjoyed, or missed out on, the Rio das Ostras Jazz and Blues Festival this year, as the Mississippi Delta Blues Bar has a great reputation for putting on a great show.

What: Lil’ Jimmy Reed
When: Wednesday, July 18th; 9:30 PM – 1:30 AM
Where: Mississippi Delta Blues Bar, R. Pedro Ernesto, 89 – Gambôa, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20220-350
Entrance: R$30 – R$80; available here