June 15, 2021 The Clinton Courier 19 “Evening of Red, White Eddie Cotton, Jr. brings a special energy to the and Blues” set for July 4th Special to The Clinton Courier Eddie Cotton, Jr. is an electric blues gui- tarist who had an affinity for the blues at an early age. Born in Clinton, Cotton grew up singing and playing gospel music in his father's church. He began listening to the blues as a youth, and it would not be long before that foot-stomping down-home music would stir in his soul, inspiring him to pick up the electric guitar and cleverly interpret the blues with an original modern flare. Cotton studied music theory at Jackson State University, all the while playing at Special to The Clinton Courier local jukes and sitting in with local artists, Eddie Cotton, Jr., a Clinton native, will be including bluesman King Edward Antoine. one of the headliners for the 31st annual Cotton also had exposure to a vast list of Family Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4. legendary blues artists, such as Robert Johnson, Elmore James, John Lee Hook- Central Park in Manhattan, the Skanevik er, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, all Blues Festival in Norway, and the Gram- of whom served as great inspirations. It my Museum in . Cotton has has been identified as befitting that Cotton also been featured in several films, includ- parlayed his talents by producing live re- ing Jon Jon in the Sky, The Rising Place, cordings, such as "Live at the Alamo" and The Robert Johnson Story, and The Last of "Back to the Alamo,'' as well as studio re- the Jukes. cordings "You're the Girl" and "Extra.'' In Cotton has shared line-ups with Hon- these recordings, Cotton displays his mu- ey Boy Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Bobby sicianship with an unrelenting charismatic Rush, King Edward, B.B. King, Little Mil- energy that critics say cannot be duplicated, ton Campbell, Ike Turner, Buddy Miles, only felt. Buddy Guy, , John Mayall, His drive and unshakable passion for Sony Rhodes, Grady Champion, Zac the blues landed him an opportunity to be Harmon, Smokey Wilson, Cassandra Wil- featured in Vanity Fair's 2003 Music issue, son, Mable Staples, Brandy, The William Billboard Magazine, Anne Leibovitz’s Brothers, Paul Overstreet, Charlie Pride, book American Music, and more. Cotton Marty Stewart, Dorothy Moore, Johnny has grooved audiences from Mississippi Lang, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Pattie and beyond, including performances at the Labelle, Chaka Khan, Nannette Workman, Chicago Blues Festival, Mississippi Day in Ohio Players, The Temptations and more. Fourth of July Extravaganza parking and traffic plans announced Special to The Clinton Courier Special to The Clinton Courier Eddie Cotton, Jr. cont. from front page Clinton Police have announced instructions for arriving, parking and depart- ing Traceway Park for the 31st Annual Family Fireworks Extravaganza pre- juke joints. sented by Continental. Parking will open at 4 p.m. in parking lots accessible by “Each Fourth of July, our community celebrates our nation’s inde- Soccer Row and Baseball Alley. pendence and the democratic process ensured by our Constitution. Traceway’s Baseball Alley will be open at 4 p.m. for those desiring to tailgate be- fore the event in that section of the park. And what better way to celebrate than the ‘Evening of Red, White Once the Soccer Row intersection with Cynthia Road has been closed, those ar- and Blues’ presented by Continental Tire,” said Mayor Phil Fisher. riving from Arrow Drive will be asked to make a left turn on Cynthia Road to turn “We are especially excited to have two Clinton natives entertaining around and proceed back down Arrow Drive to park at one of the schools along the community.” Arrow Drive. Additional overflow parking will be available at the softball/baseball Gates will open at 4 p.m., and festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Partic- fields of Traceway Park for those arriving from Northside Drive. ipants are encouraged to come early and celebrate with their family No parking will be allowed on the shoulders of Northside Drive, Cynthia Road or Arrow Drive. Violations could result in ticketing or towing. Turner the Train will be and friends with a picnic or relax and enjoy the entertainment. Tents, on site moving guests from parking lots to the main event areas. coolers of non-alcoholic beverages and chairs are welcome. Trace- Parking in the Cascades subdivision will be restricted to residents and their guests. way Park is a smoke- and alcohol-free facility. Parking on right of ways and common areas of Cascades is not permitted and could The Children’s Fun Zone will provide inflatables, games and en- result in ticketing. Cascades, Brookside Gardens and Twin Lakes homeowners will tertainment for children. Kids ages 4 to 11 can enjoy the kid zone free be provided parking passes that will be good only on the Fourth of July. The entrance to Cascades at Cascades Circle West will have an officer stationed there to direct traf- of charge. fic. Barricades will be placed at Waterfall Way, Twin Lakes and Cascades Circle East, The musical evening will be capped off by a grand finale fireworks Following the event, those exiting overflow parking on Cynthia Road and Baseball show around 9:30 p.m., and there will be plenty of food and beverage Alley will be directed toward Northside Drive. Those exiting Soccer Row will have vendors present to feed attendees’ hunger and quench their thirst. the option of heading west on Arrow Drive or turning east (right) on Cynthia Road. The event is free. Parking is $10 per car. No left turns onto Cynthia Road will be allowed from Soccer Row. For more information, or to register as a vendor, visit www.clin- While entrance to the event is free, parking for the event at all locations is $10 per tonms.org/4th or call Clinton Parks and Recreation at 601-924-6082. vehicle.