Morgan Freeman, a proud son of the Mississippi Delta, is renowned not only as an Academy Award-winning actor and narrator of unforgettable gravitas, but also as a tireless champion of the music and culture that shaped his upbringing. Raised amid the soulful rhythms and storytelling traditions of the Delta, Freeman’s lifelong love for the blues runs as deep as his iconic voice. Beyond his legendary film career, he has dedicated himself to preserving this musical heritage, most notably as co-founder of the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, a lively sanctuary for authentic Delta blues and a launchpad for local talent.

As co-producer of Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, he brings his vision and unmistakable presence to the stage, blending cinematic flair with the heart of the blues. As Freeman likes to say, “If you want to understand the blues, you don’t just listen—you feel it. And if you’re lucky, you get to narrate it too.”

Martin Gellner is an acclaimed Austrian composer, conductor, and orchestrator whose work bridges classical precision with cinematic flair. Trained at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Gellner has collaborated with renowned ensembles including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. A creative force behind large-scale productions, he brings depth and dynamism to every score—most recently serving as arranger for Hans Zimmer Live. With Symphonic Blues, Gellner lends his mastery to reimagining Delta classics with sweeping orchestral power, creating a sound that’s both rooted and revelatory.

Anthony “Big A” Sherrod is a multi-instrumentalist and international touring artist who personifies the living legacy of Delta Blues. A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sherrod’s journey began at just five years old when he picked up the bass under the guidance of his mentor, the legendary Mr. Johnnie Billington. As the godson of blues icon Big Jack Johnson and a proud graduate of the Delta Blues Museum’s educational program, Sherrod embodies a direct line to the greats who shaped the genre. His performances carry the soul of the Delta in every note, keeping the tradition alive while inspiring the next generation of blues artists.

Lady Adrena’s music is making waves across the U.S., France, and the U.K., blending life stories into powerful blues tunes. From 2015 to 2016, she lit up stages alongside legends like Anthony Hamilton, Betty Wright, The Bar-Kays, and Lakeside. In 2018, she took second place at the Vicksburg International Blues Challenge, which inspired her return to her gospel roots and a deeper dive into traditional blues. Her first blues single, Good Girl Gone Bad, was produced by Mr. Sipp, followed by the hit Recipe for the Blues with Sweet Success Records in 2021. That same year, she added the title “Lady” to her name, stepping boldly into the spotlight as a true blues artist. Her latest album, Better Days, recorded at Memphis’ iconic Royal Studios and produced by Boo Mitchell, reflects her mission to bring healing through music. You’ll hear the influence of greats like Koko Taylor and Aretha Franklin; soul and grit in perfect harmony.

Keith is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, harmonica player, and songwriter. He has amassed a songwriting catalog, with multiple songs released on his debut album, “Come to Mississippi.” Keith is in the process of carrying on and upholding a family legacy in the entertainment industry as he is the great-nephew of blues icon Muddy Waters. He is also the grandson of the late Texcellar Fields, a gospel singer and radio host. He was born in Glen Allen, Mississippi, a small town in the heartland of the Mississippi Delta. Keith graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management.

Adrian Miles Forrest, better known as Rev Slim, was born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, where he grew up surrounded by Gospel Quartet music. After graduating from Grenada High, Slim studied music education at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi, where he sharpened his skills in arranging and recording. Adrian’s career has taken him across genres, from hip-hop and gospel to Southern soul and traditional blues. He’s worked with big names like Ice T, Bootsy Collins, Kierra Sheard, Eminem, Willie Clayton, and more. In 2022, he earned Grammy recognition for his work with Sir the Baptist and Tennessee State University. That same project was honored on the House Floor in D.C. and added to the Congressional Book of Records. He’s also been recognized at home, earning honors from the City of Grenada and the Grenada Baptist District.

Lee Williams was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, right in the heart of a musical legacy. He got his start banging on buckets in the street at just 8 years old, until his cousin, Anthony Sherrod, brought him into Mr. Johnny Billington’s School of Blues. Over the years, Lee’s played in bands like Razorblade & The Deep Cuts with Josh “Razorblade” Stewart, Dr. Mike and Big T, and The Family with Terry “Big T” Williams. He’s been a regular at Ground Zero Blues Club since day one, sharing the stage with blues legends like Charlie Musselwhite and Bob Margolin. These days, Lee gives back by teaching drums at the Delta Blues Museum’s Music Education Program and the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop. He’s also been a core part of Heavy Suga’ & The SweeTones for the past 18 years, contributing to songwriting, arrangements, and vocals. You can also catch him playing with Big A & The Allstars… and with anyone else who needs a drummer.

Mark Yacovone is a Mississippi-based keyboardist and recording artist best known for his soulful work on piano, organ, accordion and for a brief cameo on the reality series Gene Simmons: Family Jewels.  A longtime member of the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour house band, he’s shared stages and studios with artists like Mojo Nixon, Jody Williams, Joe Osborn, Buddy Cage, Maria Muldaur, and Jack Sonni of Dire Straits. Mark brings decades of groove, grit, and musical range to every performance.