UT Celebrates Black History Month with Sir Mack Rice & Hines Farm Feature

By now, it should be no secret that I'm a big fan of Hines Farm Blues Club out in Swanton, Ohio. The place is the genuine stuff of legend, and I've never left there havin' had anything close to a bad time. Great barbecue, the best blues in town, an unrivaled classic juke-joint atmosphere, and all sitting atop a hot bed of local history with national appeal, simply put, Hines Farm is a local treasure.

But, I won't bother to repeat myself. You can check out an article I wrote about the place previously here. Or, you can spend a couple hours on Saturday celebrating the legacy of Hines Farm with a bunch of other music lovers and local history fanatics at the University of Toledo's celebration of the joint.

From 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, UT will host a FREE film screening of the Hines Farm documentary, "I'll Take You There," a project spearheaded by Bowling Green State University Professor of Popular Culture, Mathew Donahue. The film showcases Hines' history of unrivaled blues, dancing, soul-food, and African-American history through the voices of its past, including the big names who've graced the stage, including B.B. King.

The festivities will take place in the Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall, and will also feature an appearance from Sir Mack Rice, legendary Detroit performer and R&B and blues writer, who penned such hits as Mustang Sally, and Respect Yourself. Rice will be available for interviews and an autograph session following the movie.

Come out and celebrate a legendary local venue and the spirit of Midwest blues. For more information contact Jennifer Rockwood at 419.530.2330. www.hinesfarm.com