MEET THE ARTISTS

The touring ensemble for Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience brings together a powerhouse lineup of Blues artists who’ve cut their teeth in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where the genre was born and still burns bright. Joining them is Vienna-based composer and conductor Martin Gellner, whose orchestral arrangements elevate the Blues to symphonic heights. At each tour stop, a new symphony orchestra joins the cast, creating a dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime collaboration that blends deep Southern soul with classical brilliance.

  • ANTHONY 'BIG A' SHERROD

    Guitarist and Vocalist

    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.

  • JACQUELINE "JAXX" NASSAR

    Guitarist and Vocalist

    Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi—the very heart of the Delta Blues. A former standout of the Delta Blues Museum’s education program, Jaxx was personally awarded the inaugural Robert Johnson Award for Youth Excellence by Morgan Freeman. Over the years, she’s taken the stage alongside legends like B.B. King and Paul Simon, captivating audiences with her fierce musicianship and magnetic stage presence. Rooted in the Blues but unbound by genre, Jaxx brings a raw, soulful energy to every performance, channeling the spirit of the Delta with every note.

  • LEE WILLIAMS

    Drummer

    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. 

  • HEATHER CROSSE

    Bassist

    Heather Crosse was born and raised in Louisiana and picked up her first instrument at age 10. In 2008, she moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi to chase her musical dreams, and she’s been making her mark ever since. With over four decades of experience, Heather is a seasoned singer, songwriter, bass player, music teacher, and the band leader of her longtime soul-blues band, Heavy Suga’ & The SweeTones, which she’s led for 18 years. She also plays with Big A & The Allstars and teaches bass at the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop. In 2014, she signed with the German blues label Ruf Records, which released her debut album Groovin’ At The Crosse Roads. The following year, she hit the road with Ruf’s Blues Caravan: Girls With Guitars tour. Wherever she goes, Heather proudly represents Clarksdale on stages around the world.

  • ADRIENNE 'LADY ADRENA' ERVIN

    Vocalist

    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.

  • ADRIAN 'REV SLIM' FORREST

    Bassist


    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. 

  • MARK YACOVONE

    Keyboardist

    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.

  • KEITH JOHNSON

    Guitarist, Vocalist, Harmonica Player

    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.

  • MARTIN GELLNER

    Composer, Conductor and Music Director

    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.

  • BOO MITCHELL

    Vibe Curator and Music Consultant

    Lawrence "Boo" Mitchell is a multi-Grammy Award–winning producer, engineer, and musician, and the owner of the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. He has since worked with a diverse array of artists, including Bruno Mars, John Mayer, Snoop Dogg, and Melissa Etheridge. In 2016, Boo earned the Grammy for Record of the Year for his work on Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk," marking the first time a Memphis-made record received that honor. He was instrumental in the making of the acclaimed documentary Take Me to the River, and the 2025 film Sinners. Boo continues to shape the sound of contemporary music while honoring the region's storied musical legacy.

OUR CREATIVE TEAM

Behind the scenes, Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is brought to life by world-class creative and production teams. Tour operations are led by Tameal Edwards, an experienced tour manager with a reputation for flawless execution. Stage management is handled by none other than Ground Zero Blues Club co-owner and sometimes keyboardist Howard Stovall. Producers Alina Scalora and Nick Talbott bring their combined expertise in music, film, and live events.

"A CAPTIVATING AND POWERFUL EXPERIENCE"

DR. AMY WILLIAMS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC

"A TRIUMPHANT CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN MUSIC”

JOE CSIBI

HEAD OF ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS, IRELAND NATIONAL CONCERT HALL