08/17/2026
Blues festivals and blues clubs are mainstays in Mississippi. One such club established in 2002 was the 930 Blues Cafe in Jackson, which provided a safe haven for working and retired blues musicians. It was the brainchild of philanthropist Isaac K. Byrd Jr., an award winning civil rights attorney. Although the live blues club closed in 2014, Byrd’s passion for the blues and those who make the music has never diminished. On August 5, 2026, friends gathered at Hal & Mal’s in downtown Jackson to thank Byrd for his generosity. They also displayed 930 Blues Cafe memorabilia. Each piece holds its own story to be shared for years to come, perhaps a few in song. Byrd is pictured with his son, Isaac. The duo has more than their name in common. Both are graduates of Tougaloo College. (Advocate photo)
