(Photo: Visit Clarksdale)
- It’s a magical place, and the feeling you get when you visit it is as mysterious as the Delta itself.
Clarksdale, Mississippi – This enchanting town, famously known as the Crossroads, is where the legendary blues musician Robert Johnson allegedly struck a Faustian deal to achieve fame and fortune in the music world. Nestled just south of Memphis in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, many aficionados regard it as the birthplace of blues music. This vibrant river town is not only recognized for its profound musical history but also as the launching pad for iconic artists like Sam Cooke and Muddy Waters. Today, local talents such as LaLa Craig, Watermelon Slim, and Anthony “Big A” Sharrod strive to keep the blues tradition alive, with live performances echoing throughout Clarksdale every single day of the week.
One of the crown jewels of this musical landscape is The New Roxy, a former movie theater that once thrived during its golden years but had fallen into disrepair. In recent times, however, The New Roxy has experienced a remarkable revival, transforming into a lively venue where patrons can enjoy live music and dance under the starry sky (the roof, unfortunately, is a distant memory). It’s a magical place, with an atmosphere that captivates and enchants, as deep and complex as the Delta itself.
Once, the theater sat in neglect, overtaken by the elements, the sidewalks enveloped by weeds, including invasive poison ivy that thrived in the crevices both inside and outside the building. The marquee’s brilliant lights had faded into obscurity. But all it took was the vision of one determined individual to breathe life back into this neglected structure.
The New Roxy is situated in the Historic New World District, conveniently on the fringe of downtown Clarksdale. My first experience at the theater took place during a visit for the renowned Juke Joint Festival in April 2018. A free taping of the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour drew crowds, and my companions and I brought along our folding chairs and a thermos filled with refreshments, eagerly claiming our spots before the weathered masonry stage. High brick walls, distressed yet undeniably beautiful, loomed on either side, enhancing the enchanting backdrop.
Before long, the venue buzzed with energy as Paul Tate and the Yalobushwacker Band, the talented house band of the Thacker Mountain, began to play. The acoustics within the aged shell of the theater were a revelation, resonating beautifully as we listened beneath the cool April sky. Host Jim Dees introduced a lineup of authors and musical artists, and before we knew it, an hour had rushed by. Yet, we lingered, soaking in the ambiance, the connection with fellow fans, and the exquisite slice of Clarksdale’s rich history surrounding us. Leaving proved to be a bittersweet moment.
I’ve returned to The New Roxy several times since that unforgettable evening—attending more Thacker Mountain shows and an array of concerts. The venue primarily hosts special events, most prominently featuring live blues music, upholding the legacy of this historic town.
In 2008, visionary Robin Colonas purchased the building, which had languished in abandonment for thirty years. Teaming up with passionate friends and volunteers who shared her dream, Robin embarked on the painstaking journey to revive the theater.
Like many Clarksdale residents, Robin is not a native of the Delta, but she immersed herself in the culture by delving into history books and spending hours conversing with local veterans who have called this place home for most of their lives. Her mission was to restore some of the neighborhood’s rich history and culture that had seemingly faded from memory.
Robin and her dedicated team invested five years into painstakingly clearing away vines, debris, and decaying wood. Armed only with their bare hands and a wheelbarrow, they removed the roof, the balcony, and most of the severely deteriorated theater seats.
This labor of love ignited a renewed sense of community spirit, and Robin quickly became a neighborhood hero.
“It was, quite honestly, a completely spontaneous decision without a solid long-term plan,” Robin mused on her website. “My dreams and visions are many. Ultimately, I would love a full historic restoration including a new roof, a glowing marquee, and a beautiful air-conditioned space that could accommodate live music, special events, theater, and films accompanied by a state-of-the-art sound system. However, my mother always told me I had champagne taste on a beer budget, so the reality of my dream is slow and steady as I explore the options, ride out the economic downturn, buy lottery tickets, and continue putting a lot of sweat equity into the small improvements that I can make.”
In 2010, a roof was constructed over the stage end of the building, and some protective covering has been installed over the front lobby area.
“I intend to leave the main audience space open air. The positive feedback from visitors appreciating the open air feel has reinforced my decision to leave parts of the venue with a view of the sky,” she stated, celebrating the uniqueness and charm of her beloved New Roxy.
How did Robin Colonas immerse herself in the Delta’s culture to connect with the music scene and local artists?
**Interview with Robin Colonas, Owner of The New Roxy**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Robin! Clarksdale has such a rich musical history, and The New Roxy seems to be at the heart of it. Can you share what inspired you to take on the challenge of reviving this historic venue?
**Robin Colonas:** Thank you for having me! The New Roxy has always been a significant part of Clarksdale’s musical landscape. I was captivated by its history and the stories it held, especially being a former movie theater that had witnessed so much over the years. I felt a strong calling to restore it to its former glory—not just for the building itself, but for the community. I wanted to create a space where both local and visiting musicians could share their talents and where blues music could continue to thrive.
**Editor:** It sounds like a labor of love. Can you describe the moment you realized the transformation was beginning to work?
**Robin Colonas:** Absolutely! There was a particular event during the Juke Joint Festival, where we hosted a taping of the *Thacker Mountain Radio Hour*. Seeing the venue filled with excited fans and hearing the music resonate off those historic walls was truly magical. The energy in the space was electric, and in that moment, I knew we were on the right path. It was all about bringing people together to celebrate the blues and the legacy of Clarksdale.
**Editor:** The acoustics in The New Roxy are often praised. What unique features does the venue have that enhance the musical experience for guests?
**Robin Colonas:** The architecture of the building plays a significant role in that. The high brick walls create a natural sound chamber. Even in its dilapidated state, once we removed some debris and opened it up, you could feel how the sound traveled. We also have an outdoor space now, so people can dance and enjoy live performances under the stars—a truly enchanting experience.
**Editor:** You mentioned that you are not a native of the Delta. How did you immerse yourself in the local culture to connect with the community and the music?
**Robin Colonas:** It’s been a journey! I sought out local musicians, attended events, and listened to stories from the residents. I learned about the rich history of the blues right here in Clarksdale, and I engaged with local artists. Building those relationships helped me understand the depth and soul of the music and the community, which is so vital for the success of The New Roxy.
**Editor:** what do you hope for the future of The New Roxy and the role it plays in Clarksdale?
**Robin Colonas:** I hope The New Roxy continues to be a beacon for blues music, drawing people in to connect with the culture, history, and artistry of Clarksdale. My dream is for it to become a home for both seasoned musicians and rising stars, preserving the past while creating new memories. Ultimately, I want it to be a place where everyone feels the magic of the Delta and is inspired by the music that flows through it.
**Editor:** Thank you, Robin! Your passion for The New Roxy and the blues is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how this enchanting venue continues to thrive in the years to come!
