B.B. KingTickets to the June 12 B.B. King concert at the Vicksburg Convention Center are not nearly sold out, said marketing and events coordinator Erin Powell.

“Sales have been much lighter than the promoter and our expectations are,” she said. “We hope the ticket-buying public responds, as there are still great seats available.”

Ticket prices are $45 to $75, and there are seats available in all price ranges. The convention center seats 2,170 people.

“Our farthest seat from the stage is still closer than sitting front row of the 50-yard-line at a football game and watching a touchdown,” Powell said.

Meanwhile, events have been shaping up for the blues weekend being planned for June 13-15 at downtown venues to correspond with the King concert. The Art Park at Catfish Row will be the site of a “blues and burgers” picnic and blues jam from noon until 4 p.m. June 14. Borrello’s will host evening concerts on June 13 and 14, featuring Ronnie Owens and Ralph Miller.

LD’s Restaurant at Catfish Row will stage Robert “The Duke” Tillman on June 13, and The Blue Monday Bank on June 15. The Loft will host The Blues Dudes on June 13 and 14. The Blue Room II, Highway 61 Coffee House, Southern Cultural Heritage Center and The Ware House are expecting to announce weekend shows.

Several downtown merchants and restaurants – as well as some bed and breakfasts – will decorate in a blues theme and have special sales during the weekend.