Local soul singer Vickie Baker has been tapped to open for B.B. King Thursday night at the Vicksburg Convention Center. The concert will kick off a blues weekend in the city.

A native of Belcher, La., Baker is the band and choral music director at Vicksburg Catholic School. Baker will bring along her eight-piece band. She has previously opened for King and other musical legends, including Al Green, Hal Melvin and the Blues Notes and the Bobby Blue Bland.

In honor of the Indianola native’s visit to Vicksburg, downtown bars and restaurants will host blues musicians the weekend after King’s concert. Additionally, downtown merchants are being encouraged to festoon store windows in blues decor and stay open a few hours later, until 8 p.m Friday and Saturday. Several bed and breakfasts are also offering blues packages, and a blues jam picnic will take place Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. at The Art Park at Catfish Row.

Friday night entertainment will include Robert “The Duke” Tillman at LD’s Restaurant at Catfish Row beginning at 9, Ronnie Owens at Borello’s from 6 until 10, Osgood and Blaque at the Highway 61 Coffee House from 7 until 9:30 and The Blues Dudes at The Loft beginning at 10.

If you goB.B. King and Vickie Baker will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Tickets are $45 to $75. Call 601-355-5252, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Saturday night will feature King Edward at The Ware House Sports Bar & Grill beginning at 9 and Cedric Burnside & Lightning’ Malcolm at The Loft beginning at 10. Borello’s will also host live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday night from 6 until 10, with performers to be announced.

The Jacqueline House Museum will have a “Tribute to B.B. King” exhibit on display from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, while the Attic Gallery will host a “Blues in the Attic” exhibit from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Sweet Olive Mississippi River tour boat will host a blues cruise featuring Ben Payton on Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Payton will also perform Saturday along Washington Street.