Blues icon B.B. King entertained 1,300 people at the Vicksburg Convention Center Thursday night, performing some of his most celebrated songs and telling stories and signing autographs for nearly two hours.

Convention center executive director Larry Gawronski said he was pleased with the turnout, but added ticket sales were not strong enough for the show’s promoter to break even. Rows of unsold seats in the rear of the convention center – which was initially set up to seat 2,100 – were removed before the show.

“We didn’t want an empty crowd,” Gawronski said. “It was an enthusiastic crowd, and a very appreciative one. They got a hell of a show.”

The 82-year-old Itta Bena-native appeared in high spirits as he told jokes and stories, danced in his seat and commented on Vicksburg and his Delta roots between songs.

“I was looking at all the sites of your city today. They had me out taking some photos for my new CD that comes out in September,” King told the crowd before kicking off the show. “The cover was taken right here in your lovely city.”

King toured the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals on Levee Street Thursday afternoon and took some photos, although the art director for King’s upcoming album said those photos were for King’s personal collection.

Weekend eventsLocal soul and blues singer Vickie Baker, the band and choral music director at Vicksburg Catholic School, opened for King. Musician Paul Ott made a quick appearance as well before North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield introduced King and presented him with a proclamation declaring June 12 “B.B. King Day” in Vicksburg.

King was joined on stage by his 8-piece band, including a four-piece horns section, bass, guitar, drums and keyboards. The crowd responded most enthusiastically to some of King’s concert standards, such as the Memphis Slim tune, “Everyday I Have The Blues,” as well as his own “Nobody Loves Me But My Mother” and “The Thrill Is Gone,” which drew a standing ovation to close out the show. Following the final note, King stood up to accept the audience’s cheers, and then sat back down to sign posters, books, hats, T-shirts and photos for about 20 minutes.

“I’d like to come back to Vicksburg again someday, can I please come back again?” King asked the crowd before launching into his final song. The response from the crowd was unanimous.

Gawronski said he is “cautiously optimistic” about King and other comparable performers playing the convention center in the future. While the promoters went into the red on the show, he said they were impressed with the convention center’s services and facilities, as well as the city as a whole.

“The positive thing is that we forged some new relationships that have a lot of potential,” he said. “Overall, I was pleased. It was a great kickoff to the blues weekend in the city. We certainly gave it a jumpstart.”

Beginning tonight, many local merchants, galleries, bars and restaurants are joining in a weekend-long, blues-themed promotion featuring blues music and exhibits.