Scholarship concert in downtown Jackson

The Jerry Lee "Duff" Dorrough Scholarship concert will take place on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.- until at Hal and Mal's in Jackson. The event is being held to support the memorial scholarship funds at Delta State University and remember the Mississippi musician.

Several bands, including Bobby Rush, will perform at this special affair to raise money for scholarships in the Delta Music Institute (DMI) and the Department of Art at Delta State University.

Tricia Walker, director of the DMI, commented on "Duff" and his impacts on current students.

"Students in the DMI program today are following the same type of dream that Duff followed - creating and performing music to entertain and uplift people - and he was one of the best at that," said Walker. "The opportunity to offer scholarship funds to our students in memory of Duff is a fitting tribute to his generous spirit."

"Duff's" long-time friend Andre DuBois organized a similar event during Dorrough's battle with cancer to help with some medical expenses.

"I asked a few of his good friends about playing and by the end of the day, I had 14 bands wanting to play for him to try and help," said DuBois."Duff is one of those guys that always wanted to help other people and you never heard him complain about his problems.

"He never said no to anyone when it came to helping or giving. I know he is so humbled to see these young people getting these scholarship proceeds from all his friends pitching in to help others."

The very first Jerry Lee "Duff" Dorrough Memorial Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the event. The recipients of the DMI scholarship are Chace Holland, senior music industry studies major from Grenada with an emphasis in music industry entrepreneurship, Christopher Moore, senior music industry studies major from Greenwood with an emphasis in audio engineering technology, and James Still, senior music industry studies major from Senatobia with an emphasis in audio engineering technology. Shanna Sechler, a junior art major from from Luling, Louisiana with emphasis in painting and photography, received the art scholarship.

Chair of the Department of Art Ron Koehler said, "Duff is a graduate of the DSU Department of Art and he touched many people through his music and art. Because of this scholarship in his honor, that 'Duff touch' will continue to reach out, help and inspire our students in the Department of Art and DMI."

A $25 donation will be accepted at the door, and all proceeds will go to the Jerry Lee "Duff" Memorial Scholarships.

"He has so many friends every year that want to play and help that we don't have enough time to let them all play," added DuBois. "Duff changed so many people's lives that anything we can do is a small tribute to try and pass on his legacy."

For more information, contact Delta State Foundation at foundation@deltastate.edu or 662-846-4704. For more information on the Delta Music Institute or Department of Art, visit www.deltastate.edu.

(photo credited to Dorrough's Facebook page).

Source: Deltastate