Don McMinn has been singing and playing the blues in towns and cities across the country for 53 years. But during his years of performing, Friday was the first time the Horn Lake, Miss., resident has ever visited or entertained in Laurel.

“Now this is real America,” said McMinn, just before taking the stage at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art’s 16th Annual “Blues Bash.” Don McMinn and Nightrain was the featured blues band at this year’s event.

McMinn said living near the big city of Memphis, he’s had his fill of crime and violence. Coming to perform in a small, hometown atmosphere is a welcomed change, he said.

“Even when we are not performing in places like this, my wife and I often visit the town fairs and other fun-filled events,” said McMinn. “We enjoy the family atmosphere.

“I like performing at events like the bash because it exposes children to life other than what they are use to,” he added. “I love seeing families spending time together.”

Family is important to McMinn, whose sons Rome and Doug, complete the band. On this day, son, Doug, the drummer, was absent to be at home with a sick wife. Family friend, Darrin “Snoop” Wilson, filled in at the drums. Rome plays the bass.

“We are excited to have Don McMinn and Nightrain with us,” said George Bassi, museum director. “They are great.”

Bassi, who was raised in the Mississippi Delta, started the Blues Bash in 1994 as a way to celebrate Mississippi’s rich blues heritage and attract younger audiences to the museum.

“I love the blues and I always dreamed of having my own little blues event,” he said. “The community has really been supportive. We’ve averaged about 300 to 350 people each year.”

Proceeds from Blues Bash support the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art’s education program.