People gathered in Columbus on Sunday to celebrate the legacy of blues legend Gertrude “Ma” Rainey. After a weather postponement last week, Ma Fest finally delivered on its promise to honor the “Mother of the Blues.”

“When I think of Columbus, Georgia, when I travel globally, there are three things that everybody usually knows: Coca-Cola, Aflac and Ma Rainey,” said Z. Lawrence, CEO of Ma Fest.

The city celebrated the second annual Ma Fest at the Liberty Theatre, a historic venue where the Columbus native performed often. Lawrence explained that the festival’s name serves a dual purpose.

“MA stands for music and art. It’s a festival where everybody is invited, and our goal is always to make it free and accessible to anyone and everyone,” she shared.

Read more at WTVM9.