Leon Atkins, also known as Lil Jimmy Reed, will bring his old-school, down home blues to Opp’s Lighter’d Knott Landin’ at 7 tonight, Sat., April 16.

Atkins, who has played with Clarence Carter and Ike Turner and a host of other famous musicians, in addition to a recording career of his own, became known as Lil Jimmy Reed when he took the place of the famous bluesman in Little Rock, Ark., at the young age of 18. Jimmy Reed was too inebriated to go on that night.

Lil Jimmy Reed grew up in Hardwood, La., across the street from blues clubs, where he was presented with a homemade guitar, made with a cigar box, as a kid. He now lives in Enterprise, and has been honored by the Alabama Blues Project.

The Alabama Blues Society in 1995 named Lil Jimmy Reed an “Alabama Treasure.”

Sponsored by the Opp Cultural Arts Council as part of the 2011 music season, tickets to the casual evening with Lil Jimmy Reed are $10 and can be purchased at OCAC or Southern Independent Bank in Opp.

According to Wes Laird, “it just gets better with time as Lil Jimmy says, and it’s time to pick out a mess of blues in Opp, Alabama.” Laird says “Lighterd Knott Landing is a laid back and non-pretentious place where music lovers can enjoy an evening out. Come on out and enjoy the evening.”

Lighter’d Knott Landin’ is located next door to the old Dean’s Pharmacy building in downtown Opp.