Keep up with what's new and cool in the Land Where Blues Began. It's totally FREE! Just email roger@cathead.biz and say "Add me to the list." It's that easy. (We NEVER share our e-list addresses with others. That said, if you have something relevant/appropriate that you want to tell folks about, drop me a line, and I'll try to get it in.) Below are some old sample UPDATES from the past (They are much easier to read when I email them. For some reason, they format funny here. I'm no "web master." "Web amateur," maybe...):
OLD, OLD sample CAT HEAD UPDATE 5/26/04
Hello from Clarksdale, Mississippi... America's Blues Crossroads.
If you know of someone who would like to receive this email update in
the future, please let me know. If you DO NOT want to receive future "Cat
Head Update" emails, please send a response to me at roger@cathead.biz
that says "Please no more."
Thanks,
Roger Stolle
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
252 Delta Ave.
Clarksdale, MS 38614
662-624-5992
roger@cathead.biz
CAT HEAD
free "Delta Update" e-list
blues CDs & videos • blues & folk art
photography • "live" music listings
books on all things Southern
---------------------------
1. "LIVE" BLUES IN THE DELTA...
Our "Live Music" page has just been updated: http://www.cathead.biz/livemusic.html
Including Jesse Robinson's b-day bash in Jackson, Floyd Lee at Po Monkeys/Hopson/GroundZero
and Ground Zero's big anniversary w/Big Jack Johnson and others in Clarksdale.
Plus lots more!
2. BLUES HWY ASSOC MEETING THURSDAY, 11AM...
The next Blues Highway Association meeting will be in Vicksburg, in the
Bottleneck Blues Bar of the Ameristar Casino, this Thursday, May 27th
at11am. This may be too far for some coming from the north Delta,
but I hope we can make up a good crowd of people from the south Delta
and Jackson. Please recruit anyone you know who is interested in
our activities. As always, the meeting is open to anyone who wants
to talk about the Blues or any other aspect of Delta heritage and culture.
The main subject of the meeting will be the status of The Mississippi
Delta National Heritage Area. If you have other agenda items, please
send them to me. I hope that this meeting will provide an opportunity
to meet new people and foster new discussion.
Luther Brown
Director, TheDeltaCenterfor Culture and Learning
DeltaStateUniversity,Box3152
Cleveland,MS38733
662-846-4311 or 4312
FAX 662-846-4701
www.blueshighway.org
Breaking News for Blues Lovers. Please help distribute:
Thursday night atPo’ Monkey’s Lounge, the last surviving authentic
jook joint in the rural Delta: Amogla Records star (Mean Blues,
Aint Doin’ Nothin’ Wrong) FLOYD LEE AND HIS MEAN BLUES BAND.
May 27th. Po’ Monkey himself is sponsoring this 70 year
old professional and his band, so let’s all support his efforts
to reintroduce live local Blues to the rural Delta. Monkey didn’t
state a time, but he usually opens around8pm. There is probably
a cover charge. (CAT HEAD NOTE... Directions to Po Monkey's: From
Clarksdale, tatke Hwy 61 South 29.4 miles to Pemble Rd [green street sign].
Go right. Take immediate left fork in the road. Approx. 1/4 mile down
on left.)
And something else for real Blues Lovers: Two Blues fanatics fromFrance,
named Chantal and Yvan have traveled to the Mississippi Delta to
have a Blues wedding. They intend to marry this Saturday, May 29th,
and are arranging their marriage at the Little Zion Church outsideGreenwood,
with special performance by the Little Zion Gospel Choir. Final
arrangements should be made by tomorrow, and I’ll send the time
along so that anyone who wants to be a witness to this true Blues union
can attend. This may be the beginning of a new trend…..
3. BIG MEMORIAL DAY BLUES WEEKEND IN CLARKSDALE, MS...
THURS.:
- 5pm - Happy hour & BBQ at Hopson Commissary.
- 7pm - Dinner (7pm-10:30pm... menu below*) and Deep Cuts Blues Band (9pm)
at Sarah's Kitchen. $5.
FRI.:
- 9pm - David Lee Durham Blues Band at Ground Zero. $6.
- 9pm - Wesley Jefferson Southern Soul Band at Red's Lounge. $5.
- 8pm - Floyd Lee & His Mean Blues Band at Hopson Commissary. $TBA.
SAT.:
- 11am - Blues Traveling 2nd edition book signing w/music by Steve Cheseborough
at Cat Head.
- 2pm - Floyd Lee & His Mean Blues Band (being filmed for documentary)
at Ground Zero. FREE.
- 4 pm - Deborah Coleman CD release party with FREE in-store performance
and Robert Mugge (Deep Blues, Last of the Mississippi Jukes, Entertaining
the Troops w/Bob Hope, etc.) DVD signing at Cat Head. Cat Head open till
at least 6pm. Light refreshments.
- 9pm - Ground Zero Blues Club 3rd Anniversary Party starring the legendary
Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers w/opener Jacqueline. $12 pre-sale (charge
at 662-624-5992). $15 at door.
SUN.:
- 10am-11am - Special Sunday hours (well, one anyway!) at Cat Head.
- 12noon - James "Super Chikan" Johnson plays FREE acoustic
set during Sunday brunch (10:30am-3pm) at Ground Zero.
- 10:45am-3pm - Brunch by reservation only at Veronica's Bistro/Delta
Eye (219 Delta; 627-6767).
MON.:
- 11am-2pm - Special Memorial Day hours at Cat Head.
BY THE WAY, hotel rooms may be tough to come by this weekend. For a complete
listing of hotels/B&Bs in Clarksdale, go to www.cathead.biz and click
on the "Clarksdale Guide" page... and scroll to the bottom.
ALSO, you can now stay in the apartments above Ground Zero Blues Club. Prices start at $75/night. Details: 662-624-2591.
4. CAT HEAD DELTA BLUES & FOLK ART...
- New books: The newly updated edition of Steve Cheseborough's essential
"Blues Traveling" guide book to Mississippi Delta blues sites
has arrived... It's $20 in paperback and well worth it... Catch Steve's
book signing at Cat Head on Sat., 5/29 at 11 am. Also, check out the press
release on his new book below.
- New calendar: WOW! An amazing 2005 Blues Images calendar featuring a
previously unpublished Son House photo as well as rare Paramount Records
advertising art and a bonus 15 track CD that includes 4 recently discovered
cuts by Blind Joe Reynolds, King Solomon Hill and the Memphis Jug Band
(2 songs). At just $19.95, this is a real deal. It's by the same folks
who did the Patton/Paramount calendar/CD last year. (I only wish that
years were shorter so we could have more of these calendars come out....)
- New artwork: Brand new Tim Mancinas blues paintings. This time they're
not on old windows... They are on huge stretched canvases and smaller
old pieces of wood. Choose from Howlin' Wolf, Memphis Minnie, Elmore James...
and some bluesy country artists: Hank Williams, Sr. and Patsy Cline. Very
cool stuff priced from $400-$900. As always, I can email photos/prices/dimensions.
- New CDs/DVDs: Deborah Coleman's newest CD What About Love? is now available.
Pick it up and have her sign it on Saturday (see above). ALSO, they aren't
new, but we've got plenty of director Robert Mugge's DVD (and a few video)
titles in stock, including Deep Blues, Last of the Mississippi Jukes,
Hellhounds on My Trail, Gospel According to Al Green, etc. (By the way,
Mugge's Deep Blues really is fantastic. If you don't already own it, GET
IT immediately from Cat Head signed or somewhere else not!)
- New T-shirts: We've re-stocked on Cat Head/"Crossroads" tees
and added kids' sizes. As of today we have Youth S-M-L as well as Adult
S-M-L-XL-XXL-XXXL in white and black. (The XXL and XXXL sizes will go
very quickly.) The kids' sizes looks really cool, by the way... so even
your toughest, most rap or rock-ingrained son or daughter will be struck
by the blues. (No guarantees, but it's worth a shot anyway.) As always,
a photo of this shirt is on our home page at www.cathead.biz in the upper
righthand corner.
- ALSO, if you had an outstanding Cat Head/"Crossroads" tee
and/or "Lowdown" CD order via mail/phone order, I have filled
it within the last two days, so watch your mail box with much anticipation.
EMAIL us for prices, more info or digital photos of merchandise. Charge
by email/fax/phone.
5. BLUES TRAVELING 2ND EDITION RELEASED...
BLUES TRAVELING: THE HOLY SITES OF DELTA BLUES, SECOND EDITION
By Steve Cheseborough, University Press of Mississippi
$20.00, paperback, ISBN 1-57806-650-6
Book News for Immediate Release
While he was researching and writing BLUES TRAVELING: THE HOLY SITES OF
DELTA BLUES (University Press of Mississippi), Steve Cheseborough spent
a lot of time being lost.
"My research involved a lot of driving around. In Mississippi, the
distances between points of interest are great, and there often aren't
a lot of road signs," he says. "So I got lost a lot. Then I
included detailed directions in the book, to spare my readers that same
fate."
A trip through Mississippi blues sites is a pilgrimage every music lover
ought to make at least once in a lifetime, to see the juke joints and
churches, to visit the birthplaces and graves of blues greats, to walk
down the dusty roads and over the levee, to eat some barbecue and greens,
to sit on the bank of the Mississippi River, and to hear some down-home
blues music.
Following the trail of its very successful first edition, BLUES TRAVELING:
THE HOLY SITES OF DELTA BLUES, SECOND EDITION will guide you to all the
other hallowed grounds that nourished Mississippi's signature music. The
second edition significantly expands and updates the first.
Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Memphis Minnie, Jimmie Rodgers,
Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Howlin' Wolf, B.
B. King, Little Milton, Elvis Presley, Bobby Rush, Junior Kimbrough, R.L.
Burnside-the list of great blues artists with Mississippi connections
goes on and on. And they all loved to drop place names and local scenes
into their songs, Cheseborough said.
"Highway 61, the levee, the Mississippi River, the Pea Vine Railroad--all
those places were familiar to the singers and their audiences," he
said. "That's one reason to come take this trip yourself, if you've
been listening to the blues all your life--all of a sudden those references
will be more than just words or places on a map."
BLUES TRAVELING is the first and only guidebook to Mississippi's musical
places and blues history. With photographs, maps, easy-to-follow directions,
and an informative, entertaining text, this book will lead you in and
out of Clarksdale, Greenwood, Helena, Rolling Fork, Jackson, Natchez,
Bentonia, Rosedale, Itta Bena, and dozens of other locales that generations
of blues musicians have lived in, traveled through, and sung about. Stories,
legends, and lyrics are woven into the text so that each backroad and
barroom comes alive.
Touring Mississippi with BLUES TRAVELING is like having a knowledgeable
and entertaining guide at your side. Even people with no immediate plans
to visit Mississippi will enjoy reading the book for its photos, descriptions,
and lore that will broaden their understanding and enhance their appreciation
of the blues.
Steve Cheseborough is an independent scholar and performer of the blues.
His work has been published in such periodicals as LIVING BLUES, BLUES
ACCESS, MISSISSIPPI, and the SOUTHERN REGISTER. He lives in Oxford, Mississippi.
6. MEETING REMINDER FOR VICKSBURG...
Just a reminder The Vicksburg Blues Society will meet this Monday, May
31st at 5:30 pm, in the conference room of the Century 21 offices (601)634-1921
on Halls Ferry Road across from The Sonic. This will be a good time to
discuss our accomplishments and further our plans for the Willie Dixon
Regional Blues Challenge to be held Oct. 3 & 4. during The Vicksburg
Fall Festival Weekend. Don't forget to spread the word, The
Vicksburg Blues Society is looking for unsigned blues bands and solo/duos
to compete in our Regional Blues Challenge this OCT. Our Regional winners
will then travel to Memphis to complete against blues bands from
all over the world in the International Blues Challenge(www.blues.org)
this Jan. 2005. Visit our website (www.VicksburgBlues.com)
for prize info and rules. "YOU GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT".
Per Lucille Grace-Ridges, Director,Vicksburg Blues Society
7. DELTA NEWS FROM THE CLARKSDALE PRESS REGISTER...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Rapper sends message to Oakhurst students
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackson-born rapper David Banner has made it big in the music industry,
and he told Oakhurst Junior High School students Tuesday that they can
become successful as well if they do the right thing and stay in school.
(By DAVID HEALY - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11718664&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Downtown stores open and close
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the ever-changing world of Clarksdale's retail sector, some stores
start and succeed while others fail and close, sometimes without the blink
of an eye.
(By EMILY Le COZ - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11761131&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* New twists planned for Delta Jubilee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delta Jubilee is less than two weeks away, and organizers of the weekend
event said they have planned a few surprises to make this year's festival
even better than the last.
(By: Emily Le Coz - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11780491&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
8. OTHER NEWS FROM/ABOUT THE DELTA (AND SOUTH)...
- If you can't make Cat Head's signing event, please make this one:
"Steve Cheseborough will be signing his new updated edition of Blues
Travelling on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00 - Noon here at Dancing Rabbit
Books in Greenwood. We will be serving a small brunch with Mimosas,
Bloody Marys, other beverages and snacks. Please add to the newsletter.
Thanks for the newsletter. It has been so helpful when people come
in and want to know what's happening in the Delta."
Carol Ann Adams, Dancing Rabbit Books, 311 Howard Street, Greenwood MS
38930, 662-453-5995
- Gatemouth Moore's funeral was held at the Pearl Street AME Church
in Jackson, MS at 11 AM on Tuesday May 25. The church is
located at 2519 Robinson Street at Ellis Street. Shaffer-Collins
Funeral Home in Yazoo City handled the arrangements.
- Clarksdale folk artist Rev. Anthony Nollie (73-years-old) spoke to a
couple hundred elementary school students over in West Helena, AR this
morning. Recently, the students created their own folk art and displayed
it at the school in businesses around Helena. The Rev. spoke to them about
his artwork and personal history, and he showed them examples of his work.
The kids were unbelievably well behaved, and the Rev.'s presentation was
very well received. In case you aren't familiar with his work, he uses
colorful beads and found objects to decorate everyday items, walking sticks
and darn near everything else. (Conveniently, Cat Head has plenty of his
work on hand, so come on in and take a look!) Special thanks to teacher
Ross Kelly for setting up Rev. Nollie's visit. He thoroughly enjoyed himself.
- There are still several FRIDAY AT THE STAGE events scheduled, courtesy
of the Clarksdale Chamber of Commerce
(on Delta Blues Museum Open Air Stage; approx. 7:00-11:00 p.m each night).
Here's the past and future schedule of blues, rock and other acts:
April 16th Lil Dave Thompson
April 23rd Bruce Brewer
May 14th Marshall Drew
May 21st Whatever
May 28th MonkeyBone
June 11th Lambfish
June 18th Big T Terry Williams
9. CLARKSDALE "MAHOGANY" PUBLICATION NOW ON-LINE...
Check out Clarksdale publisher/businessman Henry Dorris' Delta tabloid
magazine on-line at:
www.mahoganymagazine.com
You can also pick up printed copies around town or subscribe via the web
site.
10. INDIANOLA BLUES NEWS...
Thursday, June 10, 2004 - Down Home Blues & Heritage Day 2004, Starting
11am - Until
Benefit for the Main Street Association of Indianola
Places:
The 308 Blues Club and Cafe, 308 Depot Avenue, Indianola, MS 38751
Club Ebony, 404 Hanna Street, Indianola, MS 38751
Time:
11:00 AM Until 2:00 AM
Price:
All day and all night, $15 arm band. After 8 PM, $10 arm band.
MAIN EVENT STARTS AT 9:30 PM
15 year old, Kory Montgomery, from Rogers, Arkansas. Kory will be the
opening act for B.B. King on Friday night.
Other Blues Artists:
Brown Sugar, Columbus, MS
Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Pontotoc, MS
David Lee Durham & Bobby Whalen, Indianola, MS
13-year old, Jacqueline Gooch, Clarksdale, MS
Cricket Edgeworth, Duncan, MS
Bill Abel, Duncan, MS
Duff Dorrough, Drew, MS
Guitar Charlie, Greenville, MS
Kern Pratt, Greenville, MS
Eden Brent, Greenville, MS
and MANY MORE...
11. MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT FESTIVAL IN JULY...
Don't is the wonderful Mississippi John Hurt gospel/blues festival this
July 3 and 4.
Also, Mary Hurt-Wright says:
"We are interested in church group who would like to be apart of
the gospel event on July 3 and any musician on July 4. Again, it is a
ya'll come event. admission for none musician is $5.00"
(Send serious inquiries to: mfhurt_wright@yahoo.com)
12. FAT POSSUM REVIEW AND DATES...
PER CAT HEAD CUSTOMER JIM:
I wanted to tell you about last night’s show at Slim’s in
SF with Paul Jones, Cedric Burnside, T Model Ford and Kenny Brown.
Feel feel to share with your email readers if you wish. In a word:
OUTSTANDING. As my wife said….3 and 1⁄2 hours of music
for only $15? Everyone was great, but the hit of the show was clearly
T-Model.
After the show I go up to him and ask if Lorrainecan take our picture.
I sit down next to him and this is the conversation: “T-Model, my
name is Jim Dekker and this isLorraine. I’ve been listening
to your stuff every since I went to Ole Miss for some summer workshops
on Southern Writers.”
“Is that right? I was there myself.”
“Bullxxx T-Model, you open one of your albums with the statement
‘ I can’t read, can’t write, never went to school a
day in my life.’ Come on.”
“Yeah, but I’m still a dangerous man.”
I always long for Mississippi and this show gave me a dose of the real
deal.
ALSO, PAUL "WINE" JONES HAS A COUPLE DELTA AREA DATES COMING
UP:
6/23/04 (Wed) Memphis, TN Murphy's
6/26/04 (Sat) Jackson, MS Martin's
13. BLUESWAX NEWS (courtesy www.blueswax.com)...
- SilverStar Entertainment will show its new documentary about Austin’s
legendary Antone’s Blues Club (and the man behind it – Clifford
Antone) with a free screening of Antone’s: Home of the Blues on
Friday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Buddy Guy’s Legends Blues club in
Chicago. Immediately after the film, a post-screening jam performance
at the club will showcase several musicians featured in the documentary,
such as pianist Pinetop Perkins, drummer Willie “Big Eyes”
Smith, bassist Bob Stroger, and special guests. The screening and jam
will be held during the Chicago Blues Festival, but no badges or tickets
are required for admittance.
14. GATEMOUTH MOORE OBITUARY...
Blues icon Gatemouth Moore dead at 90
The Associated Press
YAZOO CITY ó Blues artist Arnold ìGatemouthî Moore,
who gave up the blues and turned to preaching, died today at Kings Daughters
Hospital in Yazoo City after a long illness, He was 90.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
At the time of his death, Moore was pastor of the Lintonia A.M.E. Church
in Yazoo City.
He was born Arnold Dwight Moore on Nov. 8, 1913, in Topeka, Kan.
He claimed he earned the nickname ìGatemouthî because of
his loud singing and speaking voice. He graduated from Booker T. Washington
High School in Memphis in 1938.At the age of 16, Moore went to Kansas
City, where he sang with the bands of Bennie Moten, Tommy Douglas and
Walter Barnes. Moore was one of the few survivors of the infamous ìNatchez
Rhythm Club Fireî in 1940 in which over 150 died. Other member of
his band died in the fire.
In 1941 he returned to Kansas City where he recorded his first record
and wrote such songs as ìSomebodyís Got To Go,î ìI
Ainít Mad at You Pretty Babyî and ìDid You Ever Love
A Woman?î, which was recorded by B.B. King and Rufus Thomas.
He was the first blues singer to sing at Carnegie Hall and the first blues
singer to sing at what was then the segregated Peabody Hotelís
Roof Garden.
While performing in Chicago in 1949, he turned to gospel music and was
ordained was at the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago with the Rev.
Clarence Cobbs as pastor.
Moore served his first church in Chicago and joined WDIA radio station
where he was the stationís first religious disc jockey. He also
worked for a religious station in Birmingham, Ala., returning to Chicago
in 1957 for gospel programs on television and radio.
He recorded gospel and blues albums into the 1970s. He recorded his last
record in 1977 under as ìGreat R&B Oldiesî on Johnny
Otisí Blues Spectrum label. This was a blues release as Gatemouth
recut some classics and cut some new ones including a salute to his old
stomping grounds on ìBeale Street Ainít Beale Street No
More.î
He was also featured in Martin Scorseseís blues series singing
that song as he strolled down the famous street.
In recent years, Moore occasionally played festivals and kept busy with
his duties as church pastor.
In 2004, the Mississippi Legislature adopted a resolution commending Mooreís
career.
Survivors include his wife, Walterine. Other survirors were not immediately
available.
15. CLARKSDALE'S BIG T GOING ON TOUR...
Terry “BIG T” Williams has been confirmed for the Mural Amphitheater
blues stage at this year’s Bumbershoot Arts Festival in Seattle.
BIG T will be appearing at 6 PM on Monday, September 6th. BIG T will also
be at The New Orleans on Friday, September 4th and will perform a sneak
preview show as Randy Oxford’s special guest at Jake’s Ales
on Wednesday, September 1st. Although BIG T makes his living playing the
Blues all over the Mississippi Delta, St. Louis, and Chicago, he's never
been to the West Coast. These are going to be great, authentic, juke joint,
Delta style shows with BIG T drenched in sweat at the end of his set.
You can read a little more about him at his label's website: .
He’ll be performing as a three piece with Portland’s Eric
Lanier on bass and Seattle’s own Jeff Hayes playing the drums for
all of BIG T’s Washington appearances.
BIG T has been playing the blues for over two decades now. Early on, he
tutored with Clarksdale, Mississippi blues guitar legend “Mr. Johnnie”
Billington. Mr. Johnnie taught him the basics, and BIG T learned the rest
on the road with blues bands like the Jelly Roll Kings, Wesley Jefferson
Band, & Little Jeno’s All-Stars. BIG T’s biggest influence
is Clarksdale’s “Big Jack” Johnson, who BIG T played
with for years. In addition, BIG T has played guitar for Albert King,
Bobby “Blue” Bland, CeDell Davis and Jimbo Mathus. Considering
his experience, it’s no wonder that reviews of BIG T’s performances
invariably use words like “authentic”, “energetic”,
and “real” to describe his talent and abilities.
Wednesday, Sept. 1st sneak preview @ Jake’s Ales in Federal Way
Friday, Sept. 3rd @ The New Orleans in Pioneer Square
Monday, Sept. 6th @ Bumbershoot’s Mural Amphitheater (6pm)
Seattle contact: Jeff Hayes @ 253-903-9047
16. MUSIC/B&B COMBO IN LAFAYETTE LOOKS COOL...
Check out this cool place to stay, play or listen. It's the Blue Moon
Saloon & Guest House in Lafayette, Louisiana. One of the owners came
through Cat Head the other day. Check out their music calendar. It's looks
like a mix of cajun, country, rock and blues. (Friday, June 10th... the
awesome Harry Hypolite plays there.) By the way, musicians take note that
booking there include lodgings... Perfect for pick-up dates in the region.
Go to: www.bluemoonpresents.com
Here's their e-list email:
- Wed. 5/26- Happy Hours: 5 - 7PM with music by Sam Broussard and 3 FOR
1 drinks. Cajun Jam: 8 - 11PM.
- Thurs. 5/27- Happy Hours: 5 - 7PM with half-priced drinks. Joe Hall
and Mitch Reed: 8 - 11PM. A Creole/roots/Cajun treat!
- Fri. 5/28- Happy Hours: 5 - 7PM with half-priced drinks. T-SalÈ
CD Release Party - Cajun dancehall: 8 - 11PM. Brothers Jean Jacques (accordion)
& Louie (bass) Aucoin sing tight harmonies and are accompanied Dave
Trainer (fiddle), Richard Burgess (guitar) and Todd Aucoin (drums). Their
first self-titled CD was produced by Dirk Powell - so come out and dance
on our deck and support this great young, local Cajun band.
- Sat. 5/29 - Jeff and Vida Band - they have a new CD, titled Loaded,
which features 12 new original songs from bluegrass to rock n' roll. It's
always a pleasure to have them here! Come check 'um out!
- Sun. 5/30- Frigg-A-Go-Go- rock/punk: 4 - 8PM. From their website..."In
a city where most teenagers throw their hands up to rap and the adults
two-step to zydeco, pure good old rock and roll is hard to find. It is
not a very popular genre of music here. But there is a bright light for
the rock and roll fan in Lafayette, Louisiana and that is Frigg-A-Go-Go."
It's their last show - EVER!
Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.
17. THE CHEZ BLOG HAS LANDED. CHECK IT OUT...
Per Steve Cheseborough:
"Folks -- I have my own blog! No, it's not an exotic pet. It's short
for web log. Kind of an online journal. I'm using it to circulate tales from
the road, travels with Spoonman, tidbits on blues history, recipes,
etc. You can read it online (you might want to check it out there first)
at http://www.cheseborough.com/Blog/reader.aspx?blogid=1
Or you can go to http://www.cheseborough.com/Blog/mainfeed.aspx?BlogId=1
for an RSS feed, which is the most pleasant way to read a blog -- although
it won't look right until you look at it with a blog reader (also known
as RSS aggregator). There are various ones available free for downloading.
I use one called Sharp Reader, which you can download free at
www.sharpreader.net/
Many other individuals and organizations do blogs, too, on various topics.
After you get a reader you can check them out. The entries appear in your
reader, sort of like email. But please check out mine, which I think you'll
enjoy. I think entries will only appear occasionally, but there are a
few there already to give you something to read. And PLEASE what you think
of it and what else you'd like to see in it. You are part of a test group
I'm it telling about it before I make a mass annoucement (but feel free
to pass the links on to anyone who might be interested). Cheers, S.
Steve Cheseborough
www.stevecheseborough.com
-- Concert/booksigning 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May
28 at Center for Southern Folklore, 123 S. Main, Memphis. 901-525-3655. Cool
place in downtown Memphis. Free admission. Beer available!
-- Booksigning/performance 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,
May 29 at Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art, 252 Delta Ave., Clarksdale.
662-624-5992. One of many fun events going on that day Clarksdale.
-- Booksigning and reception at Dancing Rabbit
Books, 311 Howard St., Greenwood. 662-453-5995. Free admission and free
food and drinks! The 1964 Greenwood High graduates will
be there celebrating their 40th anniversary -- come and party with them!
18. CIGAR BOX GUITAR FESTIVAL REVIEW BY CUSTOMER...
Lary and Florence S. write:
"The Cigar Box Guitar Festival was held in Carrolton Ky last weekend-From
an attendance point of view, it did not draw a large crowd. This
was due partly by the fact that it was raining pretty much all weekend.
For those who did attend it was great. There was a cigar box
guitar making workshop and many different acts and forms of
music-Bluegrass,folk, Blues, rock and some unknown forms! John Lowe
who busks on the streets of Memphis and also makes some very beautiful
cigar box guitars played so hard that his hands were bleeding. There
were acts from as far away as Denmark and Austin, Texas. It was
a very cozy festival where everyone got to talk with the musicians and
learn more about their music. If it is held next year, hopefully
the weather will cooperate.
Lary Saltzman, Louisville Ky--(We met you about a month ago
when we were in your shop at the same time as a tour from University
of Miss. and Howlin Mad was Playing- we bought that tin painting
of Hellhound Walkin.)
Other acts were Dr. Oakroot, Daniel Patrick and Friends, Cigar Box Slim
and the Porch Pilots, Pearl Handle Pistol(Austin, Tx), Bozookahosen(Denmark),
Rollie Tussing( winner of National Slide Guitar Competition in Brevard
N.C. 2001)."
19. MENU FOR DINNER AT SARAH'S KITCHEN THIS THURSDAY...
Miss Sarah used to cook for the jail. Now, she cooks for the casino. (Ironic?)
At any rate, this week she's cooking for YOU on Thursday night from 7pm-10:30pm.
Here are a few things she'll have on the menu: Grilled Swiss chicken breast
w/rice, squash and broccoli with cheese sauce, $6. Grilled Swiss pork
chop with cream potatoes, squash and broccoli with cheese sauce, $5.90.
Fried catfish fillets with corn on the cob and okra, $6. Also, assorted
burgers and chicken strips are available. Enjoy food and "live"
blues... and tell her Cat Head sent ya.
20. SHAMELESS PROMOTION FOR CAT HEAD...
- Check out "Cat Head's Delta" column in the new King Biscuit
Time magazine. You can also pick up a FREE copy of the latest issue at
Cat Head, or subscribe at www.kingbiscuittime.com/magazine.html (If you
buy something via the mail, remind me, and I'll try to include a free
copy.)
ALSO, if you are a musician/label/club/festival/retailer/etc., please
consider running an ad in King Biscuit Time magazine. It's truly a great
publication that's trying very hard to help blues musicians and blues
festivals around the U.S. Support them if you can, and they'll help you
get your word out. (I'm telling you... I get great responses off the Cat
Head ads I run in KBT!)
- Tune into 1450AM (and temporarily 92.1FM) or www.wroxblues.com to listen
to the Cat Head Delta Blues Hour every Saturday from 5pm-6pm CST. SPONSORED
BY: Fiser Insurance, Inc. of Clarksdale. Call Jimmy Wilson for auto, home
and business quotes at 662-627-4126. He insures Cat Head. Let him insure
you!
---------
THANKS!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
sample CAT HEAD UPDATE 5/19/04
Hello from Clarksdale,
Mississippi... America's Blues Crossroads.
If you know of someone who would like to receive this email update in
the future, please let me know. If you DO NOT want to receive future "Cat
Head Update" emails, please send a response to me at roger@cathead.biz
that says "Please no more."
Thanks,
Roger Stolle
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
252 Delta Ave.
Clarksdale, MS 38614
662-624-5992
roger@cathead.biz
CAT HEAD
free "Delta Update" e-list
blues CDs & videos • blues & folk art
photography • "live" music listings
books on all things Southern
---------------------------
1. "LIVE" BLUES IN THE DELTA...
Our "Live Music" page has just been updated: http://www.cathead.biz/livemusic.html
Including Slick at Champs in Batesville, an acoustic Blues Brunch at Ground
Zero in C'dale and much more...
ALSO, note that there is a Sunflower River Blues Association meeting at
6pm today at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale.
2. SPECIAL BOBBY RUSH SHOW IN CLARKSDALE ON THURSDAY...
Bobby is putting on a special show to benefit HEAD START. Pre-sale tickets
are $15 and available at Cat Head. ($20 at the door.) Here are the show
details: Thurs., 5/20, 9pm-1am - Clarksdale Civic Auditorium, Clarksdale,
MS: The Bobby Rush Show & Las Vegas Road Show. (He'll also be on hand
at a reception earlier in the evening.)
3. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SHAPING UP BIG IN CLARKSDALE...
It's Ground Zero Blues Club's 3rd anniversary and a whole lot more:
- Thursday, 9pm - The Deep Cuts Blues Band plays Sarah's Kitchen.
- Friday, 9pm - David Lee Durham Blues Band plays Ground Zero Blues Club.
- Friday, 9pm - Wesley Jefferson Blues Band plays Red's Lounge.
- Saturday, 11am - Steve Cheseborough signs his updated "Blues Traveling"
book and plays music.
- Saturday, 2pm - 70-yr.-old Floyd Lee gives a FREE show at Ground Zero
to be filmed for documentary.
- Saturday, 9pm - Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers w/opener Jacqueline
play Ground Zero's Anniversary Party. $12 pre-sale tickets on sale now
at Ground Zero and Cat Head. Charge by phone at 662-624-5992.
- Sunday, 10am-12noon - Special Sunday hours (well, two anyway!) at Cat
Head.
- Sunday, 12noon - James "Super Chikan" Johnson plays a FREE
acoustic set at Ground Zero's Sunday brunch. (GZ's brunch is from 10:30am-3pm.
Just down the street at the Delta Eye/Veronica's Bistro, they will also
have brunch from 10:45am-3pm by reservation only.)
ALSO, in case you hadn't heard... You can now stay in the apartments above
Ground Zero Blues Club. Pricing/availability: 662-624-2591.
4. EVENTS SURROUNDING YEARLY BB KING HOMECOMING IN JUNE...
Thurs., 6/10 - "Blues in the Clubs" of the Mississippi Delta.
Real-deal blues acts at: Sarah's Kitchen (The Deep Cuts blues band) and
Ground Zero Blues Club (Big T & the Family blues band) in Clarksdale,
308 Blues Club (Kory Montgomery and Main Street benefit) and Club Ebony
in Indianola, Lillo's and Bourbon Mall in/near Leland, AND Walnut Street
Blues Bar in Greenville!
Fri., 6/11, 11am - Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, Clarksdale, MS
(662-624-5992): Terry "Big T" Williams plays solo acoustic blues.
FREE show with complimentary coffee and snacks!
Fri., 6/11, 1pm-5pm - Charley Patton Conference at Delta Blues Museum,
Clarksdale, MS (662-627-6820; www.deltabluesmuseum.org): Moderated by
historian Dr. Patricia Johnson, the conference will feature scholars and
musicians discussing Patton's life and playing his music.
Fri., 6/11 - BB King Homecoming, Indianola, MS (www.indianolams.org or
877-816-7581): Outdoor concert at Fletcher Park ($5 pre-sale; $10 at gate)
with a late night show at Club Ebony. Also, a fundraiser for Main Street
will coincide with the event; it is a combined effort of the blues society,
308 Blues Club and Club Ebony.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5pm - Jacqueline Nassar (12-year-old prodigy from Clarksdale)
6:15pm - Kory Montgomery
7:30pm - Vickie Baker
9pm - fireworks display
9:05pm - BB KING
Sat., 6/12, 10am-10pm - Highway 61 Blues Festival, Leland, MS (www.highway61blues.nstemp.com/festival.html;
1-800-467-3582; 662-686-7646): 2 stages. Plus, free kid's blues fest from
9am-11am w/Steve Cheseborough, Mississippi Spoonman and Bobby Rutledge.
This year's event is dedicated to Charley Patton... on the 70th anniversary
of his death. $12 pre-sale at Highway 61 Blues Museum in Leland and Walnut
Street Blues Bar in Greenville; $16 at gate. This event is also a fundraiser
for the Leland F.E.E.D. Food Pantry. Festivalgoers are asked to bring
2 canned goods that will help needy families in the Leland area. FESTIVAL
LINE-UP:
Willie King and the Liberators, James Mathis Knockdown Society, Reverend
Slick and
the Soul Blues Boyz w/Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Lil Bill Wallace,
Eddie Cusic, Cadillac John Nolden and Bill Abel, Eden Brent, Casey Ruth,
Speedy and the Amateurs, Dave Thompson, John Horton and the Special Occasion
Band, Pat Thomas, Doc's B's, Jay Kirgis, The Kattawar Brothers, Steve
Cheseborough w/Mississippi Spoon Man, Bobby Rutledge, The Bub Branton
Band, and Mississippi Slim.
Sun., 6/13, 2pm-7pm - Holly Ridge Store along Old Highway 10, Holly Ridge,
MS: Patton tribute jam.
Sun., 6/13, evening - Club Ebony, Indianola, MS: David Lee Durham's weekly
house gig.
5. RELATED NEWS COURTESY OF THE BOLIVAR BULLET...
B.B. IS BACK: The King of the Blues Hosts 4TH Annual Workshop
Blues enthusiasts and musicians young and old will have an opportunity
to learn the tricks of the trade June 11, as B.B. King will host the 4th
Annual Blues Workshop at Mississippi Valley State University. The workshop
is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium on
the Itta Bena campus. For four consecutive years, B.B. King has hosted
this interactive workshop to highlight his craft and provide youngsters
a venue to showcase their talents. "It has been said many times,
B.B. King is a true friend of the Valley," explained Dr. Lester C.
Newman, president. "The continuation of these workshops exemplifies
his level of belief and commitment to the University." Born in Mississippi,
King has been the bluesí most successful concert artist and its
most consistently recognized ambassador. He has been bestowed with more
awards and honorary degrees than any other bluesman and has made the cause
of preserving the blues his lifetime work.
6. DELTA NEWS FROM THE CLARKSDALE PRESS REGISTER...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Monthly flea market to start in August at the Expo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clarksdale's reputation as the birthplace of the blues will have to share
the spotlight with another attraction when a major, monthly flea market
opens its doors at the Expo Center starting in August.
(By EMILY Le COZ - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11664971&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Tutwiler artist wins statewide award
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tutwiler artist Cristen Craven Barnard's "River Song" oil painting
became part of a permanent Mississippi art collection after winning a
statewide juried art competition this month.
(By EMILY Le COZ - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11664976&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
7. NEWS COURTESY OF GREENWOOD COMMONWEALTH...
(Thanks to Lee for sending me the info.)
Florewood as blues park?
By: Susan Montgomery , City Editor 05/13/2004
Legislature mandates park's disposal
Florewood Plantation State Park's likely to be changing its tune from
"Dixie" to "Crossroads Blues." A state appropriations
bill passed by the Legislature Sunday directs the state Department of
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to dispose of Florewood and four other parks
by "closure, transfer, lease or sale." The rest of the story
at:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11644230&BRD=1838&PAG=461&dept_id=104621&rfi=6Top
Emmett Till case reopened
By: Lynda Edwards , Associated Press 05/16/2004
Tribble wants to make store where incident happened a civil rights museum.
The story at:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11657850&BRD=1838&PAG=461&dept_id=104621&rfi=6
8. OTHER NEWS FROM/ABOUT THE DELTA (AND SOUTH)...
- "Delta Jubilee" is coming to Clarksdale on June 4 and 5. Check
out the event line-up at: www.clarksdalewebinfo.com/jsp/user_page.jsp?pageid=6019
- Check out this nice article on Miss Blues ... along with the accompanying
"Cat Head related" photo! Thanks to Miss Blues for the promotion.
We appreciate it. And ... if you get a chance to see her sing, do it.
Go to: http://www.edmondlifeandleisure.com/archive.taf?id=063388
- Southside Gallery in Oxford will hold an opening reception for Elizabeth
Alley (paintings), Suzi Altman (photos) and Mandy Johnson (paintings)
on Friday, May 28th from 6:30pm-8:30pm. The exhibit will be up through
June 25, 2004. More info at 662-234-9090.
- The King Biscuit Blues Festival and host SonicBids will be holding an
Emerging Artist Competition for blues players in conjunction with this
year's festival. Details at www.kingbiscuitfest.org
- The Vicksburg Blues Society is also holding a Regional Blues Challenge.
Entries are due by Aug. 15, 2004. Details at www.vicksburgblues.com
9. CAT HEAD DELTA BLUES & FOLK ART...
- New/recent clothing: Brand new Cat Head polo shirts... heather gray
with our square red "CAT HEAD" logo and the words "Clarksdale,
Mississippi" over your heart... $22 each. Also, we have finally re-stocked
on the Charley Patton tees featuring that great full-length photo on a
black shirt... $20 each. Finally, we should be back in stock on all sizes
of our standard issue "Cat Head"/"Crossroads" tees
by the end of the week... $16 each.
- New books: The newly updated edition of Steve Cheseboroughs essential
"Blues Traveling" guide book to Mississippi Delta blues sites
has arrived... It's $20 in paperback and well worth it... Catch Steve's
book signing at Cat Head on Sat., 5/29 at 11 am. ALSO, we now stock the
University of Mississippi's paperback "Mississippi Cookbook"
for $20.
- New photos: Blues photos by David Henry Williams (formerly of Mississippi).
His images of Sam Chatmon, T-Model Ford, Boogaloo Ames and others are
classic... and priced to please. $100 each for 13x19" size. Printed
with pigmented inks on archival paper. View a few at www.cathead.biz under
"Art."
- New artwork: Did I mention Najee's new African-American art dolls last
week? They are beautifully handmade and range from $45-$65 each. As always,
I can email photos if requested.
- New CDs/DVDs: I can't remember if I already mentioned this... but we
now have copies of 12-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist Jacqueline's
3-song EP CD for $10.
EMAIL us for prices, more info or digital photos of merchandise. Charge
by email/fax/phone.
10. REVIEW OF BLUES DIVAS EVENT IN CLARKSDALE...
Check out this wonderful article by newspaper publisher, blues fan and
faithful Cat Head customer Garrick Feldman:
www.arkansasleader.com/5-12-04/blues%20.html
11. PLAN NOW TO ATTEND SEPTEMBER'S HOWLIN' WOLF FEST...
The Howlin' Wolf Blues Society of West Point, Mississippi will present
the 9th annual Howlin' Wolf Memorial Blues Festival on Friday, September
3, 2004 at the West Point Civic Center. Gates open at 4:00 PM and
the first act starts at 5:00 PM. There are 500 seats available so
order your tickets and come early! No lawn chairs allowed but you
can bring a small cooler if you like. The show is indoors and air
conditioned so all will have a great time rain or shine!
FEATURED ACTS:
Rev. Slick & the Soul Blues Boyz
(With special guest Willie King)
Richard Johnston
Blind MS. Morris with Brad Webb
Big Joe's Juke
Vanessia Young & Pure Blues Express
Clarence Bluesman Davis with Wild Bill
1000 TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets go on sale starting July 1, 2004
CCEDC _ 662-494-5121
DC Music _ 662-327-1555
Jack Forbus Ins. _ 662-323-8311
Down at Joes _ 662-329-4363
While you are in the area plan on attending the Prairie Arts Festival
on Saturday following the Blues Festival. It is one of the biggest
Arts & Crafts events in the South. And please support and visit
our festival sponsors!
12. GIN MILL GALLERIES IN INDIANOLA HOST SHOW...
Gallery Opening for: Artists Duff Dorrough and Bill Abel at The Gin Mill
Galleries (109 Pershing Ave., Indianola, MS; (662)-887-3209).
Artist Reception: 7:00 PM, Thursday 20th of May 2004
Public Gallery Opening: 2:00 PM, Sunday 23rd of May 2004
- Artist, Duff Dorrough, will showcase his Pastels, “Seasonal Sunsets”.
Earning his B.F.A. in the 1990’s at Delta State University, he has
continued studying under Sammy Britt and Gerald Deloach. His hard work
and dedication has placed him with the best Artist in the state of Mississippi.
Duff also performs the Blues and has played as a regular Artist on Thacker
Mountain Radio.
- Artist, Bill Abel, brings his gift of creating fine crafted pottery
to the Gallery. Bill has earned a B.B.A. and a B.F.A. from Delta State
University. Studying under gifted teachers like Ky Johnson, Sam Britt
and Marcella Small. Bill’s influenced by the oriental folk pottery
style. This is some of the most gifted work you’ll find in the state.
Bill is also a well-known Blues Artist and a must see performer anytime
he’s on the stage.
At both openings Bill and Duff will show off their musical gifts performing
the Blues.
13. SUNDAY BRUNCH IN CLARKSDALE...
We went from having NO Sunday brunch in town to have two great ones to
choose from:
- Ground Zero Blues Club, 10:30am-3pm w/"live" unplugged blues
at noon, NO reservations required.
- The Delta Eye (Veronica's Bistro), 10:45am-3pm, reservations required.
14. BLUESWAX NEWS (courtesy www.blueswax.com)...
- The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum plans to open a satellite
museum early next year in downtown Phoenix. The "on tour" museum
will be housed in a two-level building near America West Arena and will
remain for at least five years, becoming permanent if it's well received.
Featuring traveling displays, rare items connected to artists and interactive
educational exhibits, it could draw more than 100,000 visitors a year,
organizers said.
- In the nearly 14 years since Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a Wisconsin
helicopter crash, his collection of 40-50 guitars has been kept in storage
vaults by older brother Jimmie Vaughan, the executor of the SRV estate.
None have ever been sold or put on display. But on June 24 in New York,
Christie's will auction one of Stevie Ray's most famous guitars - the
Fender Stratocaster he named "Lenny" - as well as a replica
of the beloved, beat-up Strat he called "Number One." It's all
for a cause the guitarist, who was sober the last four years of his life
after a stint in rehab, would have eagerly supported. The six-stringed
instruments will join the charity auction of more than 70 guitars by famous
musicians to benefit Eric Clapton's Crossroads Centre for drug and alcohol
rehabilitation in Antigua. The replicated Vaughan guitar is one of 100
copies being made by the Fender Guitars company after receiving permission
from the Vaughan estate last fall. Fender has painstakingly reconstruced
the 1959 Stratocaster, right down to its well-worn finish and those reflective
"SRV" letters. With a retail price of $10,000 each, the limited
allotment was snapped up by dealers, collectors and artists when the project
was unveiled at a musical instrument merchandising show in January.
- The Santa Barbara Blues Society presents the L.A. Juke Joint BluesFest
on Friday, May 21 at 8:30 p.m. at The Warren Roomon the Earl Warren Showgrounds,
3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara at the corner of Las Positas. They will
feature some of the best talent of L.A. Blues artists including Bobby
Warren, Blues Boy Jamie Powell, Mary Dukes and Hollis "Big Poppa"
Gilmore and several others. More info at sbblues.org.
- Alligator Records has announced the signing of R&B and Gospel legend
Mavis Staples. A veteran of the music scene for over 40 years –
and a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee – Staples (with her family
band The Staple Singers and on her own) is responsible for blazing a Rhythm
& Blues trail while never relinquishing her gospel roots, influencing
artists from Bob Dylan to Prince (who dubbed her “the epitome of
Soul”) in the process. Her upcoming Alligator album (as yet untitled)
is a stirring collection of uplifting, Gospel-rooted songs deep-seated
in Staples' faith and spirituality. Set for an August release, the CD
is produced by Jim Tullio and Staples.
- The 21st Annual Chicago Blues Festival will take place in Grant Park,
June 10-13, 2004. The festival annually salutes the masters and this year
will feature a guitar roundup of great Blues men, Robert Lockwood Jr.,
David "Honey Boy" Edwards, and Homesick James on Friday, June
11. These three men represent more than 270 years of Blues tradition.
In the spirit of blues as a living tradition, the festival will be celebrating
Lonnie Brooks’ 70th Birthday by featuring his sons, Ronnie Baker
Brooks, Wayne Baker Brooks, and the son of Clifton Chenier (Lonnie’s
first professional boss) - C.J. Chenier and Luther "Guitar Jr."
Johnson, a guitar player who borrowed his moniker many years ago. More
info at cityofchicago.org
- Willie King's Freedom Creek Festival: The Sixth Annual Freedom Creek
Festival will take place on Saturday June 5 at Willie King's home in Old
Memphis, near Aliceville, Alabama. The lineup includes Willie King and
the Liberators, Atlanta-based Mudcat, Little Jimmy Reed, "Birmingham"
George Conner, plus a host of local Blues talent. Visit Willie's web site
at willie-king.com for further information. Above item courtesy of: Alabama
Blues Project.
15. OTIS TAYLOR EVENT IN JACKSON, MS...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTIS TAYLOR APPLIES HIS 'DOUBLE V'
Socially Conscious Bluesman Participates in 'Unsettling Memories' to Honor
Civil Rights Workers
JACKSON, MS - May 17, 2004 - Otis Taylor, of whom the New York Times writes,
"is one of the most impressive bluesmen working today" will
perform during "Unsettling
Memories: Culture and Trauma in the Deep South". The conferencehonors
the
lives of Civil Rights Workers James Earl Chaney, Andrew Goodman,and Michael
Schwerner on the 40th anniversary of their deaths. Taylor performsat
930 BLUES
CAFE (930 Congress St.) on Friday, June 18 at 8:30pm. UnsettlingMemories
occurs
from June 15-21 during "Juneteenth" the oldest known celebrationof
the ending
of slavery. Log on to http://www.tulane.edu/~memories/.
Taylor, the only musician performing during the convention, is noted for
his Afrocentric
themes and "gimlet-eyed lyrics about race relations in America"
(New Yorker). His songs
relate issues of the past from a contemporary perspective, making him
an ideal guest at Un-
settling Memories. His new CD is Double V (Telarc Records) and the
title is indicative of the
civil rights movement. Taylor explains, "After World War II,
the black soldiers would hold up
their hands and make a 'V' out of their middle and index fingers. This
stood for victory at home
and in Europe. The 'V' is also indicative of the blacks' unremitting
fight for the right to vote."
Mainstream music magazine, Blender wrote, "(Taylor) probes the dark
recesses of the black
American experience without coming off as bitter or morose." According
to the Colorado-
basedsinger/songwriter, "I'm not political but I am good at being
black."
Conference attendees can expect to hear a healthy dose of material from
Double V.From the
vibrant grooves of the opening cut, "Please Come Home Before It Rains"
to the aggressive
intensityof "Mama's Selling Heroin" and the spiritual warmth
of "Buy Myself Some Freedom",
Taylor willtake listeners on an aural excursion greatly inspired by an
unconventional childhood.
"On all myrecords, the subject of struggles is often discussed from
a historical perspective.
But on Double V,a lot of the songs take an internal approach and reveal
some of what I
experienced as a kid." Hemuses, "See, now you'll know why
I am the way I am."
Since Taylor's return to music in 1995, he has released six CDs, earned
a slew of W.C. Handy
awards/nominations, and garnered international acclaim from media and
audiences worldwide.
Thus, he has carved a unique niche as a blues artist who USA Today calls,
"One of the genre's
most original practitioners in years."
16. EXCERPTS FROM FAT POSSUM RECORDS NEWSLETTER...
"Yeah, it wasn't no fight; I just knocked him out. I didn't want
to do it but I talked to him and told him. I said, "Paul, look, I
want to be friendly with you. You stop telling me about the white ladies.
I don't have a white woman and you don't, neither. Don't come getting
at me cause a white woman leave you and come to me. Don't come saying
to me nothing about, That's yours and that's mine. You're gonna cause
some bad confusion if you do now. You better keep that on your mind."
- T-Model Ford from Slug Magazine
We've got the Juke Joint Caravan back on the road. Justin loaded up the
van, picked up T-Model Ford, Kenny Brown and Cedric Burnside, and Paul
"Wine" Jones and is sending them out, hopefully, to your neck
of the woods. If you see a city near you, then come out and check them
out:
May 12th - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
May 13th - Ogden, UT - Brewski's
May 14th - Salt Lake City, UT - Club Halo
May 15th - Victor, ID - Knotty Pine
May 16th - Missoula, MT - Other Side
May 18th - Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Night Gallery Cabaret
May 19th - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - New City Likwid Lounge
May 21th - Vancouver, BC, Canada - Richard's on Richard's
May 22th - Seattle, WA - Hideaway/WA
May 23th - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theather
May 25th - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
May 26th - Sacramento, CA - Blue Lamp
May 27th - Pacific Beach,CA - Blind Melon's
May 29th - Los Angeles, CA - Echo
May 30th - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
May 31th - Santa Fe, NM - Paramount
June 12th - Chicago, IL - House of Blues - Back Porch Stage
June 13th - Chicago, IL - Chicago Blues Festival -Grant Park
July 10th - Wasaga, Canada - Wasaga Beach Blues Festival
July 11th - Ottawa, Canada - Ottawa Cisco Systems Bluesfest
You may have heard us mention this before, but Arthur Magazine has a montly
column written by T-Model Ford. This month...
Arthur Mag: One of our readers asks, "T-Model, are you a voting man?
Who are you planning to vote for president this November?"
T-Model Ford: I ain't even interested in it. I ain't never voted in my
life. Anything they do is all right with me. If they do good, it's all
right, and if they do bad, it's all right. If they do bad, it's all right,
and if they do good, it's all right. See when you vote for somebody, it's
like a woman... You see a woman yonder, you get on your head, you want
her whether or not. Then when you get her, it ain't what you thought.
And that's the same thing with you voting for somebody. You vote for a
person, he'll talk sweet to you 'til you get in, then when you get in,
you get SOUR. He ain't doin' nothing when he say he gon' do. That's the
way it happens. I ain't done bad ever who be the president, and I ain't
done too good ever who be the president. It don't matter. I ain't never
voted!
17. ENTER TO WIN TRIP TO ELVIS PRESLEY FEST IN TUPELO...
GO TO: www.visitmississippi.org/MS_Hills_Elvis/registration.asp?CID=162&CVB=197&AID=235
Per Mississippi State Tourism web site:
Enter for Your Chance to Win a Free Exclusive Trip to the Tupelo Elvis
Presley Festival in Tupelo, Mississippi!
The Prize Package Includes:
• Two Nights Accommodations for Two at the Mockingbird Inn
Bed & Breakfast in Tupelo
• Lunch for Two at Bar-B-Q by Jim
• Tickets for Two to Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
in Tupelo
• Tickets for Two to the Elvis Presley Festival June 4-6 in
Tupelo
• Dinner for Two at Vanelli's
18. REVIEW EXCERPT OF NEW ORLEANS' PONDEROSA STOMP (courtesy Norton Records
email)...
"ROAD RAVES & DEEP SOUTH FIELD RECORDINGS (a/k/a PONDEROSA STOMP!)
- Dateline NEW ORLEANS (April 27 and 28) Whatta blast was had at the third
annual P-Stomp at New Orleans’ famed Rock N’ Bowl! Dr. Ike
sure had a lotta tricks under his fez to pull this one off. First of all,
the two day show works better than last year’s three day marathon.
Two stages were definitely the way to go, even if we totally missed Eddie
Bo because things were flyin’ high and wild upstairs at the same
time. Lotta highlights – Barbara Lynn, Ray Sharpe, Sonny Burgess,
Fillmore Slim, Little Freddie King (what the heck?!), Dennis Binder (only
caught a few songs)! Only drag was Toussaint McCall accompanied by a boom
box with a CD backing track. Of course were he alive today, Esquerita
would probably try this same stunt only the Voola would be yelling at
the CD player that it’s playing all wrong. Gotta say the Norton
stars shone - Dale Hawkins (ROCKIN’ with superbly dyn-o-mite James
Burton – ARRGHH!), Rudy Ray Moore (the bad ass Dolemite was a great
MC, especially announcing 94 year old slide wizard Homesick James as “Homesick
Charlie!”
and dedicating a moment of silence to Sam Cooke with faux snakeskin slacks
fly at a mighty bold half mast), Long John Hunter (takin’ his wireless
guitar for a run around the bowling lanes while Classie Ballou’s
band wailed behind him) and the Fabulous Wailers bringing down the house
on Tuesday. The Wailers were joined for THE ENTIRE SET by New Orleans
sax king Herb Hardesty and the guys were so revved up that they leaned
more on their Little Richard type numbers than we’d ever seen. FABULOUS!!!
On Wednesday night, the Bad Roads, Louisiana’s answer to the Rolling
Stones, pulled of an unbelievable show, especially considering they had
to follow up a roaring set by the Swamp Pop guys - Johnnie Allan, Warren
Storm, Roy “Boogie Boy” Perkins, Gene Terry, Tommy McLain
(with Dale Hawkins pinch hitting for Bobby Charles). Accolades must also
be heaped upon Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonnics for killer backing
chores behind most all of Tuesday’s acts, especially for going that
extra mile with some funky backing during the sensational Lady Bo’s
finale! Great to see so many pals down there, too, including NY-NO transplant
Dan Rose who just had his Brooklyn going-away shing-a-ling like five days
earlier!"
http://www.ponderosastomp.com
19. SHAMELESS PROMOTION FOR CAT HEAD...
- Check out "Cat Head's Delta" column in the new King Biscuit
Time magazine. You can also pick up a FREE copy of the latest issue at
Cat Head, or subscribe at www.kingbiscuittime.com/magazine.html (Also,
if you buy something via the mail, remind me, and I'll try to include
a free copy.)
- Tune into 1450AM (and temporarily 92.1FM) or www.wroxblues.com to listen
to the Cat Head Delta Blues Hour every Saturday from 5pm-6pm CST. SPONSORED
BY: Fiser Insurance, Inc. of Clarksdale. Call Jimmy Wilson for auto, home
and business quotes at 662-627-4126. He insures Cat Head. Let him insure
you!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sample CAT HEAD UPDATE 5/12/04
Hello from Clarksdale,
Mississippi... America's Blues Crossroads.
If you know of someone who would like to receive this email update in
the future, please let me know. If you DO NOT want to receive future "Cat
Head Update" emails, please send a response to me at roger@cathead.biz
that says "Please no more."
Thanks,
Roger Stolle
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
252 Delta Ave.
Clarksdale, MS 38614
662-624-5992
roger@cathead.biz
CAT HEAD
free "Delta Update" e-list
blues CDs & videos • blues & folk art
photography • "live" music listings
books on all things Southern
---------------------------
1. "LIVE" BLUES IN THE DELTA...
Our "Live Music" page has just been updated: http://www.cathead.biz/livemusic.html
Including music at Sunset Atop The Madison in Memphis, a new acoustic
Sunday blues brunch at Ground Zero in Clarksdale and much more...
2. SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH ADDED AT GROUND ZERO IN C'DALE...
Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale has just added a Sunday Blues Brunch
to its line-up. To start out with, it will go from 10:30am-3pm... and
be adjusted based on the customer count. Each brunch will feature "live"
acoustic blues by a different performer each week. (The inaugural brunch
crowd was entertained by Bobby "Blues" Rutledge of Leland.)
Scheduled to perform so far:
Sun., 5/16, noon - Bill "Howlin Madd" Perry of Abbeville.
Sun., 5/23, noon - Terry "Big T" Williams of Clarksdale.
Sun., 5/30, noon - James "Super Chikan" Johnson of Clarksdale.
Sun., 6/6, noon - Terry "Harmonica" Bean of Pontotoc.
ALSO, Ground Zero is now open 7 days a week with lunch and dinner available
every day but Sunday (hence the brunch). HOURS: "11am till"
on Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 11am-midnight on Wed. 11am-1am on Fri. &
Sat. 10:30am-3pm on Sun.
Go to www.groundzerobluesclub.com for more information and future event
line-ups.
3. SPEAKING OF GROUND ZERO... THEIR ANNIVERSARY COMING...
The Clarksdale blues club co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, attorney Bill
Luckett and agent Howard Stovall will celebrate it's 3rd anniversary during
Memorial Day weekend.
Events planned so far include:
- Fri., 5/28, 9pm - David Lee Durham blues band from Indianola (House
act at Club Ebony).
- Sat., 5/29, 9pm - Anniversary party for the club, starring the legendary
"Oil Man" of Clarkdale... BIG JACK JOHNSON of Jelly Roll Kings
fame and recordings on Earwig, Rooster, Fat Possum and MC Records. This
will be Big Jack's first official appearance at Ground Zero, and the club
is very proud and excited to present this landmark concert event. 9pm
opener: Jacqueline -- Clarksdale's 12-year-old guitar prodigy! 10pm main
show. Pre-sale ticket info to come.
- Sun., 5/30, noon - James "Super Chikan" Johnson plays unplugged
blues brunch. Open 10:30am-3pm. Music at noon.
4. SPECIAL BOBBY RUSH SHOW IN CLARKSDALE...
Bobby is putting on a special show to benefit HEAD START. Pre-sale tickets
are $15 and available at Cat Head. ($20 at the door.) Here are the show
details... Thurs., 5/20, 9pm-1am - Clarksdale Civic Auditorium, Clarksdale,
MS: The Bobby Rush Show & Las Vegas Road Show.
5. INDIANOLA, LELAND AND CLARKSDALE BLUES IN JUNE...
Watch this space next week for information on 4 days of blues in the Delta
Thurs.-Sun., June 10-13...
6. DELTA NEWS FROM THE CLARKSDALE PRESS REGISTER...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Local bluegrass festival called a success
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organizers of last weekend's Delta Bluegrass Jammin' Festival called the
fifth annual event a success, having drawn more people to the Coahoma
County Expo Center than last year despite Saturday's heavy rains.
(By EMILY Le COZ - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11436768&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* North Delta Museum to host Front Porch Fair
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little eyes from area schools will look skyward Wednesday in eager anticipation
of the HospitalWing helicopter, which is expected to land at the base
of the levee at the North Delta Museum in Friars Point.
(From Staff Reports)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11620696&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Area artists highlight their work at library
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reagan Carroll grinned from ear to ear Sunday as she showed off her multicolored
artwork to parents and guests at an afternoon art show held at Carnegie
Public Library.
The pre-kindergarten student explained that the painted paper plate affixed
to a yellow lay could be worn as a necklace.
(By EMILY Le COZ - Staff Writer)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11620719&BRD=2038&PAG=461&dept_id=230617
7. OTHER NEWS FROM/ABOUT THE DELTA (AND SOUTH)...
- The Delta's "Boss of the Blues" Lil Bill Wallace was honored
on Friday night and presented with a new guitar from the Music Maker Relief
Foundation (and a leather guitar strap with Bill's name by Tutwiler's
"Leatherman" Cal Bruster, courtesy of Cat Head). Special thanks
to Butch Ruth for putting it all together! Here's the article: http://www.ddtonline.com/articles/2004/05/11/news/news2.txt
- Delta State University put on a real nice blues show starring John Horton
and Mississippi Slim on Friday night at the Airport Grocery in Cleveland.
Always good to see Slim in his crazy suits and dyed hair. (By the way,
the service is a tad slow, but the food is great there!) Thanks to Luther
Brown, Henry Outlaw and friends for putting on the event.
- Greenwood celebrates birthday of Robert Johnson. (Courtesy Greenwood
paper... Thanks Lee):
In memory of a bluesman By: Charles M. Brown , Staff Writer 05/09/2004
Steven Johnson, the grandson of late blues legend Robert Johnson, and
Sylvester Hoover place flowers on the site where Robert Johnson's house
used to stand during the Robert Johnson birthday bash Saturday.
Something Different, a blues band, performed during the birthday celebration
in Baptist Town
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11616144&BRD=1838&PAG=461&dept_id=104621&rfi=6
- On Saturday, Rosedale held its "Spirit of the Blues" festival.
According to blues writer Scott Barretta, the highlights during the early
evening included Cadillac John, Monroe Jones and Paul "Wine"
Jones. Lil Dave Thompson and Mickey Rodgers were also there as well as
a handful of other bands. The turnout for the event was good and the BBQ
ribs by Jones Bros. BBQ of Helena were great, Scott said. Other attendees
included soul-blues performer Nathaniel "Bagg It Up" Kimble
of Benoit. Hopefully, this will (again) become a yearly event.
- Big George Brock of North St. Louis, MO (formerly of Grenada, MS) threw
a heck of a birthday/Mother's Day bash in St. Louis on Sunday night to
a standing-room only crowd. Performers included Terry "Harmonica"
Bean, Big Daddy, Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks, Johnny Jones,
Clarine Wagner, George's son (name?) and, of course, the man himself...
Big George & the Houserockers. Much of the evening, the dance floor
was filled with large women in revealing dresses and older men in colorful
suits. George played plenty of Muddy and Wolf, plus he went off on a tangent
about "seeing you all next Mother's Day in church"... before
breaking out into the classic spiritual "Lay My Burden Down."
Not to worry. 10 minutes later, he was doing an adult version of "Stand
Up In It." The show went from 6pm-midnight and brought in fans from
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Illinois and (of course) Missouri.
On a personal note, I shared a ride up with Terry "Harmonica"
Bean of Pontotoc, Mississippi. What a nice guy and huge blues fan. He
played harp along with CDs by Junior Wells and Little Walter on the way
up to St. Louie. Lots of fun. (Also, special thanks to Art Chantry and
Jamie Sheehan for letting us crash at their place. If you ever need some
killer graphic design work done, call them. They ain't cheap, but they
really deliver.) If you didn't make it to the show, then try to catch
Big George when he plays the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival
here on Saturday, August 14th. He'll also be at Jacqueline's Blues Club
that night and Cat Head on that Sunday morning.
- Just FYI... Clarksdale's own Super Chikan is heading to Latvia, Russia
for a series of shows in mid-May. Also, Terry "Big T" Williams
is heading to Seattle for a series of shows later this summer, including
the Bumbershoot Festival (opening for Bo Diddley).
- Bobby Tarzi at Delta Amusement Cafe in Clarksdale (348 Delta Ave., downtown)
is trying to get a Saturday afternoon blues jam established. If you are
interested in playing for fun, tips and exposure, contact him at 662-627-1467.
- Check out this Italian Delta Blues web site: http://www.rootsandblues.org/eng/home.php
- Speaking of Italians and the Delta, check out these book signings for
"The Delta Italians" -- a new book by Paul V. Canonici (a retired
priest from Shaw, MS):
- At the Bean Counter in Cleveland (I guess) on Wed., 5/12 at 5:30pm.
- At the Carnegie Public Library in Clarksdale on Thurs., 5/13 at 5:30pm.
- Check out other events at the Carnegie Public Library in Clarksdale
at http://www.cplclarksdale.lib.ms.us
8. CAT HEAD DELTA BLUES & FOLK ART...
- New photos: Absolutely amazing color photos by noted German blues photographer
Axel Kustner. His work has graced the covers of countless albums and been
included in many blues magazines and books. This collection of large-sized
images includes classic shots of Big Joe Williams, Maxwell Street Jimmy,
Jack Owens, Frank Edwards, Eugene Powell and others. These unframed photos
are 20x30" ($200 each) and 16x24" ($175). I hope to have some
of these images up on our web site in the next week or so, and I plan
to exhibit framed versions in store in the near future.
- New CDs/DVDs: "Are You Bound for Heaven or Hell: The Best of Reverend
J.M. Gates" CD, "Low Down Midnite Boogie" CD by John Lee
Hooker, "Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Feel Like Going Home"
DVD, "Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: The Road to Memphis"
DVD and "Soul of a Man: A Film By Wim Wenders" DVD. ("Soul
of a Man" features all of that incredible, long-lost J.B. Lenoir
footage in it!)
- New/recent magazines: New "No Depression" with Loretta Lynn
on the cover. New "Delta Magazine." New "Raw Vision"
outsider/folk art magazine from England. I also have more "Living
Blues" Mississippi guide issues ordered. If you can't wait, the Delta
Blues Museum has 7 copies left (662-627-6820). New King Biscuit Time magazine
(free in store or with any order...).
- New books: "1976-1997 Blues -- A Collection of 30 Postcards"
featuring B&W photos by Axel Kustner, $15; these postcard images are
incredible; the only problem is... you won't want to mail them away! "Tough
Plants for Southern Gardens" (re-stocked) by Felder Rushing, $24.99.
"Kill The Surgeon" by Country Nate Green... This is self-published
fiction by a really interesting Clarksdale writer and country music artist;
Xeroxed pages and hand bound, $15.
EMAIL us for prices, more info or digital photos of merchandise. Charge
by email/fax/phone.
9. NEWS FROM VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI...
THE VICKSBURG BLUES SOCIETY monthly meeting will be held Monday,
May 31, 2004 at the Century 21 realty on Halls Ferry Rd across from The
Sonic. The topic of our meeting will be the Regional Blues Challenge and
updates on our progress.
Things are looking up! We've set the dates (Oct 3 & 4) for
our Regional Blues Challenge and we've got venues ( The Rainbow Casino's "HIGHWAY
61 CLUB" and The Ameristar Casino's "BOTTLENECK BLUES
BAR") to host the RBC. We've got prizes (TRAVEL, LODGING, etc)
set but not limited to what we've achieved already ,since we
will continue to inspire more sponsors to get on board over the next few
months.
This year, the Regional Blues Challenge will coincide with the annual
Vicksburg Fall Festival. For a really fun-filled weekend, plan on
coming to town Saturday, Oct 2nd, for the festival and sticking
around for the RBC on Sunday and Monday nights.
Please help us to spread the word!!
The Vicksburg Blues Society is looking for unsigned blues bands and solo/duo
acts to compete in our Regional Blues Challenge. Visit our website for
Entry Forms and Contest Rules plus other information. Feel free to sign
our guestbook. We love hearing from you. Also thank you
to those musicians who have expressed interest and to those of you who
have already signed up.
The Vicksburg Blues Society
Lucille Grace-Ridges, Director
www.VicksburgBlues.com
10. JACKSON, MS UPDATE...
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Marcia Weaver 601-372-8851
Rev. Robert Blanton 601-371-2332
3rd Sunday Bach-To-Blues Features Harmonica Player
Scott Albert Johnson, singer, songwriter, harmonica player, has made his
mark on the thriving Southern music scene. Johnson will play Sunday, May
16, 2004, 6 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jackson. His soulful harmonica
playing crosses every musical genre from jazz and blues to bluegrass and
classical. Johnson has graced the stage playing harp with performers like
Cyril Neville, Dorothy Moore, and Willie King.
Johnson was born in St. Louis but raised in Jackson. In 2003, he returned
to Jackson and has played many venues. He is noted for his weekly gig
at Farish Street Peaches Cafe on Thurdays playing with the legend blues
man Jesse Robinson at noon time.
Bach-To-Blues Series offers live secular or sacred music at Trinity Lutheran
Church every 3rd Sunday at 6 PM. The Jackson church is located at 6401
US Highway 18 W at Siwell Road. The public is invited to enjoy live music
followed by a Harmony Meal. On June 20, 2004, Bach-To-Blues series will
feature barbershop quartet singers. Previous guests were Rev. Gatemouth
Moore, Dorothy Moore, Steve Cheseborough, Grady Champion and others. Learn
more about Bach-To-Blues Series at www.bachtoblues.org.
11. BLUES HWY ORGANIZATION UPDATE...
We will be having our next meeting (our 14th as a group) soon, so please
give me feedback on date and place. I suggest sometime during the
week of May 17th, and we’ve had requests to hold a meeting in bothYazooCityandVicksburg.
Since these are far away for some participants, we may need to hold duplicate
meetings. Let me know your thoughts, please.
Delta Council held its annual public meeting this Friday in the Performing
Arts Center at DSU inCleveland.
The Mississippi Blues Commission is now legal. It has been approved
by both House and Senate, and signed into law by the Governor. It
should hold its first meeting soon.
Please send any agenda items to me, and plan on making our 14th meeting
in a couple of weeks. As always, information will be placed on the
web at www.blueshighway.org/bluesnews.htm .
Luther Brown
Director, TheDeltaCenterfor Culture and Learning
DeltaStateUniversity,Box3152
Cleveland,MS38733
662-846-4311 or 4312
FAX 662-846-4701
www.blueshighway.org
12. UPCOMING EVENTS IN MEMPHIS (courtesy MCVB)...
More info at memphistravel.com
Third Thursdays Art after Dark at the Dixon
Start Date 6/17/2004
End Date 6/17/2004
Description JUN 17: Wrapping up the series in June, the musical talents
of blues artist Richard Johnston will captivate Dixon guests. After returning
to his hometown of Memphis from Japan, where Johnston gained local recognition,
he played with a couple of bands but stumbled upon his niche in 2002.
The results are a fusion of mountain music with hill country music played
to a stripped down primal beat. Located at 4339 Park Avenue, the Dixon
is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Dixon is
also open every Third Thursday of the month from 5- 9 p.m. For more information,
call (901) 761-5250 or visit or web site at www.dixon.org.
Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival
Start Date 6/18/2004
End Date 6/20/2004
Description Eleventh Annual Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival featuring
gospel, jazz, blues, R&B and Hip Hop. Vendors galore, kiddie rides,
horseback riding, baseball, swimming, picnics, reunions and more. Free
to the public. Douglass Park. For more information, call 901-385-4943.
Coming Home! Self-Taught Artists, Bible & American
Start Date 6/19/2004
End Date 11/13/2004
Description Coming Home! Self-Taught Artists, the Bible and the American
South--art by 70 untrained Southern artists illustrating the Bible's influence
and the teachings of Evangelical Christianity. For more information, call
901-678-2224
Celebrate 50 Years of Rock 'n' Roll at Graceland
Start Date 7/2/2004
End Date 7/5/2004
Description See special items on display at Graceland and enjoy live entertainment
at The Graceland Entertainment Pavilion. Visit www.hedaredtorock.com for
more information.
Sun Studio 50th Anniversary Rock 'n' Roll Reunion
Start Date 7/5/2004
End Date 7/5/2004
Description Sun Studio is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Elvis' recording
of "That's All Right" with a block party guaranteed to delight
music fans worldwide. Artists include Billy Lee Riley, Sonny Burgess &
The Pacers, Rock A Billy Country, Stan Perkins, Cordell Jackson and more.
Featuring special guest Billy Bob Thornton. All artists will cover at
least one Elvis Sun Recording as part of their set. For more information,
call 1-800-441-6249 or visit www.sunstudio.com
Elvis Week 2004
Start Date 8/7/2004
End Date 8/16/2004
Description Elvis Week 2004 will be a full week of music, dance, social
and charitable events--all in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Rock
'n' Roll. Visit www.elvis.com for event listings.
13. JUKE JOINT CARAVAN COMING (MAYBE) TO YOUR TOWN...
Newsletter - May 7th, 2004: Hide your liquor and women. The Fat Possum
Juke Joint Caravan is taking to the highways once again, featuring: T-Model
Ford, Kenny Brown and Cedric Burnside and Paul "Wine" Jones.
5/11 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
5/12 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
5/13 Ogden, UT Brewski's
5/14 Salt Lake City, UT Club Halo
5/15 Victor, ID Knotty Pine
5/16 Missoula, MT Other Side
5/18 Calgary Alberta Canada Night Gallery Cabaret
5/19 Edmonton Alberta Canada New City Likwid Lounge
5/21 Vancouver BC Canada Richard's on Richard's
5/22 Seattle, WA Hideaway/WA
5/23 Portland, OR Aladdin Theather
5/25 San Francisco, CA Slim's
5/26 Sacramento, CA Blue Lamp
5/27 Pacific Beach, CA Blind Melon's
5/29 Los Angeles, CA Echo
5/30 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
5/31 Santa Fe, NM Paramount
6/12 Chicago, IL House of Blues - Back Porch Stage
6/13 Chicago, IL Chicago Blues Festival -Grant Park
7/10 Wasaga Canada Wasaga Beach Blues Festival
7/11 Ottawa Canada Ottawa Cisco Systems Bluesfest
14. TONS OF BLUES LINKS FROM AROUND THE WORLD...
Check out this site. You'll find www.cathead.biz plus almost 2000 other
cool blues links from around the world:
http://www.blueslinks.nl
15. ORDER A CHIKAN COMBO AT WWW.SUPERCHIKAN.NET...
Check out www.superchikan.net. It's the official site of the one and only
James "Super Chikan" Johnson of Clarksdale, Mississippi. You
can book him for your club/festival/party through the site... or just
keep up with where all he's playing. Incidentally, he's playing with his
band at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale on Fri., June 4 (9pm) and
the Elvis Festival in Tupelo on Sat., June 5 (8pm).
16. REVIEW OF NEW JUKE IN MEMPHIS...
Scott Barretta told Cat Head about it, and the word is already spreading.
Here's an excerpt from Cat Head customer Mark H's email about the Blue
Worm (1405 Airways, Memphis; 901 458-1733, 901 647-8882; Universal
Players on Fri.; Fieldstones on Sat.):
"I made it to the above club in Memphis... The Fieldstones were good
with horns added plus Wilroy voice on a few numbers, but due to no publicity
there were less than 20 people there. ... A friendly atmosphere makes
this a must go in the future. Thanks for putting me onto it."
17. QUILTS IN ALABAMA NEXT YEAR (courtesy of Cat Head customer Sandi H.
Thx.)...
"The exhibit of quilts by the black quilters in Alabama that I saw
in DC is going to be in Memphis at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art February
13-May 8, 2005. Mark you calendar and if at all possible try to see it.
I am sure you would absolutely love it. The quilts are folk art at its
finest. I can't express strongly enough the impact of this exhibit. It's
not to be missed. In 2006 they are mounting another one with different
quilts. Can't wait for that one. They have a website. I think it is geesbendquilts.com
If not, try google."
18. BLUESWAX REVIEWS THE HANDYS IN MEMPHIS (courtesy www.blueswax.com)...
By T-Bone Erickson
Thursday - April 29, 2004 - was the night for the 25th Anniversary Show
of the Handy Awards. This is when The Blues Foundation honors the best
artists and performers in Blues music. There is no other event that brings
together so many of the world's top Blues musicians, fans, and industry
people in one place.
The festivities actually began the previous night at the Downtown Marriott
Hotel for the Charter Members dinner, the Blues Hall of Fame inductions,
and the Post-Dinner Jam. The Charter Members are individuals that have
contributed to The Blues Foundation, giving a significant amount of money
to the cause. The Blues Foundation organizes many important events, including
the International Blues Challenge (IBC), BluesFirst, The Keeping The Blues
Alive (KBA) Awards, and Blues In The Schools, in addition to the Handy
Awards and the Blues Hall of Fame.
The current Charter Members are Donovan Allen, Robert Blake, Betsie Brown,
Elizabeth Drewry, Chip Eagle, Roger and Joey Fink, Jesse Finkelstein,
John Groff, Larry Jordan, Chris Sabie, Shonda Warner, and Lindy Wilson.
Almost all were in attendance, along with their guests and many of the
Handy Award nominees. It was my distinct privilege to accompany Chip Eagle,
the publisher of BluesWax and Blues Revue, to the ceremony. It was a pleasure
to share a table with the likes of Handy nominees Duke Robillard and Bobby
Rush in an intimate and fun setting.
After enjoying a delicious meal, Jim O'Neal - the founding editor of Living
Blues magazine and chairman of the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame committee
- took to the podium and began to introduce this year's HOF inductees.
The performers honored this year were Blind Boy Fuller and Bo Diddley.
The inductee in this year's non-performer category was J. Mayo Williams,
who produced and recorded many of the top names in the Blues scene, from
Ma Rainey and Blind Lemon Jefferson to Louis Jordan and Muddy Waters.
Slim Harpo was recognized for his classic album, Raining In My Heart,
and Jimmy Reed's son and daughter were both on hand to accept the award
for their father, for "Baby What You Want Me To Do," as a classic
Blues track.
After these relative formal proceedings, it was then time to let our collective
hair down and go downstairs to the Trolley Stop Bar for the jam hosted
by Memphis' own Billy Gibson Band. Billy Gibson is an exceptional harp
player who led his four-piece band and really began to shine as various
players and singers made their way to the "stage" in the corner
of the room. Some of the Handy nominees that performed include Duke Robillard,
E.G. Kight, and Sonny Rhodes, the latter commanding the room with his
strong voice and style. Alan Hill (of Bettye Lavette's band) and John
Lee Sanders (the composer of the Handy-nominated "Foreclosure On
The House Of Love" by Marcia Ball) were among those that manned the
keyboards. Both are fine singers, as well.
Barbara Blue of Memphis and Michelle Lundeen from San Diego (and editor
of the Blues Festival Guide) both showed they have what it takes in the
vocal department. (I enjoyed backing Michelle on guitar at the Rum Boogie
Café the following Sunday with Billy Gibson.) Speaking of backing
someone up, I grabbed a guitar for Nick Curran's last song at the Trolley
Stop, before Billy and crew finished up the night with a funky harp workout.
(Curran would go on to win the Handy Award for Best New Artist Debut for
his Doctor Velvet album on Blind Pig Records.)
So that was Wednesday night at the Marriott and now it's time to get to
the Handy Award ceremony on Thursday. After picking up some more film
to feed my camera, I rode the trolley down Main Street to the Convention
Center with BluesWax Photo Editors, Scott Allen and Jen Taylor of VividPix
(Jen did the phenomenal job of designing and producing the commemorative
Handy program). We spotted our good buddy and one of our favorite singer/guitarists,
Reverend Raven from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After exchanging greetings with
Rev and his wife, we entered the building and were fairly overwhelmed
by all of the familiar faces and got to meet many new ones, too. It felt
like a real homecoming of sorts and the phrase "Blues Heaven"
would be uttered several times. 2004 International Blues Challenge winners,
Zac Harmon & the Mid-South Blues Revue, provided a hot set of music
while we waited for the ceremony to begin.
After some serious (and not-so-serious) mingling and checking out the
impressive items in the silent auction, we made our way into the ballroom
to find our tables. Scenes from past ceremonies were playing on the two
large screens flanking both sides of the large stage and the music was
a genuine treat, as was the dinner of ribs, chicken, and tasty side dishes.
Before long, The Michael Burks Band was introduced to the stage and the
show got off to a blazing start. In my four or five years of attending
the Handys, I don't recall as many nominees on hand to perform during
the ceremony as this year. They kept coming all night long, into the wee
hours of the morning.
The incredible almost-91-year-old Pinetop Perkins joined Burks and his
band for a light-hearted romp on the big blue piano provided by Baldwin,
one of the major sponsors, along with Gibson Guitars. It was cool to see
the younger Burks respectfully backing the venerable Pinetop. Mr. Perkins
would go on to receive the Handy Award for Traditional Blues Male Artist
of the Year.
Eddie Shaw joined Willie Kent & the Gents for some Chicago-style Blues.
Then Rory Block plucked and pounded her guitar for an incredible version
of Son House's "Preachin' Blues," before being joined by Eric
Bibb (who did House's "John The Revelator"), and then Maria
Muldaur (who sang Bessie Smith's "Lonesome Desert Blues"). They
then all sang "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down"
from their excellent Sisters and Brothers album.
E.G. Kight performed a couple of nice tunes, including the title track
from her Southern Comfort album. I can see why the song was nominated
for a Handy; with lyrics like "If you're reaching for the bottle
/ maybe you should be reaching for me / My love is 100 proof / Southern
Comfort is what you need."
Mark Lemhouse performed a tune by the late Rockabilly legend, Charlie
Feathers, before Bonnie Tallman gave an impassioned speech about why we
should support The Blues Foundation and the Blues artists we love. Her
refrain was "Buy, don't burn," referring to the concept of actually
supporting the artists instead of obtaining their music for free.
Kim Wilson was up next on stage and he tore it up. Wilson led his band,
which featured guitarist Troy Gonyea, pianist Gene Taylor, and drummer
Richard Innes, through some tunes that brought some of the crowd to the
dance floor. Then it was a sudden shift of gears as Fruteland Jackson
sang a powerful work song, followed by "Lonely Traveler," his
moving tribute to the recently deceased Jimmy Lee Robinson.
E.C. Scott and her band, Smoke, featuring the funky rhythm section of
drummer Tony "T.C." Carton and bassist Larry "Hump"
Humphrey, teamed up with Little Milton for an entertaining set. Otis Taylor
provided the next sudden contrast with his mesmerizing style, accompanied
by his cello player. Then Bettye Lavette grabbed the crowd and showed
why it's a wonderful thing to have her back in the limelight. Her acceptance
speech for Comeback Album of the Year was heartfelt and very emotional.
I'm sure there were many teary eyes in the large room.
Chip Eagle presented the last award of the evening, Best New Artist Debut,
to Nick Curran & the Nitelifes, and then it was time to hear a series
of short sets by more of the nominees. Bobby Rush with Alvin Youngblood
Hart, Charlie Musselwhite, and Andra Faye preceded the appearance by Reneé
Austin, who began with a stirring a cappella version of "Amazing
Grace," before rockin' things out with a couple tunes from her Sweet
Talk album. Since she added guitarist "Baby Jake" Torkelson
and keyboardist Jon "J.C." Coleman in the last year, her live
performances have become special events, her band matching her own considerable
talents.
Blind Pig Records has to be proud to have added both Reneé and
Nick Curran to their roster of recording artists. They were both up for
Best New Artist Debut and Curran took the top honors. His band was up
next and they gave the audience an added surprise with a couple go-go
dancers. Their campy look and moves helped give Nick's set an even livelier
feel than normal, but Curran and crew can generate a lot of heat and fire
on their own. However, the close proximity of one of the dancers gave
bassist Preston Hubbard an ear-to-ear smile that was priceless. Hubbard
used to play with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and it was a reunion of sorts
when Kim Wilson joined them, along with current T-Bird, Gene Taylor, for
a rowdy rendition of "True Love Is Hard To Find."
Just when you were thinking the energy level couldn't get any higher,
Henry Butler took over. His band of talented players was thumping right
behind him every step of the way and the dance floor stayed full with
shakin' bodies. I've been saying this ever since I first saw Henry play
live a few years ago and, no offense to Butler's fellow New Orleans compatriot
Dr. John for winning the Handy award for keyboards, but if Henry Butler
isn't the best damn Blues-based piano player on the planet, I don't know
shit about the subject and should give up this line of work. 'Nuff said...
This incredible night of live performances finished up with some more
fine music from Ellis Hooks with Deborah Coleman, Calvin Owens, Sonny
Rhodes, Jimmy Burns, and Nick Moss & the Fliptops, respectively. Nick's
beautiful wife Kate wasn't on bass this time around, as she was due to
give birth to their baby at any time. You gotta give it up for Nick for
hangin' in for the long haul on this special night while his mind had
to be on Kate and the baby. We wish them all well.
19. FOLK ART FESTIVAL IN ATLANTA (courtesy Paul Flack)...
Fest 04' ~ Folk Art Festival
~ Honoring Howard Finster ~
Saturday, May 22nd & Sunday, May 23rd ~ 10am ~ 6pm
Outdoors at the Spruill Gallery, 4861 Ashford Dunwoody Road
1 Mile North of Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, GA
90+ Incredible Artists
Performance Art, Live Music ~ Art Cars ~ Food (Free Starbucks Coffee and
MoonPies)
PLUS...... The Worlds LARGEST Moon Pie!!!!! (Saturday @ 1:00pm)
AUCTION To Benefit Paradise Gardens!!! > Collaborative Artists Piece
of
Howard Finster Replica ! Stop by & Bid on this piece!
Log on to: www.whohadada.com and follow the links for Who-Fest [04] for
more and more and more.
20. OIL CAN GUITARS FROM AFRICA (courtesy of Cat Head customer Dave P.)...
http://www.africanguitars.com
21. RECENT "BLUES DIVA" DEBORAH COLEMAN'S NEW CD...
A star of Ground Zero's recent "Blues Divas" show, Ms. Coleman
has a new CD coming out on May 25th. It's called "What About Love?"
At her Ground Zero concert, she did an instrumental number from it.
22. SHAMELESS PROMOTION FOR CAT HEAD...
- Check out "Cat Head's Delta" column in the new King Biscuit
Time magazine. You can also pick up a FREE copy of the latest issue at
Cat Head, or subscribe at www.kingbiscuittime.com/magazine.html (Also,
if you buy something via the mail, remind me, and I'll try to include
a free copy.)
- Tune into 1450AM or www.wroxblues.com to listen to the Cat Head Delta
Blues Hour every Saturday from 5pm-6pm CST. SPONSORED BY: Fiser Insurance,
Inc. of Clarksdale. Call Jimmy Wilson for auto, home and business quotes
at 662-627-4126. He insures Cat Head. Let him insure you!
---------
THANKS!