Founded 1963 Relaunched 2019. The Postmodern South.
Month: <span>June 2011</span>
Month: June 2011

Kenny Brown, the “adopted son” of R. L. Burnside, and an organizer of the Hill Country Picnic gets the crowd on their feet dancing. June 25, 2011

Preserving the Endangered Fife and Drum Music Tradition in Mississippi

Few musical experiences can compare to the raw power of African-American fife and drum music. Unfortunately, this musical style once found throughout the south is now found only amongst the members of one extended family in Panola County, Mississippi. Sharde Thomas upholds the legacy of her grandfather Otha Turner and his Rising Star Fife and Drum Band. They will be holding their annual picnic on the last weekend of August at Gravel Springs outside of Como, Mississippi.

Duwayne Burnside and his band take the stage at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic at Foxfire Ranch, Waterford, Mississippi, June 25, 2011

The legendary T Model Ford celebrated his 91st birthday Friday night at Two Stick in Oxford, and was at the Hill Country Picnic Saturday motivating the crowd. Although he claims a stroke hampers his playing, he is so amazing that it’s hard to imagine that he has lost any quickness at all. After his set, a  fan told him “You’re tough!” and he replied “I know I am!”

Day 2 of the sixth annual North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic got under way at Foxfire Ranch in Waterford, Mississippi around 4 PM yesterday.

T-Model Ford, who celebrated his 91st birthday yesterday takes the stage at the Hill Country Picnic

On the last day of SUMC, I had a business lunch meeting with Smurf, AKA Mr. Colli Park at Strip, the elegant steakhouse in Atlantic Station, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Atlanta. 

Babs is a jewel of a brunch cafe, tucked away on Jupiter Street in Midtown Atlanta and easy to miss. But you shouldn’t miss it, because the breakfast is outstanding, and the coffee, a brand called Torrie from Italy, is truly amazing.