#12 Whitehaven Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The Whitehaven Band marches into Melrose Stadium in Orange Mound, Memphis at Melrose Homecoming, October 14, 2011
#12 Whitehaven Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
The Whitehaven Band marches into Melrose Stadium in Orange Mound, Memphis at Melrose Homecoming, October 14, 2011
Toward the end of the third quarter of the Melrose High School homecoming game, I realized that I needed to head on out of town if I wanted to get to Pine Bluff, Arkansas by 5 PM for the UAPB/Southern game, so I walked back to my car and rode out.
Melrose High School had their homecoming game against Whitehaven on Saturday in Orange Mound, and not only was the weather perfect for football, but the atmosphere was like a college game, with both sides of the stadium packed, and two of the best high school marching bands in the stands. Across the street at the Orange Mound Community Center, the Melrose Class of 1981 was having a tailgate/picnic with a DJ, and when the bands weren’t playing, the sounds of Frankie Beverly and Maze and Willie Hutch drifted across the street along with the smells of barbecue. A perfect football day, except that Melrose was down 49 to nothing at the half.
Last night was also my first time hearing the North Mississippi All-Stars in person. Luther Dickinson has clearly absorbed the North Mississippi hill country blues tradition in his playing, while brother Cody’s drumming shows the influence of African-American fife-and-drum bands. Their enjoyable set was followed by Mojo Nixon and the Yalobushwackers.
Gary and Duwayne Burnside helped me get backstage at the Jim Dickinson Festival Monday night, while Son of Mudboy was on stage. They were followed by Jimbo Mathus and the Tri-State Coalition.
Monday night September 19, 2011 was the occasion for a remarkable Memphis music concert at the Levitt Shell in honor of the late legendary Memphis producer and musician Jim Dickinson. The threat of rain didn’t deter anyone, and the event got underway with a set from Son of Mudboy, the successor to Memphis’ legendary Mudboy and the Neutrons.
The Tennessee Mass Choir is one of Memphis’ finest gospel choirs, and their performance at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival was especially noteworthy, with legendary drummer Edward “Hot” Cleveland and bassist Jackie Clark backing them up. The rain could not dampen their enthusiasm, and it was a masterful performance.
#40 James Sexton-Drum Solo.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
Memphis drummer James Sexton takes a solo during the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival September 3, 2011
DJ Paul Vol. 16 Release Party @ Juicy J’s Place, 1994
Last night was a great night for football, with the weather cool and pleasant, and I headed down to historic Booker T. Washington Stadium for the Mitchell vs. Manassas game. Unfortunately, there was no band battle, because only Manassas brought their band, but Manassas looks as if they may be on the way to rebuilding their band program. We also had to contend with annoying, dive-bombing insects of some sort that would drop out of the sky on us or at least near us. But I still had fun.