When I got to Pine Bluff, the UAPB Marching Musical Machine of the Midsouth was marching into the stadium. The weather was great, and I thought I was in for a great game and a great band battle. Unfortunately, I soon learned that Southern University didn’t bring their band, so there was no battle. I left after the third quarter and grabbed a dinner in donwtown Pine Bluff, and just at the right time, evidently, because later I learned that the football game had ended in a series of brawls that led to tear gas being sprayed and people having to be hospitalized.
events
Melrose Homecoming 2011 in Orange Mound, Memphis
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 Homecoming vs. Whitehaven in Orange Mound, 2011
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.
Memphis Music Foundation and Select-O-Hits’ Plug In Memphis Reception 9/30/11
At the Memphis Music Foundation and Select-O-Hits’ Plug In Memphis reception, Friday September 30, 2011
The Young Men Olympian Second-Line In Front of the Dew Drop Inn 2011
Many of the uptown projects in New Orleans have been torn down and replaced by modern-looking townhomes, but the residents still poured out onto front porches and lawns to see the second-line as it passed down LaSalle Avenue. Over to my left I spied the legendary Dew Drop Inn, an African-American nightclub and hotel that launched the careers of many great musicians and singers. Although closed since Katrina, the sturdy building survived the monster storm, and there is talk of renovation and reopening. Turning onto Louisiana Avenue, we came to Big Man Lounge, apparently a known gathering spot for brass bands and second-liners. Here the bands actually came to a stop, and the members of the Young Men Olympian disappeared inside the lounge for a rest and a refreshment. Hearing my name called, I turned around to see Edward Jackson, the trombonist with To Be Continued who was marching today with the Hot 8, who gathered out in the neutral ground of Louisiana Avenue near the lounge.
Urban Music Showcases at @CuttingEdgeNOLA
My friend Rico Brooks, who manages Gorilla Zoe, was in New Orleans for the Cutting Edge conference, and after we ate dinner at the Steak Knife, we headed over to Le Roux on Louisiana Avenue for the conference’s rap and R & B showcases. The hip-hop performances upstairs had ended early due to some artists on the line-up that failed to appear, but the R & B/soul showcases were still going on downstairs, including the Austin-based band Neckbone.
North Mississippi Allstars Featuring @LutherDickinson @CodyDickinson at the Jim Dickinson Folk Fest
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.
Backstage with Gary and Duwayne Burnside at the Jim Dickinson Festival, Levitt Shell, Memphis
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.
Jim Dickinson Folk Festival at the @LevittShell, Overton Park, Memphis, 2011
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.
Tennessee Mass Choir at the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival 2011
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.