Ellington

"Man, I started listening to Dr. Dog back when they were in residency."

"Yes, ma'am. Is it possible to purchase the Sisqo Reunion tickets here?

"I can't play at kids' birthday parties anymore," said R. Kelly.

"Sorry, folks, no autographs," said Charlie Mars when asked to sign his credit card receipt.

"Ma'am, I can't find the Kazaam Original Soundtrack."

"Are y'all out of Shark Sandwich?"

"Could you please direct me to the website which will allow me to download all of these CDs for free?"

"iTunes is for people who are too stupid to figure out how to download music illegally."
"Dude, I use iTunes."
"Check your ears, brah, I said Zune. People who use Zune."

"My parents were really afraid of Marilyn Manson. Then 9/11 happened and it made Marilyn Manson look like Raggedy Ann."
.......................

Jackson, MS, preferably Fondren or Belhaven, needs street musicians. I enjoy Saturday mornings coasting down the streets of New Orleans hearing the muffled sounds of creole-jazz bouncing off the walls of dilapidated brick buildings. The same could be found in downtown Jackson along Farish Street. Or really anywhere in this fine city.

I remember competing for first chair in the trombone section when I was in middle school. By the time I reached 7th grade, I was unable to play because every male had a defining choice: "Will you play football or will you remain in the band, girly man?" It was impossible to participate in both due to school policy.

I chose seventh-string wide receiver.

I have since hung up my cleats and my pine-splintered pants and adjusted to sitting on my couch during heart-wrenching athletic contests. Surprise, surprise. Yet, I do wish I could pick up a trombone again and wail away at "Louie, Louie."

If I were to pass McDade's Market or the Orange Peel and happen upon a street musician or street magician, I would not mock the performer. I would gladly watch him/her and perhaps drop a few dollars. Music brightens my day. I sing in the shower often; it brightens my day.

Jackson, in my opinion, is the epicenter of this great state. It should be a center of music as well. I dare someone to tell me they don't want musicians brightening their day as they walk to work or lunch.
Come all. Play your hearts out.