Ellington

I know, I know. I’m sure you’re thinking that I, Nat Long, have fallen into the ever-so-trendy trend of “30 Days of Thankfulness” started on Facebook and Twitter. It’s true. While I was posting my thankful statuses daily at the beginning of November, I began to think about the things I’m thankful for as the music listings editor of the Jackson Free Press—such as the staff for putting up with me (thanks, y’all, jewels in your crown when you get to heaven)—and getting to meet a lot of the great bands and entertainers who have made their way to Jackson.

So, after a brainstorm session on what I’m thankful for in the Jackson music scene, this is what I came up with (and in no particular order):

• As the music listings editor, I am thankful for bands that have names that are easy to spell and do not blow my spell check all to pieces.

• To the singers and songwriters in this town who continue to amaze me with their talent, thank you for the CDs. Keep ’em coming!

• I’m thankful for the wonderful bands that are putting the City with Soul on the map as a place where the music scene is thriving. Other bands from all over this great land are making it a point to stop here and perform. Hopefully, we’re just not the bathroom stop between Memphis and New Orleans anymore, or at least if we are, the bands will stick around to hear some local live music.

• I appreciate the bands and musicians who are grateful for the Jackson Free Press’ coverage of their work and accomplishments and new CD press releases. It makes everyone’s jobs here easier when we work together for the common good of music.

• I’m thankful for the wonderfully talented musicians, singers and bands who, while they are the city’s darlings of our music scene, are still sincerely humble about their successes and leave their egos at the house (or haven’t one at all). Mad props to you.

• Thank you, Hal & Mal’s, for allowing me to host Singers/Songwriters Night. It has been an honor to get to listen to so many of our state’s great acts, as well as help budding singers/songwriters to get their own Mississippi homemade music out to the masses. Again, thank you!

• To all the music promoters throughout the state who are bringing an eclectic mix of music to Jackson and to Mississippi, I can pretty much tell you that not only am I thankful for you, slews of Mississippi music lovers are thankful for you, too!

• I’m very thankful for the many bars and venues here in Jackson (new and old) who support local and national acts on a weekly basis.

• To the North Midtown Arts Center, thank you for hosting not only arts events, but also 4 the Record, vinyl swaps and many other events that bring surrounding communities together.

• I’m thankful for Morningbell Records for giving Jackson musicians a place to record and collaborate with other artists, bringing in regional acts as well as sharing the talent we have here, and providing a place for music lovers to hang out who may not be into the bar scene.

• I’m thankful for Brad “Kamikaze” Franklin (entrepreneur and Jackson Free Press columnist), who hosts GenerationNXT Indie concerts to showcase up-and-coming hip-hop artists in Jackson and throughout the South.

• Thanks to the all the venues and the hosts and hostesses of open-mic nights in Jackson who help singers/songwriters get exposure in our city’s music scene.

• I’m thankful for musicians who come together and play for free at benefits—not only for charitable causes, such as Wellsfest, Chick Ball or Operation Shoestring, but for other musicians who are sick, have ailing family members who need help with medical bills, and for honoring musicians who have lost their battles with whatever diseases they were afflicted with.

• I’m truly thankful for all the music fans and supporters of the city’s music scene. Without you, this town would be dead for sure.

There you have it, Jackson. Go out and support local live music!