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Strength from the Old Ways
Music, motherhood, quilts and homemade pickles define Valley Gordon. Her worn guitar case proudly displays a sticker that reads "Old Time Music." Gordon, 34, has played guitar since she was 15.
The Search is Over
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 21, the normally "reserved and nonchalant" Jason "PyInfamous" Thompson was concerned and nervous. The Jackson MC had just put the last 10 days of his life into relentlessly pursuing a specific goal with only one desired outcome: winning the Coors Light "Search for the Coldest MC" contest.
A Rocker's Lament
I received a Facebook message the other day from a guy I'll call Rocker99. His letter was pretty critical, citing he never sees me at any shows in Jackson, or any of his band's shows, for that matter, as well as many other expressive forms of criticism.
Kosher Gospel
A young, black man dressed in an embroidered jacket sits at the piano. He belts out a gospel tune in layers of emotion. Sweat pours down his face as he sings a familiar--but not instantly recognizable--religious song with a multi-textured and robed back-up choir.
Paul Collins and the Power of Pop
Music fans around the world admire Paul Collins, but he's not sitting still to receive their praise. The New York City-based guitarist and singer has been recording and performing for more than 30 years, and is still most often found on stage. Collins plays power pop, a genre he helped develop in the late 1970s that focuses on strong melodies and high energy. But while many of his early contemporaries have scaled back their musical work, Collins just keeps getting busier.
Festival Fall
As a teacher, I dread the beginning of school because of the whirlwind craziness. Thank goodness it only lasts for a couple of weeks. Then I'm in my routine, and everything is much more relaxed. On the plus side, I get so excited to know that fall—my favorite season—is just around the corner.
Fighting Stereotypes
Country-music fans wearing in cowboy boots, hats and tight jeans walked into the Mississippi Coliseum. The dim room did not dull the crowd's excitement. Restless Heart would play later. A Mississippi band, Crossin Dixon would open for the popular county act. Pete Castorena, promoter and showman, walked on stage and introduced the Mississippians. The crowd roared.
Fear and Loathing at Sneaky Fest
The following account may or may not be a truthful re-telling of my day at Sneaky Fest Aug. 27, 2011.
What I Did on My Summer Vacation
Sure, summer is not officially over. In fact, it is nowhere near being over in any real sense of the word. As those of us who have spent sizeable amounts of time in Mississippi know, our relief will not come until October—if we're lucky.
Open to Local
"Spacewolf," released in May 2011, is the first album of the band Spacewolf, made up of guitarist-vocalist Drew McKercher, bassist Don Hawkins and drummer Murph Caicedo.
Lyrics of the Spirit
Looking for ways to uplift your spirit and stir your soul this summer? Check out these upcoming Christian music concerts at local and nearby venues.
Mississippi and the Grammys
On Aug. 8 at Hal and Mal's, I had the chance to attend a meet-and-greet with the Memphis chapter of The Recording Academy, whose members decide who receives Grammy awards each year. It was an opportunity for those in the local and state music scene to pitch ideas and attain career advice from some heavy hitters in the industry.
Zoo Brings Tour to Jackson
When they perform, the visual is as interesting as the sound. With a stage full of shiny instruments, Ammo Eisu and Andy Tisdall of the band Zoo put on a loud, physical show, leaving many surprised that two people can make so much noise.
‘The Beat in Herbert Brown's Head'
Before we get started, I have to open up with a bit of disclosure. The topic of this week's column, Herbert Brown, aka James Crow, aka The Ugly Poet, aka Satchel Page, aka Stogey Woods, depending on the situation, is a good friend of mine.
The Healing Power of Music
Ten years ago, my world was forever changed when my ex-boyfriend decided if I didn't want to be with him, he would teach me a lesson by coming to my house, beating me and sexually assaulting me. That was the worst day of my life.
Music that Matters
Micah Smith is doing something many want to do. He has shut up, and he has written. He is following his dream. This self-taught guitarist-singer-songwriter is becoming what many adults dream about—a star. He moves people—not in the sense of furniture— but in the realm of telling stories that matter through his writing and music.
‘Grey Skies' Clearing
Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin, aka Kaz, is many things to many people: husband, father, advocate for Jackson, columnist for this paper, rapper, business owner, activist and a member of the Kiss Army. Wait, what?
Locking Into the Rhythm
Bill Abel stands alone with his blues. The 48-year-old Delta resident (a Belzoni native, now living in Duncan) performs as a one-man band, playing electric guitar, singing, and keeping rhythm by playing drums and cymbals with his feet.
The Go-To Guy
Every town has that guy, the one you go to who gets things done. He's the man everyone turns to when they have problems. In Seville, he happens to be the barber.
Kerry-ed Away
I'll never forget the first time I saw Kerry Thomas, known as KT on stage, perform live at Dreamz JXN for Forever Friday. It was Sept. 10, 2010. Alone on stage with only an acoustic guitar and a microphone, he captivated a very vocal contingent of female audience members with his soulful renditions of Musiq Soulchild songs.