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A Bottle Opener and a Band
Although Jacksonians know the Church Keys for their fun performances and eccentric humor, their rare and custom-made instruments convey their musical depth and acute focus.
Schoolhouse Rock
Many musicians here live an almost "Hannah Montana" lifestyle—going to school daily as a teacher, yet rocking the masses at night. I've been teaching 11 years in the Jackson metro area, and even my one-man band Clinton started out as a teacher.
For the State
As a former roller-derby queen, I admire those who've picked up the hobby and talent of skating, whether as an eight-wheeled mafia (aka roller-derby team), by inline skating or executing moves such as the kick flip on skateboards.
Don't Bogart That Gig, My Friend
Back in the fall, a musician friend of mine asked me to give him my contacts for different venues locally and statewide so that he could try to get some gigs. Long before I became the music listings editor for the JFP, I was already honing my chops at booking and promoting shows for Clinton and me.
Reppin' Christ
Samuel Roberson, 18, is an average teenager in a blue, yellow and gray polo shirt with a khaki cap on his head and John Hersey's "Hiroshima" in his hand. He wants to go to college and major in sports medicine. He's a football fan, but he's also a local gospel rapper, Sam-U-El, who wants to share the message of the Bible with the world.
‘The Other Side of Jackson'
On April 3, DJ Young Venom and I were standing in the parking lot outside the North Midtown Arts Center watching Bob "Scrap Diggy" Nichols spin soulful house music on a pleasant Sunday evening to a sizeable gathering of many of Jackson's coolest folks.
I-55, Revisited
Better Than Ezra burst onto the national rock scene in 1995 with the hit single, "Good." Formed while its members attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1988, Better Than Ezra has been a rock staple for more than 20 years. The band rolls into Jackson May 14 for a show at Fire.
Soccer's Inspirations
Watching Euro 2012 is interesting, and not just from a sports standpoint. The soccer has been great, of course, but the history and traditions of the teams in this tournament are captivating as well. Two examples stood out for me as I watched some of the best soccer teams in the world battle for bragging rights in Europe.
Mississippi Gal, Louisiana Bluesman
The neon signs from the neighboring buildings reflected a soft pink glow on the concrete and illuminated Guitar Lightnin' Lee's face, as he stood in front of the Hi Ho Lounge. With his signature western shirt, black with white ruffles and white hat, he leaned back with one leg propped against the rusty brick wall, cigarette in one hand and lighter in the other.
Off Kilter Love
The best part about the Valentine's Day season is the music. Popular culture has provided us with an endless number of songs that deal with love, given the fact that love is excruciatingly indefinable, yet always tantalizingly within our reach.
On the Record
In this new world of instant, digital and more-often-than-should-be free music, there's a group of music lovers who continue to cling to their vinyl records. These types spend hours getting their fingers dusty in thrift stores, used record shops, garage sales and wherever else their search leads them.
Tugging the Harp Strings
Music is an undeniable part of Mississippi's culture, so much so that the state brands itself the "Birthplace of America's Music." Mississippi transplant Kristi Flake wants to add another element to the Magnolia State's rich musical heritage: the harp.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
I always have a beard, but I decided not to trim it for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Next year, I'll challenge the JFP guys to grow playoff beards with me and see which is best.
‘I Didn't Have a Clue'
Desmeon Thomas lived a different life before 2002, one filled with the idolization of money, cars and jewelry. After he graduated from Murrah High School in 2001, he became involved in a gang and looked up to older gang members, intending to follow in their footsteps.
21st Century Spirit
"All Day" by Girl Talk is the latest entry in what is rapidly becoming "the" sound of the 21st century. The mash-up fits perfectly in a society where everything competes for attention in a machine-gun blast of information and advertising.
Musical Field Trips
Happy New Year to you music lovers, you!
It's Christmas, Pretty Baby
Christmas is here! Seeing the beautiful houses and downtown businesses in the city adorned with lights and hearing the "Merry Christmas, Jackson" compilation CD made by local bands has put me in a festive mood.
Punchlines and Paranoia
Cause for rejoice and revelry is here at last, for the faithful and neophyte alike.
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?
When ever I'm driving down to Hattiesburg for gigs, I always enjoy listening to the local radio stations. My favorite on the FM dial is Super Country 99.1. They play all the classic country songs my daddy (pronounced "deddy") and I listened to while I was growing up in Bogue Chitto, Miss.
This Foley Can Jump
I sat in the Mississippi Basketball and Athletics center watching Jackson's new American Basketball Association team hold its first tryouts with a nice turnout of about 18 to 20 players on March 24. All hoped to continue their basketball careers and become an inaugural member of the Jackson Showboats.