Travel

SXSW "Stay With The Group"

Last week, Austin was afloat with riches in music & talent at Threadgill's. The Music Fog stage churned like a well oiled machine. And so did Denise. She is the latest FNG at Music Fog. It was our 2nd time out to test drive Denise at events, and I must say that she was taking names and kicking serious ass while handing out the Pork Barrel BBQ Rub to anyone that liked to grill. She talked up our latest sponsor big time! Maybe too big, hell they started using it in the kitchen at Threadgill's to cook provisions for the crew. By the way, did you purchase from our sponsor yet? Click here for the sauce and rub you'll love to keep stocked at your house.

Here's my problem with Denise. She is very tall, and punches people she "likes." I obviously have become one of "those" people. My body is covered with bruises. Not only is she a "puncher," she also asks questions that you don't expect. Here is an example: "Are you getting enough goat?" What the hell kind of question is that? I'm not sure how much goat I should be having. And I'm not exactly sure why. I have had some goat in the past year...at least I'm pretty sure I have. But the later question begs for a bit of clarity. Why should I up my game with goat? Should I be eating the goat? Or is it something else with the bearded four legged mammal?

Denise is special. One night she shared her childhood "Band Camp Story." She suffered from Scoliosis at 15 and was forced to wear one of those combo neck & back braces. It was one of those "things" you might of seen other people strapped into after a car accident in the 60's. Really cruel stuff! So badly designed that I'm sure a federal mandate has made them illegal. You can't move your neck or head, and end up moving about like something from Dr. Frankenstein's lab. Denise also suffered from a case of pink eye after going to the pool that summer. So you can imagine how she must of felt after her wrist was taken softly and she was told to "stay with the group" when she found herself in a cafeteria amongst less fortunate kids than her that summer.

It was sad & funny at the same time. So funny that we fellow foggers found ourselves unable to eat after getting the picture in our heads. But we all might do well to follow the same advice Denise was given that day. "Stay with the group." Just go ahead and shuffle onto the bus. Maybe everyone will get as lucky as Denise did and end up on the Music Fog bus.

Thank you Denise. Your sense of humor and caring for the artists and crew is much appreciated. And you've given us an idea for the Music Fog T-shirt.

Stay with the group

-Beans

Po' Monkey's Social Club

We have made it. Deep in the heart of The Delta. Po' Monkey's in Merigold, Mississippi. Phil Lee and Tom Mason on stage. But somehow we don't have a back window in the vehicle anymore. Glass all over the back seat. It just up and shattered. We heard a pop, and then falling glass in chunks, and within 90 seconds it was gone!

I'm drinking a beer and pondering the Christmas lights twinkling inside plastic highball rocks glasses. There are assorted stuffed monkeys hanging from the ceiling. Mr. Seaberry has been here running this juke joint in a cotton field since he was a teenager. Some 53 years ago. This here is the real deal. Off Highway 61. Yeah THAT highway. I took the trip down through the Mississippi Delta a few months ago when I moved from DC to Austin. Coming back today, it started snowing just after we crossed the river. Mississippi River, that is. I feel the ghosts of this place. For anyone who cares about music that wakes emotions, a journey to The Delta is essential. And Po' Monkey's is a must. Get it while you can!

-Jessie