Estragon
9 posts
Jan 20, 2016
5:37 AM
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Hi all,
I'm based in the UK and am making my first trip to the USA later on this year. I'm very excited! I've stops arranged in Memphis, Clarksdale, Greenwood, Nashville and Tupelo.
As a blues fan and player there's a lot I want to take in but with limited time I'd love to hear from you guys some recommended places to go and things to see or do near or in any of the above places.
I'm not really that interested in Elvis and it seems my stop over in Tupelo is quite focused around him, can anyone recommend any more blues based activities there or in drivable distance (I will have a car!).
Any recommendations hugely appreciated!
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Bilzharp
120 posts
Jan 20, 2016
7:41 AM
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I get where you're coming from but I'd suggest you open your mind to at least some of the Elvis thing. He's pretty significant. Maybe research a little of his early stuff before you come over. That way you won't be kicking yourself in a couple of years saying "I was right there and didn't take advantage of it."
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6SN7
633 posts
Jan 20, 2016
8:21 AM
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Please, the Elvis thing is a complete waste of time. Nothing to see there, just a bunch of tacky crap.
Clarksdale, check out Deak Harp's shop, Red's and the other clubs. Worth spending the night.
Memphis, worth a night, BBQ, Beale street, a lot of fun.
Greenwood, I don't remeber much there, I use to work in Greenville, that was ok, Nelson St was where the blues scene was but that was a while ago.
Nashville: big music scene, do your homework online, lots of clubs and venues.
I am sure others can weigh in better on this.
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Slobberslinger
12 posts
Jan 20, 2016
9:05 AM
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you probably are already aware of Jon Gindicks Harmonica Jam Camps held in Clarksdale three times a year.
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kudzurunner
5854 posts
Jan 20, 2016
9:55 AM
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If you're in Mississippi on a Sunday, go to Foxfire Ranch in Waterford, MS between 4 and 9 PM, hungry enough to devour Annie Hollowell's soul food. You'll always hear great music there, spring through fall, and have a great time.
It's about 8 miles south of Holly Springs, on Rt. 7.
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Estragon
10 posts
Jan 25, 2016
1:21 AM
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Thanks for all the above. I really appreciate it.
I'm thinking maybe after Greenwood of heading to Bentonia or West Point. Anyone checked out the Howlin Wolf museum there?
And yes, will do a little Elvis in passing, I'm not disinterested just there are many more things I prefer, as far as big stars go then Johnny Cash is more my man but the blues players are way above all for me. Definitely more interested in seeking out Mississippi John Hurt, Fred McDowell, Muddy, Wolf, John Lee Hooker, and of course all the harp players too.
Interestingly it seems harps cost about half what they do over here so may need to save some room in my case to stock up too.
From your experiences, where are the best places to hear great music these days? I will be in Memphis and Nashville for a bit but then the rest of the time I will be cruising around Mississippi.
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jbone
2140 posts
Jan 25, 2016
3:26 AM
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King Biscuit Blues Fest, early October, Helena, Arkansas.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbTwvU-EN1Q
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Goldbrick
1282 posts
Jan 25, 2016
5:18 AM
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Leave Vladimir home. Bring some boots that fit.
Dont wait to long for Elvis in Memphis - hemight not show
Get meat and 3 and Chess pie at Arnold's in Nashville
Hit Broadway in Nashville ( check Ernest Tubb record shop for its history )
Get a pig ear sandwich slider at the Big Apple in Jackson Ms.
Our beer sucks our whiskey is primo and remember , American girls love a British accent
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