Back to Me.

I have heard it before. You ever go to a concert and want to hear that "one song?"

I think there was one song that I really wanted to hear on this trip. "Back to Me." She played it. I used to play this one on radiomargaritaville during my show. My how time flies by. It was a great night. Go see this show if you can. Great stuff!

http://www.kathleenedwards.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo7HvUlrGe4

've got ways to make you sorry
start my life with someone else
I've got ways to make you fall
I'll tell you all the things that I lied about
I've got ways to make you mad
Laughing at the girl sitting on your lap
I've got ways to make you sing my songs
Ones I ain't written yet.

A Group Shot!

A the show was winding down all three of the performers got together and played a couple of nice closing songs. They are all very talented and constantly switched instruments. A very nice evening. You should go see Kathleen if you have the chance. And of course listening to Clare play is a very nice evening as well.

Colin Cripps!

Colin Cripps. http://www.myspace.com/sircolincripps
Kathleen's husband and the guy playing guitar on stage. He was quite the player. I have to say I enjoyed the whole thing. Awesome stuff.

Finally Kathleen Edwards.

Kathleen talking and tuning her guitar. I took over 400 pictures with my new camera about 20 feet from the stage. The pair on stage moved so much in the low light conditions they were a blur though my lens. What I captured in my memory was the fact that Kathleen strikes me as a very happy person. She was constantly looking at her husband on guitar eye to eye with an expression of deep love. They were married in 2004 and I don't think the honeymoon is over.

I said "Finally" in the title of this post as I have been waiting years to see her. Kathleen doesn't tour much down this way as she is from Canada. The sold-out weekday crowd blew her away with the response in between songs. We were VERY loud. She said something to the effect that she should have been back sooner than nine years ago. The crowd was very awesome and so was her set on stage.

Clare Burson!

Clare was very original. I really liked her songs and her new cd which I have in my hand as I write this. She has a new song that is not yet recorded that I made her promise to send me when it is.... An awesome song about "Summer Heat" that just took me somewhere in the deep South a long time ago... She was that good. Thanks Clare...for a memorable evening.....

Tess and the Arts Center in Carrboro.

Here's Tess introducing the show. If she is not booking the fabulous acts she is taking up tickets at the door or introducing the bands on stage. I really like this lady. A super nice person she is also a very beautiful woman. If you want to play the Arts Center she is the one to talk to. I really appreciate all the talent she puts on our local stage. She is a perfect person for the job and I am glad to support places that employ people like her.

For concerts, concert publicity or questions about renting The ArtsCenter, contact Tess Mangum Ocaña, Concerts & Facility Director, concerts@artscenterlive.org.

http://www.artscenterlive.org/

The other night I went to see Kathleen Edwards...

...and I got to spend part of my evening listening to Clare Burson.

http://www.clareburson.com/

It was a very fine evening.

One Word. Fantastic!

Jimmy and the Parrots. These guys not only rock on stage but they also know how to put on one hell of a show.
I am not sure how many times I have seen them but I never tire of this band.

I stood on the front row the whole show and took pictures in between bouncing off a crowd that could not stop moving. We had a blast. It was a great way to close out "Stars Fell on Alabama Number 10."

Until next time, I'll see you, down the road.

JImmy and the Parrots at the Marina.

http://www.yeamon.com/

Jimmy and the Parrots on stage at Zeke's Marina. http://www.zekeslanding.com/

Phins at Lulu's

http://www.phinsband.com/

http://www.myspace.com/phinsband

This St. Louis based band sounds great. And as you can tell from this picture they rocked the place!

Biloxi Bobsled.

I have heard of a Conga Line but never a Biloxi Bobsled. It seems the objective here is to not move forward but to get as low as possible. Remember you can click on the photos to enlarge them.

Mike Broward.

http://www.musicmike.net/

Mike and me clowning around at Lulu's. He has a new cd out that you can check out on his web site. Whether he is playing with Stars on the Water or solo he is very good.

Food Break...LA Caviar.

Lower Alabama Caviar. One of my favorites. When I brag to my friends about how great the food is in this place I tell them you just have to come down and taste for yourself to believe how good it is.
As luck would have it, Lulu's owner, Lucy Buffett, was willing to share the recipe for one of her eatery's signature items that she often makes at home.

Prepared at the restaurant in 20-gallon batches, the recipe has evolved from one that Lucy discovered when John Coleman, whom she describes as "a barbecue aficionado, redneck lawyer and rogue gourmand," arrived at a party with a black-eyed pea dip.

After prying the recipe from her friend, Lucy gave it a twist or two of her own and thereby lay claim to the black-eyed pea concoction. Named L.A. caviar, a reference to her years in Los Angeles and her roots in Lower Alabama, the dip ($3.95) has been served since the original Lulu's Sunset Grill, opened on Week's Bay in 1999.

http://blog.al.com/scene/2008/04/food_detective_lulus_signature.html

Lucy Buffett & Friends.

Lulu came to the stage for some presentations and the next event which was a crazy hat contest. The frame Charlotte has in her hand is a framed 45 RPM vinyl copy of 'Stars Fell on Alabama" by Jimmy Buffett. This event is now ten years old! Nice job to all who work so hard to organize this event. A great job indeed.

Before you ask, the blue drink in Charlotte's hand is a "Jet Ski Killer" and the recipe is in Lucy's cookbook. I left that afternoon with a blue tongue myself.

Wind Power at Lulu's.

The Bama Breeze Bar is powered by the "Bama Breeze." I thought this was very cool. The morning I took this picture I walked over to Lucy Buffett who was waiting to take the stage for some presentations and had a chat with her for a few minutes. I asked about the story behind the wind power. She told me that the idea was to try to power the bar with wind power. They were generating enough power for the bar just using the wind.
I make it no secret I am a big environmentalist and I hope I live long enough to see the United States become energy independent from the rest of the worlds resources. Better yet let's hope the whole world lowers the carbon load while we still have time.
Like Lucy told me "Every little bit helps."

Lulu's Bama Breeze Bar

The next morning it was time to get up early and head over to Gulf Shores to Lulu's for what my friend Charlotte Skinner aka Mother Hen calls "The Unforgettable Experience."

Lulu's just keeps on expanding. A symbol of the success of the place, expansion is a good thing. I really liked this bar. More on that in the next picture.

http://www.lulusathomeport.com/

Stars on the Water...

http://www.starsonthewater.com/
Jerry Gontang on stage at the Flora Bama. Stars on the Water rocked the house.

Break a String?

Only at the Flora Bama....the place that makes sure you can finish your set when that pesky string breaks! When I saw this snack machine a big smile came on my face and the camera came out of my pocket for this photo. In case of emergency don't break the glass...

Calypso Nuts.

http://www.calypsonuts.com/

As soon as I walked into the Flora Bama I saw the Calypso Nuts on stage. They had the crowd dancing in no time. This pair had driven 16 hours with their gear and setup the stage with their elaborate Bose sound system but they played like they were well-rested. They always do a great job.

The Flora Bama.

http://www.florabama.com/

By the time the sun began to set we were all migrating a couple of miles to the east to the Flora Bama. There were multiple bands playing in different parts of the building. As you can see from the picture I shot as I walked in this place is a 'dive." But it is always fun and the place is always packed. It wasn't long before I had a Po Boy sandwich and a beer in my hand surrounded by friends.

At the Bama Breeze
You're one of our own down there
You never drink alone down there
Good God I feel at home down there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfhNKK7rkhw

Sunny Jim!

James White aka Sunny Jim.

http://www.sunnyjim.com/

I started my morning by looking out off my seventh floor balcony and taking in the warm breeze of the gulf. It was a sunny day and I knew there was a long line of talent arranged for us to take in all the way to the wee hours of the morning. As I went back into the room and started to eat my self-serve continental breakfast in the room I could hear a band starting up. When I came down to the lobby I ran into Sunny Jim and sat on the couch to have a brief chat. That was hard to do as this man has so many fans it is hard to hold a conversation with him in a public place! Everyone wants to talk to him! No worries this is what he does for a living and I certainly respect that. If you have never had the chance to see James you are really missing a treat. He is a super-nice guy, extremely talented, and plays multiple instruments. Put him on your list soon! Oh if you can't go see him anytime soon go get the movie "The Firm" and you can see him on video. Or better yet...here is a link to John Frinzi and Sunny Jim at Lulus. You can see this one right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q2aia_FVIw

Party in the Bar...

Joe Bennett and Paul Roush jamming in the bar at our home base, the Island House.

http://www.islandhousehotel.com/
http://www.headpirate.net/
http://www.phinsband.com/

This whole thing started upstairs in Room 201 where a bunch of the Lunch Money Punks were having a major party including a cowbell, crazy sunglasses, bowling pins and an active bowling game going in the floor, some very loud music erupting from the ipod boom box, on and on. I think the only thing missing was a chain saw and a strobe light. I will have to remember to put that in my bag next time. Did I mention it was very LOUD?
Anyway, Joe Bennett was in the room with us having a blast and I started asking him whether he was working on any new material. I told him he must crank out another cd as he is over due. He said "Well I am working on a couple of things." So then I say "Well can we hear them?" So this went back and forth for a few minutes. We had another drink and I knocked down another set of bowling pins in the bathroom all the way back from the balcony. Finally I ask again, "Joe let's hear the new stuff. In fact let's go get the guitar and go to the bar." Suddenly his eyes lit up and he said 'let's do it." So he and I went to the car to get the guitar. As we entered the bar the rest of the gang filtered in and Paul Roush was already there. I opened the case, handed Joe the guitar and said "Let's hear the new stuff." And he started. Before long he was playing several new numbers and went right into requests. In a blur of a memory I remember a gang of us singing the Rolling Stones "Happy" at the top of our lungs. Ninety minutes later the bartender was running us out so he could close. So goes another very cool night on the coast of Alabama.

Never got a flash out of cocktails,
When I got some flesh off the bone.
Never got a lift out of lear jets,
When I can fly way back home.

I need a love to keep me happy,
I need a love to keep me happy.
Baby, baby keep me happy.
Baby, baby keep me happy

Keith Richards 1972

The Relics!

The Relics on stage at Lulu's. I shot several pictures from my table as I leaned back in my chair... Sorry for the picture quality... I will blame it on the tequila while I was having yet another fine portion of Gulf seafood with some friends. This band blew me away. They played mostly covers mixed with some original material. The first song they played was one of my favorites "Seven Bridges Road."

In Hank Williams Jr.'s autobiography, "Living Proof", he mentions in the first chapter that the "seven bridges road" refers to the road in Montgomery, Alabama that leads to the Oakwood Annex Cemetery where Hank Williams' grave is located. To get there one must cross over seven bridges. However there are those who dispute this account.

At any rate, this band had a very nice sound and the set list made for a perfect evening. After the show I went over to the beautiful blonde who had been on stage and asked her about the band. She told me about them and mentioned Bud Smith. She gave me his contact information so I am including his myspace link. You can hear his music there. It is quite good.

If you are going to be at Lulu's anytime soon you should try to catch this band. They are fabulous!

Go listen to Bud Smith. I like that song "I See Heaven."

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=206805529

Lulu's at Night.

http://www.lulusathomeport.com/

It wasn't long until another day had gone by and a group of us headed to Lucy Buffett's place in Gulf Shores for some fine food and entertainment. I snapped this picture of the lit palm trees outside as I thought they are a neat sight in the warm breezy evening.

John & Jane Reno

Here's a picture of John and Jane Reno with some "Magic Chairs" in the background. Seems like I just saw them in Key West. They are local to this area as they live just up the road. John has some great tunes. You can check John out on his web site at:

http://www.johnreno.com/home.html

Joe Bennett on the Beach in Alabama.

Our pal Joe Bennett playing on a bright sunny afternoon.

I made it to Orange Beach and had a bowl of gumbo and hush puppies at Doc's Seafood on the way in last night. My luggage was stashed and the fridge was filled with all kinds of liquid libations.

Now Joe had took the stage and we were starting to see all kinds of friends show up from all the country. Joe has a long list of original material and if I remember correctly he knows 400 songs by other artists. He is a blast to watch and I never tire of seeing him play.

http://www.headpirate.net/

Damn this Traffic Jam...

Damn this traffic jam, how I hate to be late, it hurts my motor to go so slow.
Damn this traffic jam, time I get home my supper'll be cold, damn this traffic jam.

James Taylor lyrics.

It's Five O'Clock somewhere. In this picture it's Mobile! I am headed for the tunnel and East on I-10 to Orange Beach, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of 'Stars Fell on Alabama."

http://www.starsfellonalabama.org/

Moonlight and magnolias, starlight in your hair
All the world a dream come true
Did it really happen, was I really there
Was I really there with you

Mitchell Parish, Frank Perkins 1934

Tanya & Dorise.

Back on Decatur Street I stopped by the Cafe du Monde to have a cafe au lait and some beignets. I will spare you the photos of my treat but I can never get enough of these things. There is something very good about this combination of the food and the coffee.
As I was sitting there I heard the street band change and some wonderful music coming into the green tent over my head. It was Tanya Huang and Dorise Blackmon. They were rocking and had the crowd wildly applauding at every interval between songs. I was most impressed with their instrumentals. In fact I sat in a chair for quite a while about 10 feet from them and just watched and listened. You can go listen for yourself:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=337954646

Margaritaville New Orleans.

Sometimes when I talk to people about New Orleans they ask me what the Margaritaville there looks like. Well here is an outside shot of the building. You are looking across Decatur Street towards an area called the French Market. The gift shop is in the front and the bar entrance is on the side. There are multiple bars inside on multiple stories. My pal Sheila Chimento was inside and introduced me to Brett Brown for the first time. It is always good to put names with a face. My bartender took great care of me for my lunch. I had heard Brett mention the blackened fish tacos on the New Orleans Happy Hour Show on radiomargaritaville on Friday and somehow that image was in my mind when I sat down. I had a nice fruit drink with my fish tacos and this really big smile on my face when I got up from the bar stool! Life is good...a warm breeze from the open door beside me as I had lunch talking to a very friendly bartender from Jamaica.

After lunch Sheila took me on a tour of the upstairs via the elevator which was a real treat. I have been in the place many times and never gone upstairs! Well all I can say is put this margaritaville on your list of a "must visit" when you land in the Cresent City.
And you can listen to the New Orleans Happy Hour Show on Fridays at 5:00 EST on radiomargaritaville. http://www.radiomargaritaville.com/

Rue des Ursulines

I took this photo after I got up from a long night in some bars and searching for some cool live music. As you can see from the color of the sky it was a beautiful morning in New Orleans! So warm and nice being in my beloved South.

As for the picture I thought of a story when I saw the sign. Jimmy Buffett once lived on this street. I have heard him say this myself although I don't remember when that was...Here is a link to the story if you want to read a bit:
http://books.google.com/books?id=BM58F-yOS3IC&pg=PA73&lpg=PA73&dq=jimmy+buffett+and+ursaline+street&source=bl&ots=u-52WjAUnF&sig=HCypjF3BJivx6KK4ZOw4T885CxY

John Brown and his Telescope in New Orleans.

As I made my way into New Orleans I stopped in Metairie to have dinner with my high school friend Debbie and her family. We had some wonderful seafood at the Galley. The food in this town is so off the meter I can not describe it. Let's just say gourmet Cajun meets fresh seafood. Outstanding!

After dinner I headed over to my hotel in the French Quarter where I quickly made my way over to Decatur Street. It was already dark and I wanted to go up to the Cafe du Monde http://www.cafedumonde.com/ to get a view of the sky through a telescope that I knew would be on the sidewalk as it has for thirty-something years. I was not disappointed. John Brown is sort of a fixture on Decatur Street. You can go read the details on his web site. http://www.sidewalkastronomy.com/#top There is nothing like a nice warm evening in New Orleans after having left 14 degree weather and snow in North Carolina. To get to see the rings of Saturn though a telescope in New Orleans makes me feel fortunate to live in a time where technology can transport me hundreds of miles in a few minutes and I can stand safely on the ground to see a view of a distant planet. Very cool.

Construction in Biloxi....

Coming in 2010. Margaritaville Biloxi...from the size of the multiple cranes and expanse of fencing around the site this place is going to be huge. I can't wait to see the finished product.

What was I doing in Biloxi? Well moments before I took this shot I had landed in the Gulfport airport eroute to a rendezvous with several days of adventure with some old friends from all over the country. My first stop was to visit my old stomping grounds in Biloxi to see how the hurricane recovery was progressing. THe beach is looking very good and there is construction everywhere. This is not the Biloxi of my youth but it is still a very cool place to visit. I still miss that Broadwater Beach Resort!

After making a couple of stops in Biloxi it is time to head west to New Orleans. I-10 West here I come.