The Fog Rolls To Folk Alliance

We are just hours away from jumping in the big blue truck and heading to Memphis for our 2nd year at the Folk Alliance Conference. Mind you, the name of this swanky affair does not do it justice. This isn't one of those things where "folkies" sit around and pluck Harmony guitars while singing of their past relationships with the earth and unleavened bread. No, this is something you have to train for.

Sleep is not acceptable at this conference. Running the hotel hallways in your underwear is. The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is highly recommended if you want to make it through the day. After that, beer is the life blood of this thing. And when I say "thing" I mean it. Last year Steve Poltz proclaimed in front of the Music Fog cameras that this whole "thing" was his idea. And that we could expect improvements this year. Steve claimed that he plans on selling Foreigner cassettes in the lobby for "drastic discounts." He also plans on a "Rambo-thon" somewhere nearby "so everybody can make it there." Keep in mind this is all coming from the guy who wrote "Hand Job On A Church Bus." I can't wait Steve.

Last year there was an artist who claimed to have taken a dump at Elvis' house while Elvis was still alive. I won't name names, but his sounded a lot like Bob Cheevers. I still swear that he's the kind of guy who will die in a freak ballooning accident. So he's probably good for another thirty or so years.

I don't know what to expect this year. But I am scared. Scared that we might make more new friends at this "thing." Scared that Celebrity Coaches will set us up with the bus called "Blue Eyes" again. Why? Because it has a damn Jagermeister machine on board. And you know it will get used at this swanky affair!

I'll be brave.

-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

Sons Of Bill "The Rain"

Americana State of the Union Address.

It never ceases to amaze me the misconceptions that the term Americana spawns. Like that it is a format that only appeals to gray-hairs, for instance. Here is the definition from the Americana Music Association website:

"Americana is music that honors and is derived from the traditions of American roots music. It is music inspired by American culture traditions which is not only represented in classic man made / roots based sounds but also through new and contemporary artists whose music is clearly inspired by these great traditions."

As we grow the Music Fog presence, we are now seeing a spike in 18-34 year olds. That is exciting news, as it reflects the demographics of attendance at many of the events we cover. And it mirrors the demos of many of the artists we film. And it stands to reason, because if these artists are interested in keeping the roots alive, then maybe, just maybe, their fans might include those of a similar age as well.

Enter Sons Of Bill. Sweet, soulful renderings; and cuties to boot. And hasn't that been the recipe for success for decades? Sex appeal and the ability to touch you with their music? Maybe the rest of the entertainment world is auto-tuning and manipulating. In Americana, the water is pure, the artistry is real. To wit, Rainin' from SOB.

-Jessie