| Arkansas
Blues Fest 2005 - by Big Dave |
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Franks
Creations at the Arkansas Blues Festival
- click to enlarge |
Franks
Creations - Winner of the Blues Royale
Cathead
Blues |
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art,
Inc. is a 6-day-a-week store that
features a full selection of blues
CDs, videos, DVDs, books and collectibles
as well as an affordable mix of Southern
self-taught, folk and outsider art.
"It's kind of like shopping in
a juke joint," Roger said, describing
the building's rustic interior, colorful
artwork and down home music. "It's
the kind of store we always dreamed
of finding in our Delta travels but
never did."
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Delta
Eye |
The
Delta Eye of downtown Clarksdale,
Mississippi, is an insightful, high-spirited
restaurant & gallery. It’s
red hardwood bar, thick old brick
walls, eclectic furnishings, high
ceilings and southern/outsider art
evokes the memories of Faulkner, Tennessee
Williams, as well as Robert Johnson
and Muddy Waters
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Magnolia
Hills B & B |
Magnolia
Hills added to the entire Fest experience.
A restored 18th century home, the
accomodations are super, the rooms
all have a unique theme, and the breakfast
servings were exceptionally nice.
All a 3 block walk from the Fest,
makes for an unbeatable combination.
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As
you may recall, just a litle while back STLBlues
held the Blues Royale
down at BB's. Among the prizes was a chance to
play the main stage at the Arkansas Blues Fest,
(formerly the King Biscuit). The competition was
fun, and showcased the talents of many. The winner
of the Electric category was the band named Franks
Creations, and they played to an early gathering
on day 1 of the fest! I was fortunate enough to
introduce this band as they took the stage for
this incredible music moment.
This year featured a record number St. Louis bands
playing the Arkansas Blues Fest - Franks Creations,
Phat noiZ, Arthur Williams, Big George, Joseph
U.J. Miller, and Mark Moore and the Smokers! This
event always brings in an incredible lineup, and
this year was no difference. Some highlights included
Mark Stallings, Lonnie Shields, Sam Myers, and
of course all the St. Louis bands.
Set in the sleepy little town of Helena, Arkansas,
this area is the essence of Blues History, as
is Clarksdale, MS. just 20 minutes away. In addition
to all the music on the 5 stages, there were plenty
of street musicians to be found working along
Cherry Street, Bubba's Blues Corner, and the nearby
Delta Cultural Museum. If hunger sets in, there's
plenty of pulled pork in abundance, a staple at
the fest! While down south, take some time to
trace some blues history, and make a drive to
Clarkdale a mandatory side trip. That's where
you'll find such Blues landmarks as the Hopson
Plantation, the Delta
Blues Museum, Ground
Zero Blues Club, and of course the Crossroads
of legend! While in Clarksdale, a few more worthwhile
stops include the Cathead
Delta Blues & Folk Art store, and the
Delta Eye - tell them STLBlues sent you!
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