Blues Cruise Day 3

Best day so far!  Stayed at a Fairfield Inn in Vicksburg; hit the Civil War (War of Northern Aggression) battlefield park in Vicksburg first thing and then headed north to Bentonia for a visit to the Blue Front Cafe, juke joint home to Jimmy "Duck" Holmes.  Upon arriving, we were greated by Tonja Ray-Smith of the Yazoo County Community Visitors Board.  She said Duck was in but was being interviewed by a German radio station.  We hung around outside, met Duck's sister, Mary Alice and niece (forgot her name) and a nice local named Johnny Rabbit.  Johnny entertained us with gospel songs and stories from the area.

Our destination





The Boys, Mary Alice (Duck's sister) and Duck's niece



Once the interview was concluded, we were invited into the Blue Front to visit with Duck and be treated to a private session.  Duck played 3 songs just for us and the Knute, the interviewer from Germany.  I was mesmerized with Duck's playing that walking base line (using thumb, index and middle fingers independently while playing).  Duck is a very engaging guy, willing to give us all the time we wanted.  In fact, we have received nothing but grace and complete hospitality from everyone we have met in Mississippi from waiters, hotel staff, musicians, passers by ....

Of course, Art had a few questions that were beyond my lack of musical knowledge.  He had met Jimmy on a previous trip.  Jimmy was familiar with Portland, having played our Blues Festival in 2009.

The Man - Jimmy "Duck" Holmes



Duck and me



We were looking for a place to have crawfish for lunch.  Tonja called P Reaux's in Yazoo City to make sure they had crawfish and let them know we were coming.  When we got there they prepared a 4lb crawfish special (including corn, sausage and soda) for each of us and wouldn't charge us.  Naturally, the tip jar was full when we left!  Vern and I managed to finish all of our "mud bugs".  Sorry, Patti!

Good Eatin'

Stomachs quite full, we moved to Indianola for a trip to BB King's museum.  Just OK; nothing noteworthy.

Last stop was Greenwood for the beginning of the Robert Johnson 100th birthday.  First solo act was Scott Alexander covering a lot of RJ songs.  Second band was more of a southern rock band (ala Lynyrd Skynyrd) - nothing special.  Headliner Bobby Rush must not have shown because the second band just kept playing beyond their set.  We gave up and went to dinner at the Crystal Grill (recommended by the manager of P Reaux's).  Great meal and service from a place we would not have found without the recommendation.

This was the best day so far.  The RJ celebration continues at 2pm tomorrow.