The 308 Blues Club and Cafe is located in the Heart of the Mississippi Delta. To many blues enthusiasts, the Delta is best known as the “Cradle of Blues”. The origins of Mississippi Delta Blues is attributed to a historical racial divide and generational poverty caused by the undue influence of cotton. It was the burden of the Cotton Pickers that birthed this musical expression. Many bluesmen hail from the Mississippi Delta, including: Charley Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Willie Brown, and B.B. King. The Mississippi Delta is Blues, and so is the 308. Each and every Friday night, we will celebrate the Blues in reverence of the Cotton Pickers.

Tonight, January 27th, 2012 at the 308 Blues Club and Cafe, join us for “A Return To The Blues”. It will be a night of Southern Soul and Rhythm & Blues with the music of Mel Waiters, Willie Clayton, Carl Marshall, T.K. Soul, Sir Charles, Omar Cunningham, Vick Allen, O.B. Buchana, Jeff Floyd, Wilson Meadows, Bigg Robb, Charles Wilson, L.J. Echols, and others.

So, get a babysitter for the kids… Tonight is for “grown folk” only!

Team 308 is a collective of like-minded, talented individuals from across the country who so happened to have found each other while casually having a drink at the 308. Our aim is to re-establish upscale nightlife and promote quality entertainment across the Mississippi Delta. With that said, we will not be restricted to only promoting events at the 308 Blues Club. Our combined experiences in business management, club promotions, artist development, graphics design, entertainment management, DJing, web development, tourism, restaurant management, customer service, social networking, etc. will be offered. Though the 308 Blues Club is considered home base, we will consult with any other venue, artist, or organization interested in utilizing our resources. Again, we promote quality, upscale nightlife entertainment and nothing less.

Our first offering is Saturday, January 7th, at the all-new CLUB 308 (same venue as the 308 Blues Club, but with a different feel just for this event). Team 308 has arrived… 2012 is looking good.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana, 1863–1953, American philosopher

I live in the Mississippi Delta and have been told many times, “You must not be from around here.” I know there’s no harm in their statement. I know… I’m just different. Yes, I was raised in Upstate New York. Through the years, I have found many situations from my childhood parallel my life and experiences in the Mississippi Delta.

I found the following list in the Facebook Group, Things that you understand if you live in Upstate New York. If you too are currently living in the Mississippi Delta and are from Upstate New York, look for the similarities:

1. Your idea of a traffic jam is 10 cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway. Seen this in both places!

2. “Vacation” means going to Syracuse for the weekend. We went to Corning or Buffalo.

3. You measure distance in hours. Still do.

4. You know several people who have hit deer more than once. Very common in both places.

5. You often switch from “heat” to “A/C” in the same day. Yep. Unless it’s the dead of summer when it’s always HOT!

6. You stay in your house most of the summer because you aren’t used to the heat. I think this is universal.

7. You drive at 55 mph through 10 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching.

8. You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events. I still laugh at this.

9. You install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked. LOL!

10. One of your neighbors constantly has bonfires. That would be us. Yeah, we have a fire pit in the backyard.

11. You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them. Better believe it!

12. There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at the supermarket at any given time. Usually in the no parking areas in the fire lanes!

13. Your idea of a huge party is one with lots of cheap beer and some people you go to school with. Trust me on this one. As a club owner, I see this all the time.

14. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled in with snow. (It’s better than the gravel rocks they use to fill in potholes).

15. You think sexy lingerie is silk pajamas from Walmart. LOL!

16. You know 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, cold, construction.

17. It takes you 2 hours to go to the store for one item even when you’re in a rush because you have to stop and talk to everyone in town.

18. At least 6 people who you see a day have beards and stains on the front of their shirt.

19. Cows are just part of the scenery. Not so much in the Delta, but there is corn.

20. You or someone you know has a car that sounds like a big truck and can barely make it 20 miles yet no one says anything about it.

21. At least fives times in your normal travel day you will pass or be passed by a beat-up, old ass car that has had an attempted pimping out, such as a brand new oversized spoiler on a rust covered trunk, spinning HUBCABS, or everyones favorite, the performance exhaust on a car running on barely three cylinders. Wow!

22. You know that the phrase, “Goin up ta,” applies to going north, south, east, or west, up or down in elevation, and pretty much any other way you can travel. “Finna” and “Fixin to” applies.

23. The smell of freshly spread cow manure doesn’t bother you. There are hog farms. Same applies.

24. It’s perfectly normal for your life’s aspirations to be working for the county. Or the state…

25. Getting “dressed up” means tucking your shirt into your jeans and putting on clean work boots.

26. Halloween costumes are always designed around a snowsuit and winter boots.

27. You appreciate the delicacy known as Croghan Bologna, and serve it at all social gatherings.

28. On the same platter as the Croghan Bologna is a selection of flavored cheese curd, which you also love.

29. You know damn well that the Verizon guy didn’t walk through your town going, “can you here me now” because reception is, at best, limited. Hello, Cellular South… I mean C-spire! LOL!

30. Your proud of your redneck-ness and where your from. Oh, and by the way, I got my redneck card, because Rev. Billy Marquis said so.

31. You can name everyone you graduated with. Can’t really. I graduated with about 500. I think.

32. You know what 4-H is.

33. You ever went to a party that was held about 20 miles down a deserted dirt road. YES!

34. You used to drag “main.” We got back roads for that!

35. You said the ‘F’ word and your parents knew within an hour.

36. You schedule parties around the schedule of different police officers since you knew which ones would bust you. Really, we did.

37. You ever went or thought about going cow-tipping.

38. School gets canceled for a sports team going to State.

39. You could never buy cigarettes cause all the store clerks knew how old you were.

40. When you did find someone old enough to buy smokes for you, you had to drive down country back roads to smoke them.

41. You never missed a Homecoming parade.

42. You still go home for Homecoming.

43. It was cool to date someone from a neighboring town.

44. You had a senior skip day.

45. The whole school went to the same party after graduation. Again, as a club owner, I see this all the time.

46. You can’t help but date a friend’s ex.

47. Your car is always filthy from the dirt roads.

48. You think that kids who ride skateboards are weird. Hey, I was one of those kids!

49. The town next to you is considered “trashy” or “snotty” when it is just like your town.

50. Getting paid minimum wage is considered a raise.

51. You refer to anyone with a house newer than 1980 as the “rich people.” I guess we were rich!

52. The people in the big city dress funny then you pick up on the cool new trend two years later. It’s funny how my cousins would make fun of me when I would come to visit, and then see them pick up on the style late!

53. You bragged to your friends because you got pipes on your truck for your birthday.

54. On Fridays, anyone you want to find can be found at Main Street or the Dairy Queen. That would be Walmart or Sunflower Food Store!

55. Weekend excitement involves a trip to RiteAid. Walmart.

56. Even the ugly people enter beauty contests. I need to stop! All people are beautiful.

57. You decide to walk for exercise and 5 people pull over and ask you if you need a ride.

58. Your teachers call you by your older sibling’s name.

59. The closest “cool stores” are at least 45 miles away.

60. The local phone book has only one yellow page.

61. You leave your jacket on the back of the chair in the cafe, and when you go back the next day, it’s still there, on the same chair.

62. You don’t signal turns because everyone knows where you’re going, anyway.

63. You call a wrong number and they supply you with the correct one.

64. You have to name six surrounding towns to explain to people where you’re from.

65. Driving to a party on a four-wheeler is quite normal. Seen it!

66. The town population increases by one-third when the universities go on break.

67. When somebody says “Thats billy fucillo HUGE” you know exactly what they are talking about. Still don’t get it!

68. You laugh your head off reading this, because you know it’s true and then forward it to everyone in your address book, which is actually half your town.

In short, are we really that different?

My fellow Americans…

Capitalism, by definition, is an economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit from investment, usually in competitive markets. The United States of America has been described as a money driven, capitalistic society; a country that is driven by Man’s innate greed under the guise of Christianity. The name “Evil Empire”, once used to describe the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, has now become synonymous with the United States. As a citizen of this great land, does this not bother you? Many of us travel the world and are well received on an individual level, but how are we truly viewed in the broad sense as Americans?

How did we arrive at this “Evil” state?

The United States Constitution, adopted on September 17th, 1787, created the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all other non-citizens (ie. slaves, Native Americans) within the United States at that time. The Constitution created a republic with democratically elected officials. In an effort to maintain political balance and fairness of power, the Constitution formulated a system of checks and balances for the newly created three branches of government – legislative, executive, and judicial.

Following the ratification of the Constitution, there were intense divisions in ideology. There would be a lengthy history in the evolution of this country’s two main political parties – Republican and Democratic. Through the years, each party struggled to steer the United States towards its political vision. And in this quest for political dominance, much corruption resulted.

In a Republic(an) State (of mind)

How many of us have conservative values? We believe in protecting our immediate family. We want to raise our children in safe communities and a lot them the best education. We were raised to be self-sufficient and do for ourselves. Let’s support mom-and-pop businesses, minimize government, and give the power back to the people. Sounds good? But who are those people? Many Republicans come from generations of “old money”. They have the resources and contacts to foster existing businesses or create new businesses which in turn makes more money which ultimately allow them to steer the direction of the country through the efforts of political lobbyist. Lobbyist court members of Congress in the interest of big business. Laws are derived out of the basis of economic interests versus social interests. “Old money” interest in government is the notion of conservation of “old money” power. In this thought, conservative social and family values make sense. Let’s not upset the status quo with out-of-the-box leftist thought. The historic fear is that if there were ever another Civil War, “old money” might become worthless just as Confederate currency did when the South lost. Further, there is an ultimate fear; once the status quo is no more, there is now unwanted social change. And now, since “old money” is no good; there is no political influence or control.

New money makes the world go around!

Who are the “new money” makers of today? “New money” is described best as first-generation wealth: professional athletes, entertainers, etc. Many “new money” makers have no concept of how much political power they actually have either because they aren’t used to having so much money anyway or they simply don’t care to be bothered with having that type of responsibility in shaping or steering the country. In my personal opinion, it’s probably easier to steer pop culture and create fads around your image and make money off the masses who aren’t independent thinkers. So in the mind of “new money” – Why bother (with politics)? Just make as much money as possible.

On the other side of the coin (no pun intended), there are “new money” makers who have reached political awareness. Most usually lean heavy to the left so as not to alienate their fans. Truly, I’m almost certain their accountants and lawyers are of the “old money” thought and in the interest of their position, they don’t want their client to hit rock bottom. But then again there’s always a new athlete, actor, model, comedian, pop star, or rapper ready to make the industry more money. Agents negotiate endorsements, marketing firms pay the networks/stations for face time, public relations sets the image, and everyone makes more money. God, I love America. Reminds me of…

A true democracy…

Lest we close without mentioning the Democratic party? A blanket assumption would lead one to believe that Democrats see more government as good government for all. Most favor minimum wages and progressive taxation. In this thought, “old money” is looked upon. Under Democratic leadership, there will be higher tax rates for higher income brackets in order to create more government programs to help those without. The historic appeal of the Democratic party is that those without will have some political voice. And to those elected officials, they are often looked upon as a saviour. But if they do not hold to their campaign promises; even the most beloved leader will soon become the most hated enemy. In short, the Democratic party sees ultimate responsibility to the community as a whole. If you have ‘it’ and whether you want to spare ‘it’, you will give ‘it’ freely. This parallels Robin Hood’s “steal from the rich to give to the poor” concept. Alas, let us remember, in this country there is a huge distinction between those who have and those who have not. And again, in the Mississippi Delta, the gap is ever-widening.

Free thinking in the free world

I’ve always had an Independent mind. Once I discovered the essence of the federal government and how things ran on the state and local levels, I found my position politically. U.S. history shows corruption in the two-party system though the initial architects attempted to create balance. Unfortunately, the thirst for power will always churn Man’s greed. As a result, we now have a greater enemy… Wall Street. Or is Wall Street just made the scapegoat of a larger, unseen and unspoken entity?

In short…

Capitalism is a necessary evil. Fore without Capitalism, there will be no United States of America.

I think I’ve said enough…

Twitter Pictures

I was delighted to assist in the planning of this annual event. This year, the Blues Society decided to host the Band Challenge and Solo/Duo Challenge on separate dates and on Sunday afternoons (quite different from previous years all day format). Janet Webb, our Challenge Committee Chairman, stated “Most bands work on Saturday nights and this change would allow greater participation since most bands are free on Sundays.” And with the day change, we saw an overwhelming response with 8 bands competing. The event was hosted this past Sunday, October 16th at da House of Khafre, a cultural enrichment and learning center serving the Mississippi Delta located at 105 Main Street in downtown Indianola.

Initially, I arrived to simply help support behind the scenes. That immediately changed as Janet asked if I would mind handling emcee duties for the day. Of course, without hesitation; I quickly obliged. I am connected to many of the competing bands and it was a pleasure to introduce each group. The bands were Leaf River Blues Band (Bay Springs), Phillip Carter and the Blues Underground (Clarksdale), Solar Porch (Cleveland), Dave Dunavent and the Evol Love Band (Sumner), All Night Long Blues Band (Clarksdale), The Kevin Waide Project (Tupelo), Bobby Whalen and the Ladies Choice Band (Indianola), and Po Boy King and the Legends of the Blues (Ellisville).

All participating bands were top-notch and proved to be a difficult decision for our band judges. After an almost 30 minute deliberation, results were finally in. Second place was awarded to Dave Dunavent and the Evol Love Band. And this year’s first place band that will represent the Mississippi Delta, Solar Porch.

And that concludes the band portion of the Mississippi Delta Regional Blues Challenge. We will see Solar Porch competing in the 2012 International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee (January 31 through February 4th, 2012). Again, stay tuned for the Solo/Duo Challenge to be held Sunday, October 23rd at the Blue Biscuit, Indianola’s newest blues-themed restaurant, located at 501 Second Street (directly across from the B.B. King Museum). Remember, there’s more blues talent in this division as well. Mark your calendars and make it a point to come out to the Blue Biscuit for more music and fun. I’ll see you there!

Indianola, MS — Khafre, Inc., a Mississippi-Delta based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in conjunction with the Sunflower County NAACP, Mic Magazine, da’ House of Khafre, and numerous other very concerned citizens of Indianola and the surrounding communities are standing together to provide leadership training opportunities for the Mississippi Delta youth. Beginning October 1, 2011, we will offer the “Delta Leadership Lecture Series for Youth” every Saturday at 12 o’clock noon (sharp). These lunch sessions will be held inside da’ House of Khafre Cultural Arts Center located at 105 Main Street, in historical downtown Indianola.

“In an effort to foster a Delta community filled with creative, interesting and dynamic people, it is necessary to partner with each other to present the type of workshops that our children need. The focus is on developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills.” Stated C.Sade Turnipseed, Executive Director of Khafre, Inc. “Our goal is to simply facilitate a one-hour discussion every week that includes questions and answers so that young people between the ages of 13-25, are exposed to people in leadership positions” Turnipseed continued.

The topics reflect the professional resources that exist within our Delta community. These are people who are willingly giving their time to meet with youngsters. Many of whom reached out to us and we in turn are reaching out to the parents, children and young adults that simply need the opportunities to meet with politicians, business leaders health professionals and other influential people on a one-on-one basis.” Stated Charles Modley, President of the Sunflower County NAACP.

The professions and topics currently scheduled include:

Business Development/Entrepreneurship, Newspaper/Magazine Publishing/Media, Civic and Social Responsibility, City/State Local Government, Museum/Archives/Libraries, Managing Family Wealth, Restaurant Management, For Women & Girls Only, For Men & Boys Only, Historic Preservation, The Art of Parenting, The Music Business, Love and Laughter, Health/Wellness, Art Management, Law Enforcement, Creative Writing, Book Publishing, Public History, The Clergy, Education, Tourism

Additional topics will be added as professionals become available and as time permits. Updated schedules may be downloaded from the Khafre, Inc website: khafreinc.org. Contributions to this effort are encouraged. All donations are a tax-deductible. This is a 100% volunteer effort. Lunch sponsors, or other forms of assistance are a welcomed encouragement. Our Delta youth needs your support!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

C.Sade Turnipseed, MBA, PhD (candidate)
Executive Director
Khafre, Inc.
662.347.8198
sade@khafreinc.org
khafre.us
khafreinc.org

Honoring the Legacy of the Mississippi Delta Cotton Pickers, while moving towards a Delta Renaissance

And, so the story goes…

Yes, I was born right here in the Heart of the Mississippi Delta… right here in the town of Indianola. My parents soon transplanted northward for greater opportunity and a better life. However, I would find my childhood filled with many summers spent in my birth place. Though I was reluctant to make those visits back to the south, my parents wanted to instill within me a sense of origin… my roots.

The Blues came over me later in my life. I grew quickly into a man tormented by life’s demons. I soon found myself displaced… torn from my wife and child. What was left? I found solace in the music that raised me and brought me through. It was that very same music that belonged to my grandfather… the Blues.

Welcome to the Home of the Blues

November 1st, 2003, The 308 Blues Club and Cafe opened. We were the premier location for local Blues acts to present their craft upon our stage. The 308 Blues Club and Cafe received much fanfare overseas. We found that most of our audience was International and we kept our performances strictly to that of our name.

In the past, we have featured the talents of David Lee Durham, Jay Kirgis, Mississippi Slim, John Horton, Mickey Rogers, Barbara Looney, Lil’ Dave Thompson, Bill Abel, Paul “Wine” Jones, and many others. As the 308 grew, just as the Blues grew over time, we took many different turns and curves with the music. Blues music varies and helped structure many music genres, including Gospel, Rock, Jazz, Southern Soul, and Country. As a musician, I share this growth as well.

The 308 Blues Club and Cafe is not just a bar and grill, and was conceived as not just a place to be entertained, but to educate about Blues culture, Americana, and Roots music. And in this music, The 308 Blues Club and Cafe has been able to transcend much of the division within the area. Yes, the Blues truly heals.

After a great three-year run, I left the Delta to make a new life. However, I found myself yearning to return home and once again baptise myself in that bayou water. As Davey told me, “There’s just something about that Mississippi Mud. Once you get it on your feet, you can never leave.” And now, I am home.

Looking Forward… Keeping the Blues Alive

The 308 Blues Club and Cafe has come a long way. We’ve been through many personnel as well as many personal changes. We are constantly growing and bringing innovation to the Mississippi Delta. There are more bookings coming. We believe strongly in presenting local talent.

For those who hunger for real southern cuisine, we have remodelled the kitchen and are now open for business. And with your cafe visit, be sure to bring your laptop and surf the web. The 308 Blues Club and Cafe is now the Mississippi Delta’s newest wi-fi hotspot. Enjoy free, wireless Internet access on us! Remember, the 308 Blues Club and Cafe is here to both entertain and educate.

If you haven’t been here in a while, check us out and get reacquainted. If you’re a new face in town, stop by and make yourself at home. Everyone here is family. Most of our staff were past patrons who just wouldn’t leave… and that’s a good thing. I’m sure I’ll see you around. You might catch me behind the bar serving up a drink, hustling newbies on the pool table, or sitting in with one of the bands. Either way, I am home.

Live performance filmed Saturday, September 17th, 2011, featuring the Kevin Waide Project of Tupelo, Mississippi with guest saxophonist, Jon Allen. Original content from the 308 Blues Club and Cafe website. Enjoy!

My locks are not a fashion statement, but a statement of life. There’s nothing dreadful about my hair, but I do permit the term “dread” to describe my crown. Living in the Mississippi Delta, I encounter odd stares and subtle comments from all segments of the community daily. However, I am at peace. Yet, I find it quite odd that these same people didn’t raise an eye brow when my hair was “tame”. And not just here in Mississippi, Man in general finds difficultly in processing those things that are foreign or different from their established norm. In my journey, there are those who fully accept my person (that being my physical, intellectual, and spiritual self). There are those who have questions. And questioning is good, because it is an attempt to understand. In fact, there may be questions I have. Most of my Q/A sessions have yielded a positive exchange and both parties have walked away with greater knowledge of and respect for the other. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who don’t want any part of the discussion which is attributed to ignorance and fear. The instinctual fight-or-flight response overcomes the person, and either they attempt to force change or never have any future dealings with me. Sadly, I’ve seen this more so with family.

Again, my locks are not a trend or fashion statement. I have accepted this journey and carry a social stigma due to the ongoing misrepresentation of the “dread” appearance by a young-minded generation who simply thinks “dreadlocks look cool” and do not understand its origin. Couple the “hair trend” with an older generation that refuses to acknowledge cultural or religious differences. Granted, we are a diverse nation, but are we an accepting culture? Okay, we are a tolerant people.

Let me provide a brief history on the Rastafari movement:

The Rastafari movement is a religious movement that arose in Jamaica roughly during the 1930s. Rastafari worship Haile Selassie I, who reigned as Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Rastas recognize him as God incarnate or Jah and as the Messiah who will deliver believers to the Promised Land or Zion which is identified as Ethiopia.

Rastas hold to many Jewish and Christian beliefs, including the existence of a single triune God, called Jah. Further, Rastas believe that Jah has been incarnated on earth several times, including in the form of Jesus. Rastas accept much of the Bible, although they believe that its message has been corrupted over time by Babylon, which is commonly identified as Western culture. Rastas also eat no pork or shellfish and some are vegans or vegetarians. The overconsumption of alcohol to drunkenness is seen as a weakness. The movement allows any person who agrees with its theories to join. The ultimate goal being: “One People, Different Colours, One Love, and One God”.

“So, where do the dreadlocks come in?” Many who follow the Rastafari movement, its philosophy, and culture choose to let their hair grow out naturally. They shun scissors, razors, and combs/brush in order to let their hair lock up. To the Rasta, growing locks takes patience, and is representative of their faith, lifestyle, and spiritual journey.

“What about Marijuana use?” We are all familiar with Bob Marley and the ganja use surrounding his ragga music and Rastafari lifestyle. in short, Rastas smoke ganja in order to bring enlightenment, to feel at peace, and to be one with Jah Rastafari. Ganja enhances meditation and the spiritual journey. It is not to be abused.

“Well, what are you?” By wearing my hair locked, I am showing affinity for the Rastafari movement. However, I haven’t subscribed to any one particular religious faith. I am a spiritual being and like most, I seek heaven and yearn for enlightenment and peace. Just so happened, in my spiritual journey; I let my hair grow long.

More about the Rastafari movement… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastafari_movement

The 308 Blues Club is a performance venue and provides a full stage to our artists and a comfortable open space with lounge seating for our patrons to experience live entertainment. Ultimately, our mission is to bring live blues music to the masses. And if you can’t experience that first hand here in the Mississippi Delta then what other better place to enjoy a live blues performance than in the comfort of your own home via the Internet? And so with the various free scripts and programs available online (plus a little ingenuity on my part), we made it happen this past Saturday, August 20th, 2011!

The night was special as we welcomed The Bailey Brothers from East Jackson, Mississippi. The Bailey’s have played in and around Indianola; building a strong Delta following. But it has been well over 5 years since they’ve graced the 308 stage. Before their performance, I was able to catch up with Jason and Brock in a brief interview which can be heard here: Bailey Brothers unscripted…

I streamed their first set live to a hungry virtual audience. According to our server tracks, our oversees fans came in full force. And the Bailey’s friends and family that couldn’t attend chimed in as well. I recorded the second set’s audio which you can sample here: The Bailey Brothers Homecoming.

And of course… we will continue streaming until we can’t pay for our bandwidth. Again, special thanks to the Bailey Brothers. We’ll see you online!