Harding University teacher Lee Edwards interviewed in front of Cat Head in Clarksdale
By POOR WILLIAM
CLARKSDALE, Mississippi (VIDEO)
No two days alike, no two days the same. Clarksdale Mississippi, much-heralded birthplace of the blues, rarely belies its organicity. The ephemeral nature of the MS Delta, which often appears non-transitory to the uninitiated, beckons the curious with a whisper heard the world over.
While giving a Delta Bohemian Pedicab Tour to some visitors from New York last Friday, Preston Raumbaugh, local bass player, Civil War historian and Cat Head Blues & Folk Art employee told us as we entered the iconic blues store that he was about to jam with Kingfish out front (meaning in front of the store).
VIDEO
[youtube]http://youtu.be/KDWa8fXzIIA[/youtube]
Kingfish, real name Christone Ingram, local guitar prodigy and student of the blues and all forms of music is but 15-years old. His skills equal complete insanity. The boy can make a guitar say what he wants it to say and more.
One never knows in Clarksdale when and where spontaneous blues may pop up like spores on a fern. Known for having live blues music 365 days a year, we also boast a cadre of uber-talented local musicians who might play a non-scheduled venue or who might be found busking (playing for tips) on the street or in front of downtown businesses or restaurants.
While waiting for my sweet-as-sweet-tea wife, Magical Madge Marley Howell, to show up to take a DB Pedicab Tour, so she could in turn know how to sport folks around town, when I am in the field chopping Roundup-resistant weeds or checking in folks at the Clark House Residential Inn, who should appear, but Lee Edwards and a bevy of young folks.
Lee, who teaches at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, has visited Clarksdale multiple times, and recently stayed with his wife and another couple at Madge’s Delta Bohemian Guest House. On Friday, Lee brought a group of 19 soon-to-be High School Seniors, honor students from all over the United States, to Clarksdale to learn about the blues. After eating at Ground Zero Blues Club and listening to Kingfish and Preston play in front of Cat Head, the crew headed to Oxford to visit Faulkner’s digs and learn a little more about the Civil Rights movement!
We appreciate everyone who visits our fair city! Listen to Lee’s short interview while Kingfish and Preston jam, Y’all come and keep on coming! You never know whom you might meet on the street! pw
A collection of high school students from all over the US visit Clarksdale to learn about the blues.
THANKS to Delta Bohemian and Harding University for celebrating Clarksdale, Mississippi’s rich blues culture and history! Great seeing y’all at Cat Head!