Having a BIG time in Memphis!

Photo by Doug Wilkerson

Hey there Molasses Creek fans!

We in Memphis right now, attending the International Folk Alliance Conference. We arrived in town on Tuesday, after a wonderful visit to Gary's cousin's (Kathi and Bobbie Lee) in La Grange, TN. On Tuesday night we did a fund-raising concert to benefit the Samaritan Counseling Center of Memphis at the First Baptist Church, and then settled in at Ernest and Joan Kelly's home. Those of you who have attended our Ocrafolk Festival on Ocracoke Island probably know the Kellys from Joan's wonderful wood-turned creations, and their elegant waltzing at the traditional Ocracoke Squaredance evening. Joan also calls a few contra-dances when in town, and the Selchie's Joy Waltz on the latest Molasses Creek album (More Better Molasses Creek), was named by the couple in honor of an island anniversary.

Yesterday morning we drove past the pyramid, and over the Mississippi River (so that Gerald could say he had been to the West!) and then headed for a tour of Sun Studios, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and so many other great musicians got their start. Afterward, we headed to the Rendezvous barbecue for some rashers.

The Rendezvous is located in an alley in downtown Memphis. You can smell it before you see it . . .and then if you look up amongst the skyscrapers, way up high you can see the venting stack for their smoker spreading barbecue joy across the skyline. Upon arrival at the Rendezvous, we descended to the basement and were greeting by the host who told us that actually the restaurant was closed and didn't open until 4 PM. This was somewhat surprising judging by the number of folks sitting around, elbow deep in barbecued ribs. Then the host told us, of course we could just order their rack of ribs which were ready to go. Well, that's what we were there for, so we sat down and made ourselves comfortable. Gary wilted a bit under the humorous chiding of our server, when he was taken to task for even suggesting that a glass of un-sweetened tea might be available.

After a fine meal, we headed outside and descended upon Beale Street. The weather was a beautiful 60 degrees, and although we were tempted by the street cars, it was hard to pass up walk in the springlike weather (This is February isn't it?). Pausing briefly for Louie to peruse the guitars at the Gibson factory, we then returned to the Marriott Convention Center to check in for the conference.

The afternoon passed quickly meeting with folkies from across the continent and beyond, and attending various workshops. After an opening ceremony, we attending the 2011 Folk Alliance Awards Ceremony, where awards were bestowed upon Joan Baez (not present), documentary filmmaker Les Blank, Jimmy Rodgers (only present through his music) Si Kahn, the late John Hartford, Rodney Dillard, and David Bromberg. The Kruger Brothers, The John Hartford String Band, and a few more musicians graced the stage at this wonderful and heartfelt event.

We'll keep you posted on weekly happenings. Stay tuned!

Your Molasses Creek Crew
Gary, Fiddler Dave, Marcy, Lou and Gerald.