Stomping 2011 - Crowley and Memphis

Following the Ponderosa Stomp and all the great music experienced there, we moved on to Crowley in the heart of Cajun country for a swamp blues show at the historic Rice Theatre featuring some of the acts we saw at the Stomp. It was a slightly disorganised affair, with various artists coming and going throughout, but enjoyable. It started with an interesting documentary film about Louisiana record man J D Miller, who was responsible for recording dozens of blues, swamp pop and country artists.
The concert proper kicked off with Lil' Buck and his band backing Carol Fran, who did five numbers, including Emmett Lee and Crying in the Chapel. Her voice is still strong despite a stroke last year. Next on was Classie Ballou, who also performed five numbers including Crazy mambo and The thrill has gone. C C Adcock came on to join the band as various local blues and swamp pop performers ran through the Slim Harpo song book, including Rainin' in my heart, I'm a king bee, Baby scratch my back, Shake your hips and Got love if you want it. They included Warren Storm, Rudy Richard, Lazy Lester, James Johnson and Jockey Etienne. Guitar Gable also appeared on stage, although he wasn't able to play guitar due to ill health. After a couple of solo numbers from Warren Storm and Lazy Lester the show finished with the swamp pop anthem This could go on forever. It certainly could.
From Crowley we drove back next day to Memphis. In the evening we went to the famous Levitt Shell, where Elvis played in the fifties, for the Jim Dickinson Folk Festival, which featured the Sons of Mudboy, a Southern rock band called Lucero and the North Mississippi All Stars. This was a great and well attended event for a damp Monday night and afterwards we went off to the Blue Monkey for a few pints.
Next day it was back to St Louis and back home today. After two weeks of non stop driving and music I'm knackered, but it was a great trip. I will start putting selected photos on in the next day or two.