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King Biscuit Time

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>Memphis Mojo


If there's one event that is a must for our calendar, it's the annual King Biscuit Blues Festival ("King Biscuit Blues Festival lineup"). No other festival can match King Biscuit for its feel, location, weather (usually) and overall fun. This year will be no exception.

Granted, the lineup doesn't include the must-see headliner of the past couple of years (no one in attendance will ever forget Luther Allison last year), but there's still plenty of great stuff. Johnny Copeland was supposed to headline Friday night, Oct. 10, but his heart finally gave out after six surgeries. Copeland's replacement is Kenny Neal and the Neal Family, the first family of Louisiana blues. Friday starts with Frank Frost ("Frank Frost: On the record") and Sam Carr. You can read more about them and their band the Jelly Roll Kings ("The Story of the Jelly Roll Kings") in Ross Gohlke's stories. Friday night also features Bobby Rush, one of our personal favorites.

Saturday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. presents that special King Biscuit dilemma: Do you go see Willie "Big Eyes" Smith with Pinetop Perkins on the Heritage Stage, or do you go see John Weston on the Acoustic Stage, or do you check out Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater on the Feature Stage? You can't miss, regardless of what you choose.

As always, the festival is free. If you've never been, make the drive down Highway 61 to Helena. If you've been before, we know we'll see you there again.

Someone destined for King Biscuit in the near future is Keith Brown ("Keith Brown brings back traditional Delta blues"). In a short time, he's gone from playing in his living room to winning the Beale Street Blues Festival talent contest. Read Heather Gate's profile. Brown may sign with High Water Recordings after the contest, which would fit well into label founder David Evans' plan. High Water ("High-road revival for local blues and gospel label") is re-issuing its releases on CD.

The new season of the Beale Street Caravan ("Changes highlight new 'Caravan' season") kicks off the first week in October, and the Blues Foundation offers the lowdown on the year.

Also, read about the Beale Street Blues Society's Blues Harvest ("First 'Blues Harvest' features talent contest winners") and the upcoming Bluestock ("Blues showcase accepting entries for first 'Bluestock'") music convention. We'll have copies down at King Biscuit, so read one and pass it on to a friend. Enjoy the show. - Norm Shaw