What was the Deal on Beale???

AHHHHHHHHH the familiarities of a music festival weekend. The Place? Memphis' annual Beale Street Music Festival 4/29-5/1. The sights? People everywhere shoving 12 inch turkey legs and mustard-covered corn dogs down their throats in ravenous chomps while multi-tasking at various carnival games scattered over the premises (I felt like I was at a funhouse and all that was amiss was a freakish clown from that 80's movie Killer Klowns From Outer Space jumping out and harassing all attendees). At minimum, imagine ankle-level mud surrounding a 30-acre radius destroying all shoes in its wake (my most comfortable, 10-year old Pumas may have seen their last music festival). Unfortunately for Jill & others trailing miles on end after her through the bumpy terrain-one solitary Corona stand in a festival sponsored by Budweiser. There was even a Kate Hudson celebrity sighting backstage. The smells? I'm sure you can imagine without my blunt recollection: indistinguishable food mixed with the smell of turds (some poor drunkards mistook the mud for a human waste compost, unfortunately). But thankfully, I didn't smell a hint of B.O. It was too cold out I guess. The sounds? Over 60 different acts ranging from blues to rock. Some good sounds, some lackluster.

We opted out of the festival Friday night due to the inclement weather and headed to the Mid-town area to chill after our long drive from Nashville. Saturday didn't prove much better due to the cold and disgusting mud. Too nasty to conveniently and discretely weave yourself in through the crowd to get close to the front of the stage. After waiting at the [small] Pizza and breadsticks hot-air balloon for 45 minutes to meet up with my favorite Memphis inhabitant (ohhh, the things we do for high school turned adult crushes), we saw bits and pieces of several shows, highlights on Saturday being a few songs from Nelly and The Killers' complete set. Both would have been awesome had we been able to actually see the artists perform. Saturday evening was topped off by paying a visit to the Tap Room on Beale Street to catch another rocking performance by Johnny Hot Shot.

Sunday was so much better. Sunshine, dried up mud, fun Memphis pals & free VIP passes from Mr. Roboto and Captain T made for a much-improved day. Thanks again for that and for getting my Memphis friends backstage as well! We rocked out front and center to the legendary Billy Idol, not to be outdone by the festival-closing performance of the Black Crowes. Both were amazing. I must not forget to give props to WARNER MUSIC'S own Robert Randolph & the Family Band who also performed on Sunday. If you are a fan of the jam band or "sacred steel" sound, you should catch them at the upcoming Midtown Music Festival in Atlanta on 6/11 or Bonnaroo in Manchester on 6/12.

Whew. Atlanta last weekend...Memphis through Monday. No sleep for the weary. I never thought a full weekend staying put in Nashville would sound 100% appealing, but I desperately need it to regain my bearings. At least I was smart and took yesterday off-the music industry seems to understand these things after a weekend-long music festival ;) I better rest up, I'm off to South Beach for vacation one week from tomorrow!!