April Roadtrip, Day 10, Juke Joint Festival, Day 1

 Day 10

Friday, April 9, 2026

        It's thirty-two miles from the Delta Inn to downtown Clarksdale.  Sure, I do get to drive this bridge across the Mississippi River twice a day though.  The morning drive isn't so bad.  It's the one back at night.

      The lot where I parked sits behind the old Marion Theater.  That set of stairs goes up to the theater balcony.  Back then, only white patrons were allowed through the front door.  

    

    On my first visit to Clarksdale, the marquis was from the days it was the Paramount Theater, also long closed.   Up above, the Marion Theater name was still visible, now gone.   Saturdays, the overhang is still referred to as the Paramount Stage.

    This was up last year and renovations were going on inside.  Sadly, not much has changed.

     Of course the Delta Inn doesn't do breakfast.  So, my first stop was Meraki Roasting Company.  Nothing fancy, but always good.

    On stage in the coffee shop, Angel "Cash" Ocasio on the guitar.  When he plays with his band, they go by Cash's Juke Joint.  I've never seen the coffee shop crowd this thoroughly engaged.  

     Always more fun when a few of the local musicians join in.

    Just two guys jamming the blues in front of the local Hostel.

     Over in front of Deke's Harp Harmonica Shop, JB and Jesse Haggard.

    Theo Dash outside the Ooze Bar.

     Ramblin' Dan Stevens playing at Hambones, an art studio and music venue.  Great player, entertaining storyteller.  And yes he even admits he tends to ramble.

     Ramblin' Dan wrapped up and Ray Cashman was scheduled next.  I've been a fan since I first saw him two years ago.  

      Ray finished his set and I went up to chat with him.  He gave me s copy of his new album... on a thumb drive.  Sign of the times.

    Next, I was off to the Bluesberry Cafe.  Duwayne Burnside was playing.  My friend Tracey and her wife Rochelle were already there and saving me a seat.  There's a $15 cover for the night.

   Lightnin' Malcolm came on next.  I'm not sure if it was the alcohol, the music or a combination of the two.  The four young guys sitting in front of us were having what appeared to be a religious experience.  

    The cafe is pretty small and much more packed than usual. So, we took a breather and went out to the back patio.  Our wristbands got us back inside, though we wound up staying out on the deck.

     

    Robert Kimbrough Sr. came on next.  With the back door propped open, we could hear the whole show from outside in the cool night air.

     Duwayne Burnside joined us outside.  Before long, Angel Ocasio stopped by and the two of them started drinking and having a blast.  Robert Kimbrough and Lighnin' Hopkins even hung out for a bit.  It made for a casual, fun night.  

   Ghalia Volt came on next.  I'd see her again the next day.  She and Ray Cashman are two performers I look forward to seeing.  

      When Ghalia finished her set, we all decided to call it a day.   Tracey and Rochelle had driven down from Springfield, Illinois and I had that drive back to West Helena.