The Temporary Mississippian

Here's another thing I love about Clarksdale....

During the Juke Joint Festival I want to be able to sell some cold beers to those who come to see the show at the New Roxy. Now in Washington state getting a license to sell alcohol (though I've never done it) would entail a trip to Olympia, stacks of paperwork, months of time, a background check and likely a few months worth of my paychecks.

Not in Mississippi. They consider beer under 5% alcohol content to be 'not alcohol'. In order to sell beer here it's pretty much $30 and a background check for a local resident with a business license. A little more complicated for a non resident trying to run a part time business but keep your fingers crossed for me as I head to the state tax office in Senatobia tomorrow.

A classic example of life out of the big city. Today at 4:40 I headed over to the Clarksdale's drivers license department, parked, got out, talked to the clerk at the court house, found out I was in the wrong building, drove to the right building in another part of town, talked to someone there and then drove, to the Social Security office all by 5:00. Try that in Seattle.

Anyway, to wrap up the day I'd like to share some of the local music scene with you. Mr. Tater The Music Maker is an iconic local bluesman from Clarksdale. Usually, I see Tater everyday around town when I'm in here, but I haven't seen him all week. Word about town is that he's now on dialysis for failing kidneys resulting from diabetes. Mr Tater's glowing persona when he is performing is irresistible and I will always remember his sincere words of belief in my vision for the building when everyone else (including myself) was sure I was out of mind. Here's a video that you may enjoy.... CLICK HERE

And a link to his myspace page for even more information.... CLICK HERE