Memories

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This was my 2nd Handy trip. These a a few shots from my 2004 trip for the 25th W.C. Handy Awards week. My pal and associate Cheryl and I had a tremendous time in the Delta ... Memphis, Beale Street, Sun Studios Stax Records Museum, the Rock N soul Museum...and, at a friends request, we even wrote her name in long-lasting lipstick (HA!) on the wall outside of Graceland. We got to witness the filming of "Blues Divas" at Morgan Freeman's club ground Zero in Clarksdale, MS and took pics at the mural wall and visited the Delta Cultural Museum grand opening in Helena, AR..We made fine strides meeting and greeting artists, promoters, music lovers, the Blues Foundation staff, and a wide variety of folks that live, work and play in the Delta. Of course I took advantage and got a few vocal licks in when the timing was right. Click on the "Album" link in lefthand column to see more great shots.

PHOTOS Above Clockwise:

s Michele and good pal Cheryl O'Grady with Handy Nominee, Sonny Rhodes the "Disciple of the Blues" aka the "Sheik of Oakland"

s Delta BBQ Juke Joint in Helena, AK

s E.C. Scott the "Empress of The Blues and "Female Soul-Blues Artist" Handy Nominee caught backstage at the Handy's before her powerhouse performance

s Billy Gibson blows harp at Rum Boogie Cafe during Handy weekend in Memphis 04

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In May 2005 I made my 3rd journey back to Memphis, TN to witness the W.C. Handy Awards. Not only am I a singer/songwriter, but also a Blues Editor for two Blues publications. One of those is the Blues Festival Guide print magazine and once again this year my Publisher sent myself and an associate (who also happens to be one of my dearest, longtime pals), Cheryl O'Grady from Reno, NV, to the Delta for the 26th W.C. Handy Awards.

PHOTOS Clockwise:

s 90+ Pinetop Perkins "the man" of the Handy's

s "Cleavage" lineup w-Cheryl, Janiva Magness & Michele backstage at Handy's (photo Kay Novick)

• Michele and Bobby Rush sharing a moment! (photo Cheryl O'Grady)

s Handy winner Charlie Musselwhite holding the Blues Festival Guide that features his recipe

• Running into good friend, producer, musician Johnny "V" Vernazza at Handy's

s Bluesmen Guitar Shorty & Kenny Neal

• Michael Powers - Handy nominee for "Best New Artist Debut" performing at Handy's

s Reviewer Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro & Michele (photo Cheryl O'Grady)

s Cathead Music & Art store in Clarksdale, MS

s Michael Powers Band warming up at Hopson Commissary in Clarksdale, MS