Celebrating the Lower 9th Ward at the House of Dance and Feathers

A few years ago, when I visited the Backstreet Cultural Museum in Treme, I was unaware of the existence of another museum dedicated to the African-American cultural practices of the Lower Ninth Ward. Indeed, Ronald Lewis’ amazing House of Dance and Feathers, located in the back yard of his residence, was nearly destroyed by the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina, and many priceless artifacts were lost, but volunteers and donors helped rebuild the museum and restock it with photographs and objects that preserve a record of the neighborhood’s unique culture, a culture that at times seems more Caribbean than American. When the Neighborhood Story Project published a beautiful book about the museum, many people around the world (including myself)became more aware of the great work that Lewis has done to preserve a record of the Lower Ninth Ward and its significance to New Orleans as a whole. The museum contains artifacts of Black Indian culture, of social aid and pleasure clubs, and of brass bands and musicians. It also contains articles and books that deal with the history of New Orleans and related Afro-Caribbean cultural practices which resemble those of New Orleans, such as those of the Garifuna people of Central America. Mr. Lewis was very gracious in opening up the facility for me, his only visitor on the afternoon I was there, and explaining many things to me. A visit to the House of Dance and Feathers (as well as the Backstreet Cultural Museum) is a good place to begin to get an understanding of the culture which produced jazz, brass band music, R & B and even bounce music.

Stax to the Max Festival at Stax Museum @StaxMemphis Sponsored by @ArtsMemphis

Also on Saturday’s busy day is ArtsMemphis’ Stax to the Max festival, featuring the appearance of three classic Memphis soul vocal groups The Temprees, The Mad Lads and The Astors, all of whom recorded for Stax back in the day. Although I was unable to get a detailed schedule, the flyer indicates who will appear.

Richard “Rip” Lee Pryor Live at the Rock & Blues Museum #jukejointfest @VisitClarksdale

Richard “Rip” Lee Pryor is the son of the late Chicago bluesman Snooky Pryor who himself was from Lambert, Mississippi in nearby Quitman County. Like his father, Rip is a harmonica player and guitarist, and he thrilled the modest crowd outside Clarksdale’s Rock & Blues Museum during Juke Joint Festival on Saturday. The museum is worth a visit, not only for the exhibits, but also for the good selection of used vinyl and compact discs that are for sale.

The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, Indianola

The B.B. King Museum in the famous bluesman’s hometown of Indianola, Mississippi states that its purpose is to promote the values of B. B. King, but it has also promoted an increase in tourism to what was a sleepy Delta town. The live music outdoors that motivated me to drive down from Memphis was sponsored by the museum, and the museum has now assumed control of the historic Club Ebony, located just to the southwest of the museum campus.

The National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis

The National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis, 9/2/12

Walking Around the Metal Museum

Walking around the National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis, 9/2/12