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930 Blues Cafe
People tell me all the time that they feel Mississippi is losing its Blues roots culture. They say that all the juke joints are closing, leaving the bluesmen to roam to a much appreciative Europe or a steady casino gig. Young wait staff programming restaurant house music rarely use the blues anymore. Is the blues ceasing to permeate from the soul of Jackson? Sure, you’ll find a house band laying down some Southern Rock Blues Jam at the occasional restaurant around town, but THE places to go to hear some slide guitar so raunchy it’ll sour your face are starting to become more of a commodity in the capital city. The 930 Blues Café has been serving up the House-of-Blues-meets-juke-joint standard to live by since it opened its doors. Come for the catfish and collards, grab a table and slink far into the night. On weeknights you’ll find the sultry Jackie Bell open with Ironing Board Sam and a regime of house bands to rotate out for a variety of blues styles. Then on the weekend they are joined by regional and national recording artists as they trek the blues cross-country. You’ll see Living Blues Magazine and W.C. Handy Award winners like Willie King and sensual guitar gods like Michael Burks laying down their heart and soul for $10 a pop. If you’ve never seen the energy that courses through Michael Burks’ body and dramatic facial expressions during his guitar jams that force your feet to the floor, you need to! Visitors seeking an authentic Mississippi experience can soak it in for 6 hours at a time. The two-story Congress Street house and home of 930 maintains a consistent good time vibe with whiskey and dancing, and everybody gets along. They have the House of Blues décor with the Hwy 61 signs and folk art, but with a smaller intimate feel. Sing along if you know the words. Leave your cares at the door. The 930 Blues Café has become the initiation “Welcome to Mississippi” ceremony with friendly open arms to all who enter. It’s like coming home without ever leaving. Anyone with just a few dollars can live a part of Mississippi History and help keep it alive.
Herman Snell
Location
930 Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39202
601-948-3344
http://www.jesdablues.com
