After dropping off my tote bag, I returned to the Folk Alliance Conference to enjoy the first evening. When I got there, an awards ceremony had just let out and a reception was going on. I bought a beer, hung out, and talked to more people from the Memphis music community. More on that in a moment.
At 8 I ducked in a ballroom to catch a performance by folk artist Paul Thorn. He played to a packed room as part of the Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s showcase at the conference. His performance was broadcast on XM Radio and will be seen on PBS. His newest album, Pimps & Preachers, just came out, and he performed tracks from it, each telling a story. He performed “I Don’t Like Half the Ones I Love,” which he told us was his daddy’s favorite track. He then told us that his daddy was a preacher, and he wrote, “Whatever You Believe, it Might Be Wrong,” where he tried to sort out his own beliefs. Then he did a song in honor of his mother, known to most people as “Brother Thorn’s wife.” He felt her voice deserved to be heard through a song.
I wandered around some of the other rooms, caught a couple of songs by Memphis band the Bo-Keys. I also talked to more members of the Memphis music community, as I mentioned earlier. One person looked at my badge and said, “You know you’ve got access to the private sessions on the top three floors, right? Come up. That’s where you hear the really good music.” He told me I could expect to be there until the wee hours.
Uh-oh.
Normally I don’t object to pushing it a little bit late on a school night, but this week is kind of an exception. We have board members in town at work tomorrow and Friday. As good as work has been to me, I owe it to them to not go in there looking like death warmed over when our board is in town. And I knew if I went up to the top floor, where most of the events started at 10, I wouldn’t get out of there until 1 or 2.
So, I did the right thing. I left early, and I’ll probably miss the conference tomorrow night. However, Friday and Saturday nights, it’s ON. A Folk Alliance employee told me I shouldn’t be surprised if I’m there at 4 AM listening to musicians jam. Looking forward to it.
I also took a walk through the Trolley Stop Bar, the Marriott’s bar. In all my years Downtown I’d never been in there. Nice setup, with a U-shaped bar where everyone can see each other, pool table and performance stage. I don’t see it replacing the Saucer on my permanent agenda, but I may keep an eye on conventions at the Marriott, and if any cool conventions come to town I may wander up there, have a beer and see who I can talk to.
Again, thanks to the Folk Alliance for the pass. Everyone I met in the Memphis music community was SO NICE tonight. I wondered if it would feel clique-y, but everyone was like, “We’re so glad you’re here. Come join us.” I really appreciate that. I felt underdressed though. And by that, I don’t mean a tie. I mean, there was plaid everywhere. I guess that’s what folk musicians wear. I don’t even own any plaid. I wore a black dress shirt, untucked over jeans. I figured that for the first night, I should at least try to look slightly professional. When I go back this weekend I may break out the shorts.
Made a quick stop at the Saucer on the way home, where I drank my 200th beer for my 5th plate. Now I’m off to get a quality night’s sleep. Folk Alliance attendees, I will see you on Friday.