Mostly a Blues Tent Friday...

A late sleep for the 5th annual (I think) Piano Shirt Friday.  Another spectacular weather day.  We get a text that the Pool Hall Studs are at Lucy's, but Gumbo has to pick up a forgotten credit card at Ryan's so we walk down to Decatur, retrieve the card and order a couple Bloody Marys, which kind of match Gumbo's shirt after last night's fall.  The PHS take their sweet time meeting up with us.

We get out to the Fairgrounds around two, just hearing Edie Brickell's final song as we walk through the gates.  The Studs go their separate way while we ponder.  Buckwheat Zydeco is next up at Gentilly, but we instead decide to roam, catching a little religion with Rev. Jermaine Landrum & Abundant Praise Revival Choir.  The Rev appears to be the hyper-energetic lead singer/choir leader, alternately singing, then handing off to a couple younger boys while he fired up the choir.  The place is rocking!  I'm almost saved, but not quite, so we stroll next door, settling in along the crowded right side of the Blues Tent for Luther Kent, a favorite from a couple years back.

After Luther, it's time for some food.  Catfish Etouffee, a Crawfish Sausage Po' boy and a Cochon Po' boy- delicious.  Back to the Blues Tent for Eric Lindell, one of our big favorites.  The boys saw him last year at One-Eyed Jack's, but I was too tired that night and passed (not out, just whipped).

The closers: Arcade Fire, Willie Nelson, Mingus Big Band, Gregg Allman.  I want to see what all the Arcade Fire hype is about and I love Willie, but I opt to go deep down front right after Eric Lindell to homestead a spot for Gregg Allman.  Gumbo, as always, goes for that old pot-smoking, tax-cheating hippie, Willie Nelson.  I squeeze down front in the center aisle, hoping not to be bounced.  After a couple close calls, I'm safe and Gregg appears.  Looks in great spirits, smiling, acknowledging the huge welcome.

View from front looking back in Blues Tent for Gregg Allman

Roadies setting up for Gregg Allman while those of us without seats crowd the aisles.

Sometimes I feel like I'm tied to the whipping post....

Gregg's there somewhere.

Derek Huston taking a solo during Gregg's set.

Good decision to go with Gregg.  Early night for JohnnyK, dinner with Gumbo at Lucy's where we see the Jersey Gang at an adjoining table.  Lousy dinner.  I pack it in, while Gumbo goes off to see what's cooking at Howlin' Wolf.