Primeaux’s Adventure

Call me old, but I record and watch the tv show 60 minutes. I record the show so I can fast forward through the segments that don’t interest me, but a few weeks ago they did a segment on the birthplace of the blues Clarksdale, Mississippi. They spotlighted three local blues joints, including Bad Apple, Reds, and Ground Zero, which is owned by Morgan Freeman. Music moves me, and I like to visit places that are special to the music community. So simply put, booked the trip and made plans. Invited my buddy that loves music as much as I do and we made the 7 hour road trip up on Black Friday. Neither one of us big shoppers anyway. Reds wasn’t open but I made it to Bad Apple and Ground Zero twice.

Bad Apple is owned by Sean Apple, originally from Pennsylvania came down to study and play Delta Blues. Learned from the best and stayed. His building may not be in the best of shape but it’s a one of a kind experience. Sean is the lone employee: door man collecting cover, bartender slinging beer and wine, and musician playing and explaining the history of the Blues. It’s a must see experience.

Ground Zero Blues Club is more mainstream in old building but don’t let that fool you. The Blues is alive and well. The staff is friendly, the seating is in groups you don’t know at large tables but become family before you leave. The food amazing, recommend the catfish and definitely the deep fried pecan pie. The decor is littered with signatures and music memorabilia. Live music 8-midnight We’d-Sat for cheap cover, most expensive is $12 on weekends.

The history, murals, monuments, people, restaurants, everything was amazing in Clarksdale. Also, being so close we took trip just over hour up to Memphis Tennessee on Saturday. Rendezvous ribs best in town. Then wandered up and down Beale Street hitting various pubs and bars enjoying live music all day including BB Kings & Silky O’Sullivans. Ended the day back in Clarksdale for more music at Ground Zero.

My advice, find what moves you and seek it. Music moves me. This is just another notch off my bucket list. Stay tuned to future adventures mi amigos!