The 11th Hour: January 18 - 31, 2019 by 11th Hour Macon

JANUARY 18–FEBRUARY 1, 2019 • VOL 18, ISSUE #403

THE INTERVIEW

BRENT COBB PG 20

A CONVERSATION WITH

JOSHUA RAY WALKER

11 EVENTS

PG 09

PG 34

LIVE & LOCAL PG 43

EAT

THIS

PG 29

11 QUESTIONS WITH

LUTHER DICKINSON PG 14

Layout & Design by M&R Marketing

11thHourOnline.com 1

02 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

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Scott Akin HOUSTON HEALTHCAREʼS FEATURED ATHLETE • Scott is a four-year returning starter for the Houston County Bears. His freshman year, he beat out several

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•

the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog!”

Scott excels academically with a 3.7 cumulative grade

point average, which includes several advanced placement courses and participation in dual enrollment classes.

• Scott’s understanding of the offensive scheme and his knowledge of the game, make him a valuable “coach

on the field.” He is a true leader in an era where true leadership is hard to come by.

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RUNNING COMMENTARY My wife Amanda and I have a lot of ways we save money. We have pre-paid cell phone plans without data. We don’t have cable and confine our watching habits to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu-- and our internet is only as fast as it absolutely has to be in order to stream on those platforms. We cut coupons, buy groceries, and cook at home-- fresh ingredients and vegetables when practical, canned or frozen when not. We search for bulk discounts on paper products. Amanda even makes our laundry detergent-- a far superior and gentler alternative to the storebought kind. We have our indulgences of course, but we take care to manage our money, stay on top of the bills, and save a few bucks when we can. Amanda quit smoking the day she found out she was pregnant with our daughter, and it took me a few more months to do it, but I put on the patch and smoked my last cigarette on April 13th, 2016. Those were choices we made, not purely for financial or health reasons, but for our daughter. I tell ya, I can remember climbin’ around on my hands and knees for change under the couch, peering into every crease, practically stripping my car for nickels and dimes, and even on occasion not putting fuel in my car just so I could buy a pack of cigarettes. I hope I never do that again. Nickels and dimes. My daughter calls ‘em “piggies”. You know, ‘cause we “feed” ‘em to her piggy banks. It’s adorable really. She’ll spy a dime on the table or locate an errant quarter and shout, “I found a piggy!” And you know what? I love it. A cheap thrill, if you will. But it’s still funny how things get reduced to rattlin’ change. We’re almost a full month into a government shutdown, and I can’t help but wonder how many good folks out there have been reduced to their hands and knees, huntin’ for nickels and dimes. Metaphorically or literally, does it matter? Usually, this is the last thing I write, and it’s often the toughest. Sometimes it’s a simple as letting you know how I feel about a particular issue of The 11th Hour. This time around, I had the privilege to talk to Brent Cobb. I like Brent. He’s unpretentious, gracious, and capable. If success has done anything, it’s given him a greater appreciation for the things he loves most-- his home and family, and of course, his music. We would all do well to concentrate on the things we love. As of this writing, it’s been nearly a month since the president shut down the government. He’s had all the success one man could ever expect to achieve, but it’s only made him spiteful. Sometimes, listening to him, I almost want a cigarette. Instead, I think me and Carter Wray are gonna hunt around for some “piggies”. If we can collect enough, maybe we’ll buy the president a copy of Providence Canyon to go along with The Grifter’s Hymnal. What do you reckon he prefers-- CD or vinyl?

–AI aaron@thecreekfm.com

OUR TEAM AARON IRONS Managing Editor

ANTHONY ENNIS Contributor, Photographer BO WALKER Contributor KIRK WEST Contributor MANDY PURVIS Contributor M&R MARKETING Layout & Design Cover Photo by Don VanCleave 06 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Mailing 543 Cherry Street, Macon 31201 Advertising tony@thecreekfm.com Editorial aaron@thecreekfm.com Published by Creek Media LLC

January 18–February 1, 2019 // Volume 18, Issue #403

WHAT'S INSIDE 09

11 Events

Upcoming Mayhem Games

11 Questions: Luther Dickinson

Kirk West's 50,000 Shades of Gray

The Interview: Brent Cobb

Feels Like Local

This Dish

Bo Talks

A Conversation: Joshua Ray Walker

Do This

The Creek: Americana News, Notions, and Nonsense

A CONVERSATION: JOSHUA RAY WALKER

he Creekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Featured Show & Americana T Singles Chart

Live & Local: Calendar

Next Issue

Flip thru the entire issue online 11thHourOnline.com

THE INTERVIEW: BRENT COBB

THE RUFUS

11 QUESTIONS: LUTHER DICKINSON

11thHourOnline.com 07

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AT H W

W E

A R E

G N I D O

BRENT COBB LIVE! 8PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 THE HARGRAY CAPITOL THEATRE 382 SECOND ST. MACON PIRATE SCHOOL! 10:30AM & 1:30PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE 651 MULBERRY STREET, MACON

Pirate School! is a madcap, swashbuckling solo variety show starring the bumbling pirate professor Billy Bones who teaches youngsters four and up the finer points of lighthearted mischief. The audience partakes in riotous, joyful competitions that rattle the rafters, and zany lessons on how to stand, talk, sing, and laugh like jaunty Buccaneers. Featuring an original cartoon-like sound effect and musical score, eye-popping puppetry, eccentric props, adept magic, slapstick swordplay antics, a misbehaving cannon, a talking skull and the world’s only wearable pirate ship, Pirate School! is truly a treasure for kids to discover. Tickets are $10-$12.50 and can be purchased at thegrandmacon.com.

Brent Cobb’s latest album, Providence Canyon, is an evocative, electrified album about a life lived on the run. There are road songs, half-lit drinking tunes, tributes to friends and family, and nostalgic nods to one’s younger years. There are songs about returning home and songs about getting the hell out of dodge. Gluing everything together is the unforced country croon and sharp songwriting of Brent Cobb, who credits his recent touring history for inspiring the album’s quicker pace. Brent Cobb and Them will be joined by Savannah Conley. Tickets are $15-$280 and are available at The Rookery or online at hargraycapitoltheatre.com. LUNAR ECLIPSE 9:30PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 TATTNALL SQUARE PARK 1155 COLLEGE STREET, MACON

FOOD CHAIN KIDS’ CRAFTS 3PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT 1207 EMERY HWY, MACON Visit the Ocmulgee National Monument to make a Food Chain Craft! Learn how animals interact with each other in an ecosystem.

Join Macon-Bibb Parks & Recreation for the Lunar Eclipse! Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy and witness this amazing celestial event! continued on page 10 11thHourOnline.com 09

continued from page 9

DOMINIC CHELI, PIANIST CELEBRATING 7PM-9PM TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 BURDEN PARLOR, OLIVE SWANN PORTER STUDENT CENTER AT WESLEYAN COLLEGE 4760 FORSYTH ROAD, MACON

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JUICES & SMOOTHIES Pianist Dominic Cheli released his debut CD for Naxos in 2017. He currently studies at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, California. His recent engagements include a concerto debut in Europe in fall 2017, his Ravinia Festival debut in summer of 2018 and his New York recital debut in the 2018-2019 season. He earned his Master of Music from Yale University and Bachelor's degree from the week...at Mercer Manhattan School of Music. N Tickets ew thisavailable Ticket Sales. Season subscription $80 adults, $40 students; individual concert $25 adults, $10 students. Tickets also available at the door 1/2 hour prior to the performance. ishes

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GARDEN BROTHERS CIRCUS 1PM, 4PM, 7PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 THE MACON COLISEUM 200 COLISEUM DRIVE, MACON 552 CHERRY STREET, DOWNTOWN MACON

At Frankie's, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and the mission is that every woman leaves feeling empowered and beautiful in their own skin.

CHRIS HICKS BAND LIVE! 9PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 PUB 96 405 HWY 96, BONAIRE

The All New 2019 Edition of GARDEN BROS CIRCUS is packed with breathtaking special effects, concert style sound and lighting and 3 RINGS bursting with excitement, laughter, and memories that families will always cherish. The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast-paced 100 minute performance in a Theatrical European 3 RING setting, featuring the Chinese Acrobats, Daring Aerial Artists, ELEPHANTS, 6 Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Racing camels performing with the largest and smallest horses on EARTH, Contortionists, the funniest Clowns, Jugglers, and a KIDS FUN ZONE: ride an elephant, a camel, a circus pony, a giant slide, or a bouncy house and the whole family can get their face painted like Spiderman! Come hungry cause there’s plenty of food! MERCER UNIVERSITY CONCERT 2PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 FICKLING HALL 1329 ADAMS STREET, MACON

One of Georgia’s greatest entertainers, Chris Hicks can’t sit still! The guitarist/singer for the Marshall Tucker Band will be at Pub 96 to rock n’ roll before heading out for the MTB 2019 Tour-- don’t miss out on a chance to see The Hitman LIVE! ALL THAT JAZZ 2019 FEATURING PATTI LABELLE 8PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 THE MACON COLISEUM 200 COLISEUM DRIVE, MACON

Enjoy musical selections from the Middle Georgia Flute Choir and the Middle Georgia Harp Ensemble.

continued on page 13

The Tubman Museum presents 23rd annual All That Jazz 2019 starring the legendary Patti Labelle. All That Jazz is a popular black-tie affair and the premier fundraising event of the Tubman Museum. Tickets are $55 & $75 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com For table seating and more information, call 478-742-8544. 11thHourOnline.com 11

*CHILDREN MUST BE 10 YEARS OR YOUNGER

Ahoy, mateys! Paint yer pirate for a chance at milkshake treasure from The Rookery! And answer this riddle! “What’s a pirates favorite letter?” Share your answer and coloring page with The 11th Hour on Facebook, and tune in to the February 1st edition of Creekside Morning on 100.9 The Creek to hear the winner! 12 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

CENTRAL GEORGIA FARMERS MARKETS THE MULBERRY MARKET AT TATTNALL SQUARE PARK Wednesdays year round 3:30–6pm 1155 College Street Macon, GA

continued from page 11

THE MACON SOUND 7:30PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 THE HARGRAY CAPITOL THEATRE 382 SECOND STREET, MACON A GPB Original Production, The Macon Sound documentary explores the city's place as a musical mecca and highlights the legendary careers of The Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, Little Richard, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and more. The film showcases the history of Macon's musical influences and how the city helped define and inspire the sounds of rock n' roll, soul and southern rock. Attendees will also enjoy highlights of the community-focused Macon Conversations series and Right Here business segments featuring local Macon business.

• Gift making workshops for ages 6 & up • Register early - workshops begin 11/26 • Private workshops available to book for friends & families • Gift certificates also available

FIRST SATURDAY VILLAGE MARKET IN MERCER VILLAGE 1st Saturdays of the month 9am–3pm 1624 Coleman Ave Macon, GA CENTERVILLE FARMERS MARKET AT CENTER PARK 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month 8am–12pm 103 E Church Street Centerville, GA

WESLEYAN MARKET 2nd Saturday of the month 9am–1pm 4760 Forsyth Rd Macon, GA MACON STATE FARMERS MARKET Monday–Sunday 6am–10pm 2055 Eisenhower Pkwy Macon, GA PERRY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays year round 9am–1pm 901 Carroll Street Perry, GA INTERNATIONAL CITY FARMERS MARKET Thursdays year round 1–6pm Corner of Maple St & Watson Blvd Warner Robins, GA

MACON MAYHEM AT THE MACON COLISEUM STRANGER THINGS NIGHT 7:35PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 Macon Mayhem vs Huntsville Havoc Celebrate your favorite ‘80s themed horror/sci fi series while cheering on your Macon Mayhem! COLLEGE NIGHT 7:35PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 Macon Mayhem vs Peoria Rivermen CGTC! Mercer! Middle Georgia State! Wesleyan! It’s College Night at the Coliseum! SUPERHERO NIGHT 7:35PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST Macon Mayhem vs Peoria Rivermen Cosplay as your favorite superhero! Dress up, paint your face, and show your support for the Macon Mayhem! 11thHourOnline.com 13

14 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

QUESTIONS WITH

LUTHER DICKINSON By Aaron Irons

Waaaay on back in April, Luther Dickinson spoke to me about the North Mississippi Allstars, the secrets of recording at Sun Studios in Memphis, and what it means to be a blues preservationist in the 21st Century (check out that interview at 11thhouronline.com or in issue #383 April13-27 on issuu.com). While he was on the phone, I took the opportunity to ask some of my favorite 11 Questions-- and to ask Luther about his father’s pal Sputnik Monroe and a particular pair of custom cowboy boots… but you’ll have to ask me about that story in person! For fun (and because why waste ‘em?), we’re printing those 11 Questions for the first time!

Q: Luther, what's on your turntable? A: Right now? Seasick Steve. My friend Seasick Steve is an American artist big in Europe!

Q: Best spot for pulled pork barbecue? A: Pulled pork? I'm a chopped man! Coleman's Bar-B-Que, Hernando, Mississippi!

Q: What's a song you play that no one knows you play? A: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.

continued on page 17 11thHourOnline.com 15

16 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

continued from page 15

Q: What's the best advice you ever got from another artist? A: Colonel Bruce Hampton-- "Be it ten people or ten thousand people. Don't let that affect you because it's only your ego twisting you up."

Q: Who writes the setlist? A: Me

Q: Who's your favorite professional wrestler? A: HA! Jerry Lawler! The King!

Q: What's the last movie you watched? A: Oh. Wow. I can't think... I'm watching this comedy. I just watch comedy!

Q: Who'd win in a fistfight-- Simon or Garfunkel? A: Oh! Simon!

Q: What's your regular Waffle House order? A: HA! Everybody's got one, don't they? It's the Texas melt thing. Whatever that is. The steak-y melt, cheesy thing.

Q: What's your favorite Easter candy? A: Yeah. Ewww.

Q: Better creative space-- stage or studio? A: Stage!

11thHourOnline.com 17

18 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

50,000 SHADES OF GRAY BILLY GIBBONS Beacon Theatre NYC March 2009

During the Allman Brothers Band 40th anniversary run at the Beacon, the band had amazing guests. Sometimes 3-4 different folks each night. Billy was a big favorite of the band, so when he sat in during the second set of the night all of the boys put on fake beards & sunglasses with the stage lights off-- and when the lights came up ol’ Billy ‘bout lost his s--t! The audience went nuts, and the band wore the stuff thru 3 songs before the itch got too much for ‘em. Billy is a sweet dude and dug the hell out of it. Not sure where the beards ended up... I hope at least one of ‘em made it to the Big House for display. 11thHourOnline.com 19

brent cobb THE INTERVIEW

BY AARON IRONS

It’s been a treat to watch Brent Cobb’s success unfold. I’ve had a few brief interactions with the man and the thing that has impressed me as much as his considerable songwriting is his natural style. He’s an easy cat, laid back. He moves with the confidence of a man who knows things can’t get any worse or can only get better. For Brent, things are lookin’ like better. After more than a decade on Nashville’s Music Row penning tunes for other artists, Brent teamed up with his cousin, Dave Cobb (you’ve heard o’ him, right?) and released 2016’s Shine On Rainy Day, an album that showcased the former’s lyrical ability, maintained the latter’s reputation as a producer, and earned them both a Grammy nomination. Last spring, Brent released Paradise Canyon. “Country Funk” is what the kids are callin’ it, and it’s a combination of excellent songwriting and dynamic guitars that has kept Brent Cobb on the road and in demand all over the world. After two years of near constant performing, solo and as a part of Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show, Brent is home on Lake Blackshear for a brief holiday to rest up for the 2019 tour, the next chapter in his career-- and the newest member of his family! AI- I was going to say you had a busy year, but you really had a busy two years. Before you went out with Chris Stapleton back in 2017, I know you had put a premium on finally being able to afford to travel on a bus-- for no other reason than you were going to be able to write while you own the road. How has that worked out for you? BC- Exactly the way that I hoped it would. I was kinda able to get back to my regularly scheduled program of writing from midnight to 4:00 in the morning, to be honest with you. That's when my muse hits me. It always has, since I was a teenager, I always write at midnight for

some reason. But when we had our daughter, I sort of had to try to change that around for a while-- and, yeah, when we got back on the bus, it was just super easy to just write those normal writing hours of mine. I got a lot accomplished!

With Shine on Rainy Day, you came out swingin' as a songwriter and an artist in your own right. On Providence Canyon, you maintain the introspection, but it's heavily guitar driven. It's Southern Rock dueling guitars. Where did that funkier sound come from? I've always felt like I wanted to achieve the country, funky... you know, southern side of rock in the music, and it's sort of something I've always been reaching

continued on page 23 20 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

I WANT EVERYTHING TO BE HONEST-- AND THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAYBE THE MOST CHARACTERDEFINING QUALITY THAT I HAVE IN MY MUSIC.

11thHourOnline.com 21

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continued from page 20 for. Providence Canyon... I had been playing with a guitar player, Mike Harris, that's been playing with me the last three years, and he knows every Skynyrd lick in the book (laughs)! So when we got in the studio, I knew I wanted him to be a part of the record. It was a lot of Mike really that made it more upbeat and more rock-- and I'm going to continue, I think, to try to do that, you know? Make it even a little funkier! I don't know how much more rock it'll get, but I just liked that sound. It sounds like Georgia to me, and it definitely gets me down the road a little easier. Hopefully, it'll help someone else get down the road too! And I think that's been the most fun thing about the album. Everybody keeps talking about "country funk". The last couple times we've spoken, I always throw out vintage references, but you really kind of got this early ‘70s Charlie Daniels thing going on... Totally! Especially with the way that you collaborate with so many different people. Recently, we've been playing, “She Don't Love Me”. You feature on there with your pal, Adam Hood. What other projects have you been able to get out and collaborate with recently? Of course, I did the Adam thing. You heard of a guy named Kyle Daniel? I am not familiar with him. Check his record out. It came out earlier last year. We worked on a song that we wrote together, [Ain't No Difference]. His

record's great. Kyle Daniel, look his record up! I don't know how recent this is, I guess 2017, The Steel Woods record came out. They did a lot of songs that I had written. I was in the studio while they were recording, but I didn't collaborate as far as me singing on anything. Whiskey Myers, I think also 2017. We recorded a song called "Good Ole Days" that I had written-and it was actually on my EP as a hidden track in 2012. They recorded it for their 2017 album, and then they had me come in and sing on it with them in the studio. It was similar to the way I recorded it. We all just kind of gathered around a couple mics, had a good time and tried to bring that, I don't know... that bluegrass funk! I don't know what you call it, it was all string instruments! I love doing that though, man. That's what all those guys, my heroes were doing back in the early '70s. You know, you think about Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker and Toy Caldwell... He was all over everything in the seventies as you know. He was all over all that early Charlie Daniels stuff, that Hank Jr stuff like with the New South. He's all over that record! And also, stylistically, he was very open to throwin' different things into his music like you do. It's my favorite thing! I think that's the only way I can keep it fresh. Nothing gets stale. We don't go on autopilot doin' it that way, and it just keeps it fun! Over the holidays, I was watching Heartworn Highways, and there's that great chapter on Larry John Wilson-an artist your name gets brought up in conjunction with geographically but also comparing you as a songwriter and a guitar player. However, what I appreciate... you've got this really alliterative cadence that's all yours. Where did you develop that delivery style? continued on page 24 11thHourOnline.com 23

It's all about the way people talk around here and Macon, this side of the country really. And everybody has a certain rhythm. You can go in an old mom and pop greasy spoon restaurant and some old fella's going to be cookin’ some barbecue and he'll come out and talk to you for a minute-- and just the way he talks, you know? It's just the way these old timers around here, my daddy and all his buddies... If we're havin' a Texas Hold'em game at the Kinchafoonee Wildlife Club, they're all givin' one another a hard time, but it's just the emotion and the character and the way that they say things. I just grew up around it my whole life, and of course, Larry John Wilson and Tony Joe White and all those kind of guys had that same deal-- and I think it just came naturally. I try to let it come naturally to me too, and of course, be influenced by those things as well. I want everything to be honest-- and that’s maybe the most character-defining quality that I have in my music. I'm not really a powerful singer, I'm not an amazing guitar player on the side. So I try to have something that sets me apart from everybody else. Maybe that's what it is. One of the most profound things I think I had heard you mention one time in an interview was that when you first got to Nashville, they expected you to be one or the other, the writer

or the performer. Initially, you went on the writing end of things. How do you feel like you fit in now? Do you feel like the songwriter or the performer-- or are you at a point where that doesn't even matter anymore? Yeah, I don't think that matters so much anymore. I'll tell you what was really neat. During the off time, I scheduled a couple of weeks here and there to go up to Nashville and co-write a little bit because that's part of my deal as a songwriter who's published with a publisher in Nashville. I would walk into the room-and this is something that has never happened to me before-- and the moment I'd walk in the room, whoever I was writin' with most of the time would go, "Man, I wanna do what you do. I don't ever get to do what you do, and I want to do what you do!" And that never happened to me in my career, and in 12 years, I've been the one going, "Man, I got this idea for a song," and trying to steer it in a direction-and I'd always get a little bit of feedback. Nothing crazy, you know? But I couldn't... Funny thing to me is I'll tell those same folks, "Well, man, what I'm doing ain't really paying the bills that well! (Laughs) I sure would like to do what you do!" (Laughs) But I 'bout can only do what I do! It's been nice for it to be accepted. So I feel like it's one and the same now. Maybe. I don't know how long that'll last, but it's nice while it lasts.

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What do you tell younger would-be artists who want to go to Nashville? If they're going to be faced with that choice, what advice would you give them? You know, it's so weird because everybody has their own path and for some people, it works best for them and their outcome to go about it the way of, "Hey, this is a business and I'm going to write hit songs and I'm going to learn the craft of that." But for some people... Like I was this way, and I did try to do that for a year or two. It didn't work for me. I guess I would tell a young songwriter/artist just do whatever you feel in your heart is what you're meant to do creatively-- and if that's follow the business, follow the business. But if you've got more, something else other than writing something to a formula then do that. Because whatever you feel most comfortable with, I think, is how you're going to succeed. Was it easy for you to make that transition from writer into full on, full time touring performer? Not really because I've said this before, I always wrote for myself so... It was easy creatively, logistically not easy. But they're one and the same too. I say that, but if I'm not touring, and I'm not being the singer of the songs, then I have a hard time writing those songs. I have to be performing in order to continue to write, I'm afraid-- which probably drives my whole family crazy. (Laughs) I think that's the only it's gonna work for me. The last time we corresponded I asked you to name an artist that you thought folks should check out, and you said Savannah Conley who's going to be with you in Macon on January 19th. What do you look for in other artists when you're looking for somebody to listen to or

potentially work with-- and are you able to enjoy new music and not be critical? I'm usually not critical. I'm usually... I don't know if this is gonna make sense... I'm a purist, I'm "purely" critical, but I'm not being critical to critique. So what appeals to me in an artist is their natural ability. If it sounds natural then I'm usually drawn to it. You can tell if somebody cares enough to try to craft a song that's a decent song, you know? Tell me what's coming up in 2019. You're about to jump back on the road and you're booked up solid through March and I'm sure you'll set up more dates going forward. It's still fresh off of Providence Canyon, but when do you plan to go back into the studio? We're workin' on time right now. It's really hard for everybody. We're touring so much, and we'll pick back up to after this, but I have a new baby coming into the world. Congratulations! Thank you, man! I got a baby boy coming in April so I'm going to take a month, maybe a month or more off of the road and just be home with my wife and family. And sometime at the end of that break we're gonna try to get back in the studio and record. I got a bunch of songs ready. After that, we got a couple big things coming up that I don't know that I can talk about right yet. We got a lot o' road doggin' to do! I've said since 2016 that I felt like-- if this all was going to work out-that 2019 was going to be the grindiest grinding year that I've ever had. But if we can get through to the other side, I think 2020 might be the year that I'll be able to go, "Man, I think I'm going to be able to do this forever!" So wish me luck. Keep your fingers crossed for your ol' boy! 11thHourOnline.com 25

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Voted #1 Restaurant in Macon

26 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

FEELS LIKE LOCAL

COMPASSIONATE BY SCOTT MITCHELL Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers.” As I survey my downtown Macon neighborhood, I find a diverse group of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds... a rainbow of colors... wealthy people intermixed with people living in poverty... the derelict and the homeless. How we treat our neighbors that look, act, talk and live differently than us cuts to the core of what it means to be a community. There are daily opportunities to show compassion to our neighbors. One of my dearest friends in Macon is a homeless man. He visits me at my shop every day to get a riddle to solve. We often get tickled and have a good ol’ belly laugh at our guesses as we try to solve them. You see, the riddle is not the important part of this story. The daily connection that we share is the takeaway here. It gives me a chance to check on him every day to ensure that he is okay, and it gives him something to look forward to each and every day. Charise Stephens with U Create Macon says, “If we acknowledge people that are different than us, even simple gestures like a hello, will lead to conversation. Once conversations have started, it is so hard to be prejudiced or discriminatory towards that person. If you open up your heart and your voice, the knowledge that you can get is just Immeasurable.” Recently, I participated in the Community Foundation of Central Georgia's On The Table Macon which is a one-ofa-kind opportunity to bring people of diverse backgrounds together to share a meal and have meaningful conversations about topics that are important to the community. Charise and I hosted a table focused on homelessness and income inequality in downtown Macon. A common concern facing participants at our tables was access to public restrooms. Many heart-wrenching stories were told of the struggles facing our neighbors. We made a decision to take action and wrote a grant that was recently funded and will provide access to public restrooms for people in downtown Macon. As you look around your neighborhood, try on the goggles of compassion and see how easily you can change your world.

11thHourOnline.com 27

THE Z BEANS STORY BY SHANE BUERSTER

ATTENTION TO DETAIL: STEP 3 OF FARM TO CUP

To be honest, if you told me you had the perfect cup of coffee, I wouldn't believe it. Knowing all of the processes that go into making coffee-- all of the opportunities for an honest mistake to happen-- a perfect cup seems HIGHLY unlikely. However, if you pay close attention to details, you can make a cup that is pretty dang good! This blog is told from the point of view of Mrs. Marie Paredes, the wife of Fabricio and the daughter of the original owner of the processing facility in PiĂąas, Ecuador. Mrs. Marie talks about the second and third machine at the processing facility. These machines peel and grade the coffee! Z Beans has partnered with Marie and Fabricio to make our supply chain feasible. While Marie and Fabricio are vital to Z Beans' ability to import, our relationship stems way deeper than just business. They are our friends. They are part of the Z Beans family. Shane comes flying down the stairs. He just dumped the beans into the first machine, and Fabricio just turned on the peeler. Shane can't allow a single bean to pass through without inspecting it. It's like he forgets that Fabricio and I have done this for over 30 years now... Anyways, Shane makes his way over to Fabricio, and they both marvel over the washed, processed coffee beans making their way through the peeling machine. Both of them inspect the coffee, praying it looks as good as it did in Ibarra. Arturo walks into the processing facility with his humidity tester in hand. I tell you, he absolutely loves that thing. Shane bought us one to keep in Ecuador, and I don't think Arturo has set it down since. Arturo takes some of the beans, puts them in the humidity tester, and tests it. 11.5. Arturo looks at Shane with a huge grin and shows him the result. Shane, animated as usual, fist pumps. Fabricio gently tips his cap in approval. The three men bag up 100 pounds and Shane takes each bag over to the final machine, the three grade processor. Unfortunately, we can't run both machines at the same time. Every time we try, it blows the fuse box. (To be honest, it's probably best that we do. Shane would probably try to run all three machines at once!) After a couple hours of making one-hundred pound bags full of freshly peeled, green coffee beans, the men focus their attention on the third machine. Shane dumps the bags into the hopper, and Arturo situates the three buckets underneath the spouts. The buckets are labeled 1, 2, and 3. The first bucket has the highest graded coffee, next is second best, and last is fertilizer for next year's crops. Fabricio turns the machine on, and the beans start moving through the screens. Milton's coffee from Ibarra is high quality, though. Almost all of the beans are the first grade. Once one of the five gallon buckets underneath the spouts is full, Shane dumps the bucket in a correctly labeled bag. Shane carries a full bag over to the scale, and I weigh it. The scale we use was the original scale my father had purchased. It's very accurate, though! Once the bag is weighed, Arturo ties it and wheels it over to the storage room. When it is in the storage room it is now ready for export! We repeat this process over and over again. The only difference is when we are processing the natural processed coffee. Because these beans have a few more defects, pickers come and pick out all the defected beans. It's amazing to watch the pickers work-- they are incredibly quick. They can pick through over 150 pounds in an hour. Typically, we can completely process about 3500 pounds per day. It is hard work, but it is rewarding. At the end of the day, Fabricio and I head back home. Arturo and Shane hitchhike a ride back to Zaruma. I don't know why Shane just doesn't pay for a taxi-- but oh well. I'm sure they will make it home safe!

28 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

For more Z Beans stories you can find us here: ZBeansCoffee.com Facebook: @ZBeansCoffee Instagram: @ZBeansCoffee Storefront: 1635 Montpelier Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31201

EAT THIS THE RUFUS BEARFOOT TAVERN 468 SECOND STREET, MACON

Okay, so as soon you hear “house-blended Black Angus burger”, your tummy wakes up and wants to know, “What’s happening?” Now your brain starts to imagine thick Wisconsin cheddar easing over the top of that burger-- and what about the sweet, fragrant twang of caramelized onions and crispy, smokey applewood bacon? Maybe what you need is a splash of tangy barbecue sauce to tie it all together as it lounges on a toasted brioche bun-- but wait. This is going to be the burger, right? The one every other burger will have to measure up to and follow? So, let’s pile on the freshly fried onion rings and call it perfect-- or you can visit The Bearfoot Tavern in Downtown Macon where they’ll proudly bring you The Rufus! “She’s a beast,” says Bearfoot Tavern owner Cesare Mammarella. He recommends The Rufus pink with a helping of truffle parmesan fries. “I’ve got quite a few chefs in town that come in specifically for The Rufus,” Cesare says with a grin. “So we must be doing something right.!”

11thHourOnline.com 29

10 minutes from macon!

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Photo by Bryan Meeks 30 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

THE DISH

DINING-OUT IN CENTRAL GEORGIA A.P.’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY 4274 Broadway Macon 478-781-5656 Classic rock n’ roll bar with burgers, salads, sandwiches, wings and more! Homestyle Southern Cookin’ Sundays! Outdoor seating available. L/D/Bar $

English-style steak and chop house with nightly features, extensive wine list, and amazing bourbon and whiskey selection. Cigar bar and private humidor. Complimentary Valet. Reservations encouraged. D/Bar $$–$$$

BARBERITOS 4123 Forsyth Rd Suite G Macon 478-621-4883 4921 Riverside Dr Macon 478-254-5802 3123 Watson Blvd Suite 100 Warner Robins 478-971-1138 barberitos.com Burritos, tacos, salads, quesadillas, nachos, and more using locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. L/D$–$$

EDGAR’S BISTRO 5171 Eisenhower Pkwy Macon 478-471-4250 edgarshospitality.com City Chic and a foodie’s dream! Edgar’s Bistro presents a dining experience that nourishes the body and soul. Open for lunch & dinner Monday-Friday, Edgar’s serves as a hands-on training facility for the Culinary students at Helms College’s Polly Long Denton School of Hospitality. Reservations encouraged. L/D $$–$$$

BEARFOOT TAVERN 468 2nd St, Macon, 478-305-7703 bearfoottavernmacon.com Contemporary gastropub featuring a menu of New American fare & a beer garden with live music. L/D/Bar $–$$

FATTY’S PIZZA 344 2nd St Macon 478-744-9880 fattyspizzamacon.com Pizza, calzone, wings, & salads. Gluten Free options and delivery to Downtown Macon. L/D $

THE BRICK 1305 Hardeman Ave #100 Macon 478-254-3632 thebrick93.com Made-from-scratch pizza, calzones, and stuffed sticks. Fresh salads, wings, and pasta. Wide variety of draft & bottled beer! L/D/Bar $-$$ CIRCA 4420 Forsyth Rd Macon 478-621-4140 maconcirca.com American brasserie, featuring classic and contemporary French and European cuisine, salads, seafood, steaks, sushi. Saturday Brunch starts 2/24! Reservations encouraged. L/D/Bar $$-$$$ DOVETAIL 543 Cherry St Macon(above the Rookery) 478-238-4693 dovetailmacon.com Farm-to-table casual fine dining. Southern crafted small plates and a cultivated bourbon selection. Reservations encouraged. Complimentary valet located on Mulberry St Lane for dinner only. Saturday & Sunday Brunch. D/Bar $$–$$$ DOWNTOWN GRILL 562 Mulberry St. Lane Macon 478-742-5999 macondowntowngrill.com

FINCHER’S BAR-B-Q 3947 Houston Ave Macon 478-787-4648 5627 Houston Rd Macon 478-7876947 891 Gray Hwy East Macon 478-787-4649 519 N. Davis Dr Warner Robins 478-787-4651 finchersbbqga.net So fine, it went to the moon in ‘69! Delicious Southern barbecue at four locations in Macon and Warner Robins featuring pulled pork, chicken, ribs, burgers, and more. Family owned & operated since 1935! L/D $ H&H 807 Forsyth St Macon 478-621-7044 handhsoulfood.com “The H” is an institution woven into the fabric of Macon’s history. Since 1959, H&H has kept Macon’s most diverse clientele well-fed with delicious, stick-to-ya-ribs soul food—and is most famous for the unique friendship between founder Mama Louise Hudson and the Allman Brothers Band. B/L $ INGLESIDE VILLAGE PIZZA 2396 Ingleside Ave Macon inglesidevillagepizza.com It doesn’t get any better than IVP! Hand-tossed, homemade dough and fresh toppings, salads, sandwiches, and the sloppiest breadsticks! Voted

the best pizza in Central Georgia by readers of the 11th Hour and the Macon Telegraph! 80+ cold, craft beers! L/D/Bar $ JUST TAP’D 488 1st St Macon 478-599-9951 3123 Watson Blvd 478-599-9950 justtapd.com Gastropub serving tap brews over the counter & bottles from the shelves, plus hearty bar grub. L/D/Bar $ KUDZU SEAFOOD CO. 470 3rd St Macon 478-292-2085 kudzuseafood.com From the Panhandle of Florida to the coast of Louisiana, the cuisine of the Gulf Coast is simple and unique. Kudzu Seafood Company brings the best of Southern coastal seafood to Downtown Macon! Offering a menu of fried and grilled seafood along with non seafood items prepared fresh to order in an open kitchen. Welcome to the Coast of Middle Georgia! L/D/Bar $ MELLOW MUSHROOM 5425 Bowman Rd, Macon 478-254-6789 mellowmushroom.com Delicious food in a fun and creative environment! Mellow Mushroom is the originator of hand tossed, stone-baked, classic southern pizza. All pies are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, a spring water crust, and a philosophy to elevate the dining experience with a higher order of pizza. L/D/Bar $–$$ NU-WAY WEINERS 5572 Bloomfield Rd Macon 478-781-1305 1602 Montpelier Ave Suite 105 Macon 478-812-8200 921 Hillcrest Blvd Macon 478-743-1047 148 Emery Highway Macon 478-743-7976 3990 Northside Dr Macon 478-477-0533 6016 Zebulon Rd Macon 478-474-5933 1762 Watson Blvd Warner Robins 478-929-4941 215 Russell Parkway Warner Robins 478-923-5335 nu-wayweiners.com An iconic Macon Restaurant featuring the famous red hotdog! Established in 1916 by

Greek American James Mallis, Nu-Way is one of the oldest hot dog restaurants in the United States. The New York Times declared Nu-Way the “king of the slaw dog “hill”. B/L/D $ OCMULGEE BREWPUB 484 2nd St Macon 478-254-2848 ocmulgeebrewpub.com Ocmulgee Brewpub offers the best curated brews using the finest grains, hops, and yeast. Delicious gourmet burgers, super food salads, and hand-cut fries. L/D/Bar $ PAPOULI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE & MARKET 121 Tom Hill Sr Blvd, Macon 478-474-0204 papouliscafe.com Mediterranean restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Gyros, Pita Wraps, Greek Plates & More! Papouli’s Mediterranean Cafe & Market also offers a large selection of imported grocery & deli items. L/D $–$$ PARISH ON CHERRY 580 Cherry St Macon 478-257-7255 parishoncherry.com Cozy Cajun eatery in a rustic-chic setting dishing up classic Creole fare, such as ‘po boys & gumbo. Outdoor seating available. L/D/Bar $–$$ PIEDMONT BREWERY & KITCHEN 450 3rd St Macon 478-254-2337 piedmontbrewery.com Eclectic atmosphere with a menu featuring handcrafted beer and honest food. Family-friendly arcade and outdoor seating available. L/D $–$$ ROLY POLY 624 New St A Macon 478-745-7659 The Original Rolled Sandwich! Also offering specialty soups & salads. L $ THE ROOKERY 543 Cherry St Macon 478-746-8658 rookerymacon.com Legendary downtown eatery offering Southern rock & soul inspired burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, shakes, daily features, and so much more! Soul Jazz Brunch on Saturdays! Outdoor seating available. L/D $–$$

Your Favorite Classics and a host of new hits

807 Forsy th St. Macon, GA 31201 478-621-7044 • HandHSoulFood.com 11thHourOnline.com 31

32 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Photo by Christopher Ian Smith

BO TALKS

NETFLIX AND NO CHILL

You’ve had a long day. Maybe a co-worker got on your nerves or a customer tried to foolishly explain why redheads are going extinct. Whatever the case, the day was long and reaching that moment of relaxation after tucking your children into bed couldn’t come a moment too soon. You curl up with your partner to indulge in some of our culture’s most currently shared past-time-Netflix. However, instead of being greeted with the familiar jingle-jangle of The Office theme, you find yourself introduced to Marie Kondo. What follows is not relaxing, but rather an end to your day that leaves you questioning the very nature of your surroundings and natural habitat. Welcome to Tidying Up. Marie Kondo, and her KonMari method of tidying are taking Netflix and watercooler conversations by storm. If you haven’t discovered this yet and think I’m just talking gibberish words, be patient. She will find you, and much like the creatures from Birdbox, she will force you to see the worst version of yourself. You may not commit violent suicide (I’m too afraid to finish the series to find out) but you will find yourself saying a final goodbye to many of your cherished possessions. So, to combat this virtual home invasion, I present an alternative method. I call it the Bander-Stash method, because just like the Black Mirror movie-- you have a choice, and if you’re determined enough you can find a place to stash anything. The crux of Bander-Stash is not whether or not an item sparks joy, but instead finding the joy in everything. Keep everything. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been looking for a shirt or pair of pants only to find some

other preferred article of clothing I wasn’t even looking for. Now, you might think, “Bo, I know what I want to wear, and I need to be able to find it.” But the truth is, you don’t know what you want to wear. No one does. That’s why there are fashion and marketing industries because people don’t know what they want. I shouldn’t have to tell you that, as a writer, I don’t trust anyone telling you to get rid of books. What kind of Orwellian, 1984, book-burning police-state is this lady selling us? This should be a no-brainer-- if you want to continue having a brain worth a damn, that is. Get rid of Netflix before you consider getting rid of your books. End of story. Unless of course, you’ve ended up with any of the Left Behind novels, those don’t belong on anyone’s bookshelves. So really, it’s as simple as not getting rid of stuff. Just hoard. Fill your closets. Fill your guest room. Fill your living room. Fill your own bedroom. Buy a new house and start over. Stash, stash, stash. Your belongings are indeed precious and in the immortal words of Madonna, “We are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.” Bo Walker is a writer who has refused to throw anything away for the past eight years and fears change. His book, Bander-Stash: The Art of Keeping Everything, will be available everywhere as soon as he can find and finish editing the rough draft he put somewhere in his cluttered office.

11thHourOnline.com 33

A CONVERSATION WITH

By Aaron Irons We’re not even a month into ‘19, and I’ve already made my pick for “album of the year”. Too soon? Too much? Aww, maybe-- but then again... Before I walked out of the Creek studios for the long New Year’s weekend, I noticed Joshua Ray Walker’s album, Wish You Were Here, on the lobby table. I can’t tell you why I picked it up, but the big, bespectacled cowboy on the cover seemed to dare me to listen-- and defy me not to be impressed. Was I? Well, you’re readin’ this. With the opening salvo of Texas poetry, “Canyon” invited me in to sit down, crack open a Lonestar, and get to know Joshua Ray Walker. I enjoyed the album so much, I immediately tracked him down. He’s 28-years-old, and he grew up in East Dallas. He’s easy-going and eager to talk about his debut and the prospect of touring. Joshua’s excited, and frankly, he should be. He’s made a helluva record. The songs on Wish You Were Here are polished smooth. Lyrically, there’s nothing to trim, every word that shapes every line is right in time. Joshua’s voice is strong and sweet. It echoes like a miner’s wail, and there’s no mistaking a particular and moving pain that threads throughout the album’s ten tracks. His songs all tell a story and range from bittersweet craft to Waylon-waltzin’ honky tonkers, gritty tales to wry observations. Wish You Were Here is as much fun as Charlie Robison’s Life Of The Party and as honest as Chris Knight’s first full-length-- and like those debuts, it smacks of prophecy. If you’re a fan of Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Joshua Hedley, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, or Zephaniah Ohora, I encourage you to pick up a copy of Wish You Were Here when it becomes available on January 25th. I’m not in the business of making guarantees, but kids, you’re gonna dig this one! In the meantime, let me introduce you to Joshua Ray Walker.

continued on page 37

34 JANUARY 18-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

11thHourOnline.com 35

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AI- I read that you started performing early at the age of 13. What got you started doing that then? And what kind of music were you playing at the time? JRW-I grew up playing bluegrass and traditional country with my grandpa. He was from Knoxville, Tennessee and I started playing guitar and banjo when I was around five. I started playing in rock bands in junior high around 12 or 13 and started gigging at little clubs in the music district here in Dallas called Deep Ellum, and you know, church battle of the bands and things like that. I want to talk about this new record coming out, Wish You Were Here. I picked it up, I've been listening to it a lot. I think it's fantastic. It's coming out on State Fair Records, January the 25th. Tell me about how it all came together because you've been recording music for a little while. Have you been hanging onto these songs for a little bit or did you write them all especially for this project? And how did John Pedigo get at the helm of it? I've been playing my music out five or six years now, I guess maybe close to seven. I tried recording a few times and it just... By the time the project was done, I just wouldn't be happy enough with it to release it. I got a couple albums worth of material now-- but this record is really kind of like a snapshot of everything that I've been writing since I started up until now. There's a song that was finished in the studio that ended up on the record called "Love Songs" and there's also the first song I ever wrote called "Fondly" on the album. It's just kinda a little bit of everything from the last almost 10 years that I've been writing. John Pedigo is a big part of the Dallas music scene. I've seen him play shows for years, and we met playing in bands. We ended up on the same bill. I play in a rock band called the Ottoman Turks, and we were on a bill with John Pedigo's band, The O's. We met, and I asked him to record an EP, and we started recording. That was around the end of 2017. He thought the songs were good, and he was working on his solo record at State Fair Records at the time and passed the songs along to Trey Johnson at the label. We started talking and he liked the songs and we started making a record. That's kinda how it all happened. It all just kind of came together naturally, You've got the Ottoman Turks, I guess, on this album as your backing band? No, just one member, Nathan Mongol Wells. He's one of my best friends. We've been playing music together for a long time. He plays rhythm electric on the album, and he's actually my bass player when I go out on the road live. I've been playing lead guitar on all of his projects for about six or seven years now. Stylistically, I could say to folks that Wish You Were Here is a "Texas" record and they'd know exactly what I meant. Your songs have elements of everything from Townes Van Zandt to George Strait, the old 97-- and I'd even say you've managed to fit a little bit of Bakersfield in there as well. But there is a darkness running underneath all of that. It's kind of reminiscent of another, I guess you'd call Texas legend, Blaze Foley. Do you find that country music lends itself or rock'n'roll lends itself better to that darkness? I'd say for me, country music lends itself better to that sort of thing. It's one of the things I latched onto when I got back into country music. I realized you can write about something really sad and poke fun at yourself at the same time and that sort of satire and tongue in cheek humor is what drew me back into writing country music. It's easy to be transparent and sincere and kind of make fun of yourself at the same time-- and feel a little bit better about what you're writing about, you know?

I was just playing in the corner of small bars and honky tonks a year ago and to anybody that would listen. I got to open for Colter Wall at two large theaters at the end of 2018 and play Cain's Ballroom with American Aquarium. This album's already taken me farther than I expected to go. So really anywhere it ends up is just icing on the cake at this point.

continued on page 38 11thHourOnline.com 37

Speaking of transparent and sincere, you lay the whole thing out on the table with that first track, "Canyon". I wanted to ask you who you're talking to on that track? That song is about my relationship with my dad. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer about two years ago, and I wrote that song about a lot of things. Just, you know, what he might be leaving behind for me, what I'd be leaving behind, and my future. Just, you know, what your legacy is as a person and what that means to the people around you. You know, all the complicated things that come in a father-son relationship. Is he still fighting the good fight? He is, he's still with us and he still comes out to a show here and there. I try to get lunch with him as much as I can. And, yep, he's still kickin'. Has he heard the album? He has! Yeah, he's a big fan of the album. So talking about what you do... To label it traditional country, which I think works great for artists like Zephaniah Ohora even Joshua Headley-- but I think saying straight traditional country for what you do kind of takes away some of the personality. Wish You Were Here has the heartbreakers, it's got some dance numbers, and it's got those hardcore I-think-I'lljust-sit-here-and-drink songs. What do you call it? I just call it country music. I think a lot of people are probably going to label it Americana because a lot of good country music's being labeled Americana right now, and I would be happy to take the title as well. Well, I was going to ask you-- how do you feel about potentially being embraced by the Americana market, the Americana listeners?

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If people are listening, (laughs) I don't really care what people call me, but yeah, I wouldn't say the album's straight traditional country. That's just something that inspires the music I write. We've definitely pushed some of the songs about as weird as they could go while still being listened to by a traditional audience, I think. I don't think anything strays too far from country that it can't be listened to by most people's grandparents, you know? But also, it's got just a little bit of weird sprinkled in there, certain guitar tones are kind of strange and vocal effects and that sort of thing. John Pedigo really let me try pretty much anything I wanted to, and we would decide together whether or not it was a good idea once we tried it. It was just a really fun experience making the record that way. I think it's got an audience that's definitely going to be bigger than Texas, and it's going to bring you a great deal of attention. What are your expectations for that release? Where do you want to see it go? (Laughs) I'd like to see it go to the top of any chart that'll have it! But really just making the record and the final product we ended up with is-- I say product, but our final piece of art, final product, whatever you want to call it-- has already exceeded my expectations. I was just playing in the corner of small bars and honky tonks a year ago and to anybody that would listen. I got to open for Colter Wall at two large theaters at the end of 2018 and play Cain's Ballroom with American Aquarium. This album's already taken me farther than I expected to go. So really anywhere it ends up is just icing on the cake at this point. Wish You Were Here, the debut album from Joshua Ray Walker, will be released on January 25th and is available for pre-order now at statefairrecords.com.

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THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL

2019

Set in 1950s New York City, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a young Jewish housewife and mother, through a chaotic stream of events after her husband Joel suddenly and unexpectedly leaves her for his secretary-- walking out on Midge with her powder blue suitcase! In her shock, hurt, and anger, Midge stumbles into the Gaslight Cafe comedy club and, with some help from liquid courage, ambles up on stage to vent her frustrations. The crowd loves her sense of humor and Midge realizes that she just may be destined for a career as one of the first female stand-up comics. Unfortunately, a woman with a career is not something that 1950s New York City society smiles upon, so Midge begins a double life: bubbly and sweet mother by day, foul-mouthed jokester by night. The writing is sensational, the casting is flawless, and the set and costume designs are stunning. This show is all of the good parts of Mad Men meeting Gilmore Girls and Dirty Dancing all wrapped up in hilarity that’ll make you cry from laughter. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an Amazon Prime Original and its creators have won Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. The second season was just released-- and since it’s a Prime show, you can binge everything now and spend the next year on the edge of your seat waiting to see what in the world Midge will get into next! -MANDY PURVIS

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LIVING IN THE WOODS IN A TREE: REMEMBERING BLAZE FOLEY BY SYBIL ROSEN My songwriting pal Brandon Hunnicutt and I have been waitin’ on Ethan Hawke’s Blaze-- the story of Blaze Foley, Texas folksinger/hero-- for almost two years. I didn’t know the film was based on a book until the Macon Film Guild announced its author, Sybil Rosen, would be speaking after the Macon premier. Released in 2008 and written after documentarians had tracked her down, Living in the Woods in a Tree is a love story as remembered by Sybil who lived with and “married” Depty Dawg aka Mike Fuller before his transformation into Blaze. Not knowing a great deal about the subject other than his music and tragic demise, it was amazing to find that throughout the course of the book, Sybil was also discovering new information about the love of her life and his ragged success. Maybe it’s because I was once a musician lost in my own perception of who and what I wanted to be or maybe it’s because Sybil creates such a vivid picture of that particular time and place, but the love story spoke more to me than the legend. I imagine Sybil gets a lot of hugs when she attends movie showings and book readings. I still haven’t seen Blaze, but I expect that when I do, there’ll be a “something in my eye” Old Yeller moment.

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BUTTERMILK PIE Marge Powell lived down the road from me, and when I was growing up she fried the best squirrel and made a buttermilk pie that still lingers in my fondest memories. I don’t eat much squirrel these days (I’m not much of a hunter, you see), but I’ve spent my whole adult life trying to unlock that pie recipe from the cosmos. Recently, I was privileged to be a judge at a soul food cook-off but encouraged to bring one of my buttermilk pies to also be enjoyed. It was received so enthusiastically, I thought I’d share the recipe as well as Mrs. Marge’s memory. This isn’t as good as hers, but it’s the nearest thing to heaven that I found. Preheat oven to 500 degrees Mix together: 1 ½ cups sugar 3 Tblspn of flour 1 stick of melted butter or margarine (both work great) 2 beaten eggs 1 cup thick buttermilk 2 tsp white vinegar 2 tsp vanilla extract (real or imitation) Pour into an unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust, put in oven, and reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake 40-50 minutes or until top is golden brown and the pie jiggles slightly. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing. –AARON IRONS

REQUIRED LISTENING

ELVIS PRESLEY Rock n’ roll won’t last. Labels don’t make money on long play albums. No single artist is worth $35,000. That’s what the majority believed when Elvis Presley signed on RCA’s dotted line and released his debut self-titled album in March of 1956. The bulk of RCA ’s rock n’ roll gamble was recorded in Nashville and augmented with a few previously unreleased Sun selections to round out the platter. I could argue that the chemistry between Elvis, guitarist Scotty Moore, and bassist Bill Black was put through the washin’ machine once the Blue Moon Boys went to RCA-- but I’d probably lose the debate. Even for hardcore rockabilly enthusiasts who consider Sun the alpha and omega, it’s hard to fault the version of “Money Honey” that featured Chet Atkins on guitar and Floyd Cramer on the ivories. And even if I wanted to lambast the album’s cover of “Tutti Frutti” (not even the King beats the Peach), that bunch o’ hillbillies make a compelling case with Ray Charles’ iconic (if misogynistic) “I Got A Woman”. The crown jewel of the album is the lead track, “Blue Suede Shoes”. At the time, Sam Phillips and Sun Records were rakin’ it in from Carl Perkins original cut, and legend has it that Elvis himself requested that RCA not release his version as a single so as not to interfere with his friend’s success. Sure enough, Perkins would sell over a million copies of “Blue Suede Shoes” making it the first Sun single to do so-- but a horrible and deadly car accident would derail Perkins’ trajectory. Elvis Presley became the first rock n’ roll album to sell a million copies. It shattered industry notions, established Elvis as the genre’s first megastar, and for good or ill, changed popular music forever after. –AARON IRONS

–AARON IRONS

11thHourOnline.com 39

AMERICANA NEWS, NOTIONS, AND NONSENSE

By Aaron Irons

Old Crow Medicine Show is apparently taking a break after the New Year with fiddler Chance McCoy making his departure. McCoy’s announced a solo album and European show dates, Here’s hopin’ he reunites with that other “bad hombre” honky tonker JP Harris for a gig or project. Zephaniah Ohora has begun rehearsing (and by the time this is published, recording on honest-to-goodness analog tape) his new album.

Memphis singer-songwriter Rob Baird released his fourth studio album, After All, on 1/11…

"Weird times. Good times. Probably the only girl I have really loved in my adult life thus far, and this is how we got this record." Rob Baird

Thirteen original tracks produced by Neal Casal (Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hard Working Americans) are on the agenda with the possibility of a few more if time allows… In Macon music news, Magnolia Moon has begun tracking for a new album with designs on a special vinyl release. Justin Cutway aka Trendlenberg has finished recording his new album with Citizen Insane alum and Maryex guitarist Shawn Williamson… According to his Facebook, Jesse Dayton is working on a new album… While not remotely related to Americana, Mean Gene Okerlund passed away at the age of 76 on January 2nd. Considered throughout the known universe as “the” interviewer in all of professional wrestling, there will never be another Mean Gene. Heck, no one’s even come close…

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Ani Difranco’s No Walls and the Recurring Dream: A Memoir is scheduled for a 5/7 release and is available for pre-order… As of right now, it’s not set to be released until 2020, but Live Forever: The Songwriting Legacy of Billy Joe Shaver will be a biography/oral history on the Heart of Texas told through the stories from his friends, peers, etc. So no matter whatever else happens in ‘20, we’ve got that to look forward to…

If the lead single, “Love Feasts”, put you in the mood then get ready for Liz Brasher’s full-length debut, Painted Image available from Fat Possum Records on 1/18. And speaking of the overweight marsupial… There’s a new Townes Van Zandt release on the way? Unreleased demos/cuts from 1973? I predict that one’ll be for “serious fans only”. I’ll let you know when it’s ready for pre-order… Arlo Guthrie will be live at the Buckhead Theatre on 1/26, and Paul Cauthen is scheduled to perform at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur on 1/29. How ‘bout John Anderson at Theatre Dublin on 1/31?! Mavis Staples will release Live in London on 2/8. The songs featured were recorded in Union Chapel during two shows on July 9th & 10th 2018… Also on 2/8, New West will release a 180 gram vinyl of Albert Collins’ legendary 1991 performance on Austin City Limits…

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COWPUNK RODEO The 1980s and 90s were inundated with glittery pop, watered down grunge, and an endless supply of disposable boy bands. A rebellious underground of hardworking songwriters and determined musicians DAVID HIGDON continued to churn out quality music THECREEKFM.COM knowing that it would never reach a mainstream audience. Out of this movement was born a combination of country, punk, and New Wave known as Cowpunk as well as the strippeddown realism of Alt-Country. David Higdon has unearthed these first-rate classics for the second chance they’ve always deserved while exploring new and enduring artists on the edge of Americana. Cowpunk Rodeo is brought to you by Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions and airs every Thursday at 7pm on 100.9 The Creek and thecreekfm.com.

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