southernfriedmagazine.com

Mardi Gras and a Little Cajun Cuisine

We hope you enjoy these Cajun recipes, but French cuisine isn't the only cause for excitement in The Big Easy! Mardi Gras begins February 5th and Carnival festivities have already begun. Mardi Gras day is the last day of the Mardi Gras Carnival season. It falls on a different day each year and is always 46 days before Easter.

Mardi Gras is a big festival that takes place the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Since 1699, Mardi Gras has been celebrated in cities worldwide. But no one does it better than New Orleans! A French phrase that is often used during these festivities is Laissez les bon temps rouler! or "Let the good times roll!"

It is New Orleans's premiere party season! It's time to enjoy life, party and have a good time! It's irresistibly fun, vibrant, sarcastic and sassy! If you understand how this city hums during the day and sings at night, you may be able to envision its celebration of Mardi Gras.

While many outsiders think of Mardi Gras as a "spring break" of sorts, the true meaning of this festive event, goes much deeper. Mardi Gras (from the French words, meaning "Fat Tuesday"), or Carnival (from the Latin words carn-caro levare, meaning "removal of flesh") is a Christian festival that embodies many traditions that originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans -- relating to their gods and religious festivals honoring spring fertility rites. In the early Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was unable to abolish all of these ancient traditions after converting pagan tribes to Christianity. The Church was forced to adapt many ancient feasts and festivals, originally celebrated in honor of pagan gods, to Christian beliefs. Today, revelers on parade floats still don the regalia of the Greek god of wine, Bacchus, during Mardi Gras celebrations.

While New Orleans is a city of mystery and excitement year round, it really comes to life during Mardi Gras season! On Fat Tuesday, walking around the French Quarter and seeing all of the costumes and masks is a unique and thrilling experience!

Much of the Mardi Gras spirit has to do with food. This is not the time to watch your diet or worry about your waist, as traditional foods served in this season are often rich and oily. From the deep-fried seafood to the spicy stuffed jalapeños, the celebration is a time to enjoy the food as well as the partying.

It's a time for family, frivolity, cultural appreciation and/or partying with blissful disregard for its consequences. Logistically, it is a potential nightmare. Streets are overtaken by pedestrians and parades, turning what would normally be painless voyages into games of navigational chess.

Mardi Gras is one big holiday in New Orleans! Everyone is wearing the official Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) and are adorned with long beads caught from the beautiful floats. They sit on the ground throwing balls, playing music, having a picnic and watching the crowds walk by between parades. It is full of excitement. All of the businesses and roads are practically shut down -- people are walking everywhere and meeting new friends. People are dressed in crazy costumes, kids are everywhere and there is an overall merriment throughout the city.

While Mardi Gras has always served as a forum for expressing sexual fantasies, the flesh-for-beads show is a relatively recent phenomenon. It was started by locals, perhaps going back as far as 1975. Beads weren't sold in the French Quarter emporiums then, so it was generally only locals who knew where to procure them. And it was locals, no doubt including striptease dancers employed on Bourbon Street, who had access to what were then, private balconies. Although, bars with public balconies on Bourbon Street only came into existence in the early 1980s.

Mardi Gras is indeed, a celebration like no other! Mark Twain is quoted as saying "Mardi Gras is a thing that could hardly exist in the practical North....For the soul of it is the romantic, not the funny and the grotesque. Take away the romantic mysteries, the kings and knights and big-sounding titles, and Mardi Gras would die, down there in the South." It has also been said, that New Orleans is the most haunted city in America. And there is no doubt among locals, that it would not be uncommon to catch a glimpse of a ghost or two, among the crowd at Mardi Gras. Because, after all, no one ever really wants to leave New Orleans. Not even those now residing in the spirit world....

The city has a few haunted secrets that few outsiders have come to know. If you have an interest in the paranormal and you’re planning to attend Mardi Gras on February 5th in New Orleans this year, you may want to learn about some of the ghostly traditions surrounding the city and the event.

A resident by the name of Jacob Stein who lives on St. Charles upper Garden District area, relates a tale that in 2005 he was standing with friends watching a parade pass. "As the parade finished we all began to leave the neutral ground, (a large Median) only to witness a spectral parade float pass before them. We could see right through the massive beautifully decorated Mardi Gras Float", Stein says. "It was very well decorated and looked like no float I have ever seen in any parade in modern New Orleans times. It shook and moved like an old rickety wagon was underneath it! The Ghost Float apparition just vanished before our eyes as we stood their stunned."

Carol Seymour, a long time Uptown resident and now a Hurricane Katrina Texas transplant, relates that on January 6th in 1997 she and her husband witnessed a ghostly parade at or around midnight. The floats were truly glorious she says as they passed us by. The Ghost riders just stood there frozen like mannequins but I knew they were ghost! 3- 4 Ghost Floats passed us by then it was over. This Parade of spirits was the most strangest and beautiful parades I had ever seen!" Says Seymour. "But it was not of this world! As far as I know no ones ever sees a Mardi Gras Float until the first parade of the season and these floats, as far as I could tell, were definitely from beyond the grave!"

A story told many years ago was from a rider in a Parade. The Rider, M. Ebbs, reports that a friend of his (who was supposed to ride in a parade with him) had passed away two days before the actual parade took place. "As the Parade began to roll I looked over and there he was standing next to me big as life throwing beads!"

Mardi Gras ghost? Real or just too many spirits from the celebrations? Visit new Orleans and find out for yourself! It's an experience you'll never forget! And if you are fortunate enough to attend, remember: Let the good times roll!

Nicole Trivette
aka "lil_Queenie"

-------------------

Not Just Another Interview by Jody Willman

Well as hard as it is to believe, another 3 months have flown by and it’s time for some more Southern Fried! Now as some of you know, I’m a wanna be songwriter/poet/storyteller, and I love it. Last issue I gave you my impression of the “Big State Festival” last Oct. in College Station, Texas. Seems I left out a part of the story that may turn out to be the best part of being there.

Sitting next to my wife and I were a few folks from my neck of the woods that we’d never met but seemed to be really enjoying the show. I started talking to one ol' boy and he mentioned that his nephew was a guitarist. Well you know man -- people that love their kin tend to like what they do a little more than others might. So being polite, I said well how old is he? He said he’s 9! And that’s him right there. I looked and there stood a little dude about as big as a 9 year old should be, cute as a bug’s ear, whatever that means, something mama used to say. But there was something different about this kid, and I noticed it when Skynyrd started playing. It was his eyes! Not just that they are an intense blue, but where they were looking. They never strayed much from Rickey Medlocke's fingers. And the fingers of his left hand, though down at his side, were forming chords. Now, there may have been 20,000 people standing behind us, a lot of pretty girls, other kids, his family, etc. But he only had one interest…Southern rock! I was introduced to his mom and dad, Paulette and Steve and they both proudly told me that their son could play a lot of Skynyrd's stuff, including “FREEBIRD.” Now THAT really peeked my interest, because if that was true…Nah couldn’t be! Well, not to bore y’all anymore with little details about how we hooked up back home after I went to the kid’s myspace page and decided from the first video I saw that I needed to really meet this kid. Now that will be the last time you hear me call him kid! His name is BRYCE SHAVER and here is my effort to introduce you to something special!

~Interview with Steve and Paulette Shaver and their son Bryce~

To both: I want to thank you guys for inviting me to your home and for the hospitality.

Reply: It’s our pleasure and thank you for coming.

Let me get right to it, dad what kind of music did you grow up listening to?

Reply: Van Halen, George Strait, Hank Jr. all kinds of different stuff.

That’s cool, mom and you?

Reply: The same, we went to high school together.

High school sweethearts, huh?

Well it interests me that Bryce chooses to play Southern rock on his own, not influenced by what he hears around the house or with family. I love to see young people liking Southern rock.

How long has Bryce been playing guitar?

Reply: Two years ago Feb. 14th we got him his first real guitar and it was just a “First Act” from Wal-Mart.

TWO YEARS? (I might have said that loud) Wow! Now that blows me away!

What was his first “Favorite” song if you can remember?

Reply: That one, what was it? Drift away?

When did you decide to invest the time and money into getting Bryce guitar lessons?

Reply: Two years ago, he seemed to have a knack.

I’ll say! How does it make you feel seeing him up there in front of a bunch of people, just freaking them out?

Reply: Well proud, of course, but kind of amazed too. He just handles it so well.

How far would you like to see him carry this?

Reply: As long as he’s happy we’ll support him all the way. We love to hear him play as much as he loves to play.

Now right about here I was going to ask the Shavers about the tales of what fame and money can do to some young actors, musicians and the like…but after meeting Steve and Paulette Shaver, in their home, one on one, I knew the answer already. His raisin’, the love for him, and the family support he gets, speaks for itself… He’s in great hands!

Now Bryce my friend, do you know you’re nine years old?

Reply: Yes sir.

I’m asking because you walked into this room like you were at home…Oh! Right, ok you are at home!

Reply: (Laugh)

Do you think you could walk out in front of oh say 5000 people with the same air of confidence you walked into this room with?

Reply: I think so, why not? Most people like me. (Laugh)

How do you feel when there are bunches of people watching you play?

Reply: I’m nervous before I get on stage but after I’m on stage I’m not. I like for people to watch me play.

I bet the girls like you huh?

Reply: Not yet it’s too hard to pick just one. (Laugh)

They will, trust me. What’s the coolest thing anybody ever said to you after watching you jam?

Reply: You’re going to be a rock star!

(Laugh) Yep, who’s your guitar teacher? He must be good.

Reply: Kenneth Sanders is my teacher now.

You’ve had another teacher?

Reply: Yes but after a year he said I needed another teacher because I could play everything he could.

Wow! What draws you to Southern Rock?

Reply: It’s harder to play and more fun than most music.

Who’s your favorite Southern Rock band?

Reply: Lynyrd Skynyrd.

A man after my own heart! What’s your favorite Skynyrd song right now?

Reply: "Freebird" -- but I like all of their music

And you can play and sing that?

Reply: Yes sir, it took me a month to learn.

Do you know how many grown veteran rockers would love to say that?

Reply: Yes sir.

What kind of guitar do you have?

Reply: A Taylor and a Gibson

Got em tuned?

Reply: Yes sir.

Well “Play me a little”

People, I’m going to tell you this much, I was absolutely blown away by the talent, and the absolute dedication this young southern brother has inside him…it’s a beautiful thing! And after you finish reading this issue of Southernfried, take my advice and go to www.myspace.com/bryceshaver and check this MAN out! And keep going back and check now and then, because I have a feeling you’ll be seeing a LOT of new stuff on his myspace and everywhere else. Just remember folks, you saw him here first from the inside out!

Oh yeah, a few more things about Bryce… He plays piano/keyboard, bass guitar, mandolin, some drums, lead and rhythm, so all you non-players like me well… what can I say?

Until next time remember to keep it SOUTHERNFRIED!

Jody

Doug Gray talks with Bruce Wall

Recently I sat and talked with Doug Gray about all the recent Marshall Tucker related news....
Click to listen

To hear the whole interview, listen on www.43thehawk.com Sunday Feb. 3rd at 11:00AM EST and again at 9:00PM EST

An Evening With Southern Rock Friends....

The other night I was invited down to hang out with friends Tommy Crain (Charlie Daniels Band), Monica Perry (Singer.Songwriter), Donnie Winters (Winters Brothers Band) and Keith Landry (ToTo, Lee Greenwood) down in Franklin, Tennessee. What a wonderful evening of music and true Southern Rock and Blues. Tommy's band, The Crosstown All-stars, took the stage and just demonstrated why he is the signature guitar sound for the Charlie Daniels Band for over two decades. I spent the evening laughing, smiling and shooting pictures. Most of the audience was oblivious to the number of celebrities hanging around the little bar that evening. That being said, I am a believer that pictures speak louder than words. Especially, when they are coming from me. So, I will let a few pictures tell the story...

All Photos By Bruce Wall - Southern Music Alliance

Southern Music Alliance

The Southern Music Alliance is pretty much exactly what its name implies. It is a gathering of Southern Music related Artists, Industry Professionals, and Fans coming together to form an entity which promotes southern music. Sounds simple, right? Want to know more? Southern Music Alliance is the brain child of Bruce Wall, who has teamed up with all of his industry friends to create a unique opportunity for everyone. The organization offers everything from Website development, promotion, booking, merchandising, and marketing, to lots of special offers for fans. The website, which is still under development, will offer different levels of access for professional members, Artists, and Fans. The organization already contains members from several Southern Rock's greatest bands. The purpose is to provide one stop shopping for everything southern music related. The site contains stores, music, and information. It also contains a new management company called "Blue Room Management" which already works with several Southern Rock Legends including "Dangerous Dan Toler". There is also a T-shirt/merch company co-owned by Dan Toler. For more information go to www.SouthernAlliance.org

Our Friends The Southern Boys on FameCast

The Southern Boys Band are now in pre-production of their debut CD. They have moved on to the second round of Famecast (Online version of American Idol). It is very reminiscent of when Bo Bice was on the show... Showing that Southern Rock is Alive and Well!!! To view and show your support go to

http://www.famecast.com/contest/stage.php?stage_id=47&round_id=199&artist_id=7828

You can vote once a day, so keep voting, spread the word, and help support Southern Rock....

The Southern Boys Band demonstrate that Southern Rock is alive and well. "The Southern Boys Band remind me of the early days touring with Marshall Tucker, CDB, and Skynyrd".. Gary Allen (Charlie Daniels Band and JJ Cale)

Rowdy Frynds Tour is Back!!!

(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr. for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April 4th.

Ranked as one of the Top Ten Concerts of 2007 based on shows played, the following of these two legendary acts is evident. In 20 dates nationwide the tour grossed over $10.5 million.
“Our following of fans fit together perfectly,” said Johnny Van Zant. “We can’t wait to get back out there and have some fun!”
“Last year was incredible, “said Hank, Jr. “How could we not get together for another round?!”

Ranked as one of the best-selling bands of all time by the Recording Industry Association of America and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong with almost 65 albums, 30 million albums sold to date, and over 80 performances annually. To date, the Southern anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” has passed the 1,000,000 mark in downloaded master ring tones, proving that Lynyrd Skynyrd is a major industry icon that appeals to all generations.

Five-time Entertainer of the Year, Hank Williams, Jr. is a giant in country music. As the voice of Monday Night Football for 19 years he can ignite a crowd with his famous words, “Are you ready for some football?!!” He is also the first country performer to ever receive an Emmy and three more soon followed. He is the original country boy who has carved his own path in this industry, staying true to himself and proving that “A Country Boy Can Survive.”

Rowdy Frynds 2008 Tour Dates:
April 4th
Giant Center- Hershey, PA
April 5th
US Bank Arena- Cincinnati, OH
April 11th
Wolstein Center- Cleveland, OH
April 12th
Nationwide Arena- Columbus, OH
April 18th
Sears Centre- Chicago, IL
April 19th
The Palace- Detroit, MI
April 25th
Cajundome- Lafayette, LA
April 26th
CenturyTel Center- Shreveport, LA
May 2nd
The Arena at Gwinnett Center- Atlanta, GA
May 3rd
Mississippi Coast Coliseum- Biloxi, MS
May 9th
Coliseum Complex- Greensboro, NC
May 10th
Thompson-Boling Arena- Knoxville, TN
May 16th
John Paul Jones Arena- Charlottesville, VA
May 17th
Mellon Arena- Pittsburgh, PA
May 30th
Rupp Arena- Lexington, KY
May 31st
Bobcat Arena- Charlotte, NC
June 6th
Fed-Ex Forum- Memphis, TN
June 7th
Enterprise, AL- BamaJam
June 13th
Marion, SC- Marion County Country Music Festival
June 14th
Veterans Memorial Coliseum- Jacksonville, FL

For more information on Lynyrd Skynyrd, please visit www.lynyrdskynyrd.com. For more information on Hank Williams, Jr. please visit www.hankjr.com.

Music Reviews - Bruce Wall/Tamar Fleishman

Review of Chris Hicks' - "Dog Eat Dog World" - By Bruce Wall

In a Dog Eat Dog world Chris Hicks is cooler than Scoobie Doo... I had been anxiously awaiting the release of this CD for over a year now. Chris is one of my favorite artists working today. Chris is a very versatile musician mastering every instrument he touches. He is a skilled guitarist, keyboardist, harmonica player, as well as vocalist. He is the music director for The Marshall Tucker Band, as well as their lead guitarist. This CD features Paul Hornsby producing, and lots of special guests. Chris blends Blues, Funk, and Soul to achieve a truly rockin' southern sound. This is in my top three new CD's to come out in 2008 and definately recommend it for all you Southern Blues/Rock fans out there. Yesterday I had the CD blaring when a Nashville producer associate of mine stopped by. He immediately commented on what a great CD it was. So, do yourself a favor, pre-order yours at... http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7608430

Trivia: The guitar seen on all the photos for the CD is a George McCorkle signature Honey guitar given to Chris by George McCorkle and myself. Only 100 of these were made. There are only a few left as most went to friends and family of George who sadly passed away last June. If you are interested in acquiring one of the few remaining guitars go to.... http://www.southernalliance.org/Store/. Look for an interview from Chris Hicks coming soon...

Review of "Carolina Dreams '77" - Marshall Tucker Band - By Bruce Wall

This CD/DVD set is probably the greatest piece of Southern Rock history to be released in over twenty years. The folks at Ramblin records took a lot of time and expense restoring these tapes for release. It is one of the only complete live shows I am aware of in mainstream distribution. It captures The Marshall Tucker Band in their full prime at the peak of their career. Some creative engineering had to be done to restore some of the damaged parts on the tape. I have to take my hat off to my friend Doug Gray for making sure this was released for all to see. Like Ronnie Van Zant said, "You have to be a fan of The Marshall Tucker Band before I will sit and have a drink with you." So if you only buy one CD or DVD all year buy this one.... You will not regret it. Available at Walmart and www.MarshallTuckerBand.com

Review of "Brothers of the Southland" CD - By Bruce Wall

I don't care which Southern Rock band you are a fan of, this new CD is for you. The band features Dangerous Dan Toler (The Gregg Allman Band, The Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts & Great Southern), Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck and Hank Jr.), Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), Henry Paul (Outlaws, BlackHawk), Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan), Bo Bice (American Idol). I was honored to witness this project come together from day one. Was invited into the studio, first rehearsals and their first show. If you want to witness the pure magic of music that seems to be missing these days, this is it!! Look for a spring release of the CD and a Tour. Until then, you can download the whole CD at www.SouthernAlliance.org/smashop

Trivia: This was the last project George McCorkle was involved with prior to his passing. By the magic of modern technology, George appears on "Can't You See" with Bo Bice. He also wrote 3 of the tracks on the CD. On another note, the Myspace page and download store had over 15,000 hits within a matter of hours.

Review of Jimmie Van Zant - "My Name Is Jimmie" - By Bruce Wall

What can I say about this CD? I loved this project so much I invested my own money into it. It is 100% Van Zant and 1000% Jimmie.... Jimmie and producer Timothy Eaton achieved a distinct Jimmie Van Zant sound. This a a complete departure from Jimmie's first CD "Southern Comfort". It demonstrates that Jimmie is a lot more than just a member of the Van Zant family. All I can say is go to www.JimmieVanZant.com to preview the CD and Video. The CD is slated for release this spring along with a performance at the CMA Fanfare in Nashville. Way to go Jimmie!!! Great CD and I am proud to be part of it and call you friend!!

Review of Bo Bice's "See The Light" - Bruce Wall

This CD is pure Southern Rock!! I spoke with Bo about the CD at the Brothers of the Southland rehearsals in Nashville. Bo was excited about the CD because it was the first CD that was pure Bo Bice. Bo had control over the content on this CD and shows his Southern Rock roots with an excitement only Bo can provide. I can not find a weak track on this CD and again, I would say this is truly one of the best CD's of 2008. The video for Bo's first single "Witness" has topped the charts on VH1 for weeks. Way to go Bo!!! This again goes to show Southern Rock is alive and well. The record industry could stand to learn from CDs like Bo Bice and Brothers of the Southland. Give the people good music and they will listen and purchase. To listen to tracks and order go to http://www.bobice.com/music#120

Review of Van Zant's "My Kind Of Country" - Bruce Wall

This CD is the follow up to Johnny and Donnie's "Get Right with the Man" CD. The boys show the world not only are they Southern Rock's Royal Family, but the Kings of Country. I love this CD because in normal Van Zant style the songs touch the heart one minute, make you laugh the next. Johnny and Donnie never disappoint with music that has meaning. This CD is probably my favorite of the year because so many of the songs hit home with me. As a father, "That Scares Me" has become an anthem to me. The song "Friend" took my breath away. With the loss of my best friend, Southern Fried co-creator, and Marshall Tucker guitarist, George McCorkle, this song really hit home. It said everything I felt and wanted to say to my friend. If you are a Country fan, Southern Rocker or just a fan of good music, you absolutely need this CD... Check it out at www.TheVanZants.com

Review of Matt Zeiner Band – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

"Matt Zeiner" is an album of the Dickey Betts Band (vox/keyboard). He’s brought his skills to his own band....a self-declared combo of Rock, Soul, Funk and roots. Not surprisingly, Matt counts The Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts and Miles Davis as his influences, and yet, his voice has a Van Morrison quality to it. “The Crash” has a Classic Rock/Southern Rock ballad mix sound. “This is The Life” shows his ability to write thoughtful lyrics. “Can’t Get a Nickel for a Dime” has a power-Country ballad quality to it. “Melody” has some Allman Brothers-like riffs. His debut CD, “Live on a Summer Night”, is well produced with clear sounding vocals.

For more info, check out http://www.myspace.com/mattzeiner.

Review of Hammertorch – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Hammertorch is a newly formed Country-Rock band from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They list as their influences The Band, CCR and Tom Petty. There are five musicians in the band and they have a solid Southern sound, with even a few Skynyrd-like and MTB-like riffs. The lead singer has a very honky-tonk kind of voice.

Not content to just throw out covers, their twangy songs include “Dark Country Night”, “Murfreesboro Motel” and “Flat Tire.” I’m sure they provide a fun, good ol’ boy experience live. You can see them at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville.

For more info, check out http://www.myspace.com/hammertorch.

Review of Blue Eyed Grass – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Blue Eyed Grass is a modern “new- grass” duo, with modern Country and Bluegrass influences, a la Allison Krauss or even Kathy Mattea. The duo is Delnora Reed (who was a finalist in the Miss West Virginia pageant) and Jayron Weaver (who you might remember from Nashville Star 2005). They both play guitar and mandolin.

Blue Eyed Grass has a sophisticated sound that you can hear in songs like “Sweet Intoxication”, “Fill Me Up” and “As I Am”. While the instrumentation is fairly simple, the vocals are clean and soothing. For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/blueeyedgrass.

Review of Karen Collins and the Backroads Band – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

West Virginia born, but Maryland/DC-based Karen Collins is a real old school country singer, who will remind you of other women who got their start in DC: Hazel Dickens and Patsy Cline. She’s got the high-pitched yodel and honky-tonk thing going. Her band is made of 4 people, complete with steel pedal guitar, etc. Songs like “Guitar Queen” and “Tail Light Blues” have a retro sound that should appeal to lovers of Classic Country.

She can be seen at outdoor fests all over the DC area.

Simple Man Cruise 2008 - by Eddy and Laurie Kamont aka The Hootys

I don't know who came up with this BRILLIANT idea, but it is a dream come true. I think it will become something similar to the yearly migration of salmon up to Alaska to spawn or the yearly return of the swallows to Capistrano. Now we have a NEW pilgrimage. It's the Skynyrdholics returning to Miami yearly to jam on one of Carnival's finest cruise ships to go sailing off into the sunset with some of the GREATEST BANDS on board to make it a Southern Rock Music Lover's dream come true!

The Skynyrd Maiden Voyage was in 2007. It started with Skynyrd as the MAIN attraction followed by a host of other bands that would please anyone's musical palette. .38 Special opened for Skynyrd then and they had a host of other bands that played at different times on various parts of the ship. They included Blackberry Smoke, Drivin' N' Cryin', The Blue Dogs, American Minor, Tishamingo, Heather Luttrell, Sister Hazel and Zac Brown. I am probably missing a couple, but hey I never said I was perfect. Now it's 2008 and the Carnival Cruise Lines needs a bigger boat to handle the larger crowd of Skynyrdholics since word is really starting to get around. This year it was christened "The Simple Man Cruise."

The night before the cruise was a pre-party at the Sheraton Miami Mart and the mood was set for the sail. Good food, good bands playing throughout the evening, but most of all friends once again met up or new friendships were developed before we set sail the next day. Simple Man©, who oversaw and/or sponsored the trip, covered all the bases providing shuttles from our respective hotels to the boat and back to our hotels at the end of our trip. Boarding went smooth, Carnival had enough staff to handle the 2000 odd number of people embarking to make it a smooth process.

Instead of a 3 day cruise, this year they decided to add another day and 2 port stops, Key West, Florida and Calica, Mexico, in lieu of just one stop in the Bahamas they made in 2007. Skynyrd headlined on that cruise, but along for the ride this year was The Marshall Tucker Band along with a lot of other bands that would fill most of the trip with the music and entertainment that you love.

Skynyrd performed three concerts - two indoor and one outdoor. They proved once again why they are a MAJOR driving force in today's music world with a SOLID fan base and devoted followers that will travel all over the world to see them. On the boat we met people from Scotland, Australia, England and folks from all different corners of the good ole USA. Marshall Tucker provided a JAM that everyone around the world would love to see. Back to back nights of a 3 hour long concert pulling musicians from Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Georgia Satellites plus any one else from the other bands, including roadies and each and everyone of them played their hearts out like Skynyrd did with their concerts. There was no holding back. I know none of the fish in the ocean slept on those nights 'cause Tucker didn't walk off the stage until after 3 am and everyone was Tuckered out. Even after a 3 hour long gig the band hung out and handed out autographed photos and took photos with anyone that was interested after the show. I sure the heck hope The Marshall Tucker Band is on the boat for 2009.

The Marshall Tucker Band

MTB and a Skynyrd Jam

Rickey Medlocke and Gary Rossington

Skynyrd's Michael Cartellone

Eddy and Laurie with Marshall Tucker's Doug Gray

Laurie and Chris Hicks of The MTB

Carol Chase of Skynyrd, Laurie, Rickey Medlocke of Skynyrd and Carol's daughter

We can't forget about the Lynyrd Skynyrd Question and Answer session that was held with all 9 members of Skynyrd in attendance. It was an HONOR just to be in the same room with them as they got up close and personal with us without any instruments in their hands. I don't remember all of the questions but this one in particular I will never forget. One of people chosen directed this at Gary and said how much they IDOLIZED him and how he was their hero for the longest time. Going on to say that their life would be complete if they could just get a hug from Mr. Rossington. Well.....before they got finished speaking Rickey Medlocke jumped off the stage, ran to the person and led her up to the stage for Gary to hug. I think EVERYONE was deeply touched that very moment to witness the kind and loving heart of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Question and answer time

The other groups in attendance on the cruise who helped to provide music and entertainment were: Georgia Satellites, Blackberry Smoke, Cowboy Mouth, American Band, Backyard Tire Fire, Band of Thieves, Blue Digs, Zac Brown Band, Brian Collins, Grayson Hill, Kneckdown, Leslie Heather Luttrell, Magnolia, Men Without Youth, Scott Munns, Oakhurst, Brandon Perry, Scarlet Kings and Fracisco Vidal.

Among many of the things to do on the ship was swimming in the onboard pool, hanging out in the two hot tubs while the bands were playing out on the Lido deck. They had 3 different water slides, a nine hole miniature golf course, a gym for those that love to work out like Mrs. Hooty. And one day I ran into Carol Chase going there also. Plenty of photographers on board and thousands of photos to choose from. They had batteries for your cameras and a machine that would take your camera card and put your photos on disc. A duty free shop of cigarettes and liquor was also on board. Being I am a smoker I was delighted to buy a carton of Kools on board for $23.75 when I normally pay $55.00 a carton back in New Jersey. Plenty of food on board, both buffet style and fine dining and also free room service, if you so desired. Of course, the ship had a souvenir shop with concert tee shirts and other memorabilia.

Making new friends. Standing next to me is Dorothy, then Laurie, Ron and his wife Lorraine-aka White Hat, then there is Dorothy's hubby George.

The returning alumini (those that were on the first Skynyrd Cruise) were given a special treat by having their very own picture taken with the entire band. One morning I woke up (no I'm not going to sing the CSNY song) at 4:30 went up to have a cigarette and I heard live music playing, so I decided to play Dick Tracy and investigate. Lo and behold there was a band jammin' and people dancing at one of the bars on the boat. They were just having a good ole time and like the Chicago song goes, Does anybody really care what time it is? I stayed until 5 AM and decided it was way past my bedtime but the party was still going strong.

When the ship docked in port you could go on excursions of these places. They had shuttles and taxis waiting to ferry you into town so you can sample some of the local fare, buy souvenirs or just do things that a tourist does. While poor Mrs. Hooty was in Key West playing tourist she lost her ship boarding pass!! She PANICS, she's FRIGHTENED and WORRIED about how and if she can get on the ship. She sees her friend Rickey Medlocke and exclaims "Rickey I lost my boarding pass" and in true Rickey fashion he says "Oh sh_t.....you're fu__ed!" Luckily, some VERY NICE people found it, returned it to the boarding area and Mrs. Hooty was able to get back on board without being left behind in Key West. I personally thanked the people in Cabin U25 for returning the boarding pass to the ship. Thank God Mrs. H was able to return 'cause if they didn't let her I was jumping ship. Maybe I would have pirated it but I sure the hell wasn't gonna let Mrs. Hooty be left behind in Key West all by herself. I would have DEFINITELY jumped ship. Once I found out that she was having a problem getting on the ship I was pacing like an expectant father and once the last people got on board before they lowered the gangplank and I still didn't see Mrs. Hooty, I sprang into action asking the person that screens the luggage and wands the people getting back on the boat about the problem. He directed me to the boarding officer who asked me what cabin she was in and pulled up her picture and information that she SUCCESSFULLY re-boarded, but I still had to see for myself. I ran back to the cabin and there was no sign of her, no Mrs. Hooty, no souvenir purchases, no sign of her. Was the boarding officer's information correct???? Oh well, I got to search the ship and find her, asking people along the way if they'd seen Mrs H. FINALLY......I found Mrs. Hooty and it was like hitting the 100 million dollar lottery all by yourself. The rest of the trip went smooth and Mrs. H got off in Mexico and played tourist again without losing her boarding pass. Buying a shirt for her key tapper and a hat for herself. She and her friends stopped in a Cantina and put down some shots of Tequila and had a blast with the locals there.

You know how they say that at least once in your lifetime you have to see the Grand Canyon, Niagara Waterfalls or Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park? Well.....add the Lynyrd Skynyrd Cruise to your must do once in a lifetime list of things to do and you won't be disappointed, I promise. Already, Sixthman is asking people who went on the trip if they were willing to pay extra this year for a five day cruise. So, start putting your change in a glass jar and making plans for January 8th in 2009 because that is when the next Skynyrd Cruise sets sail. And I GUARANTEE you that some, if not all, will be returning next year.

Charlie Daniels Joins Grand Ole Opry

January 22, 2008 — An emotional Charlie Daniels became the newest addition to the roster of the Grand Ole Opry during Saturday’s edition of Opry Live on GAC.

The induction came after Marty Stuart joined the Charlie Daniels Band at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for a rendition of "Long Haired Country Boy." Marty, aided by wife Connie Smith in welcoming Charlie, noted that the Opry is "a steady force in the midst of many passing trends," adding that that is "also an exact, word-for-word description of you."

Charlie remembered how his family would listen to the Opry every Saturday night when he grew up in North Carolina. "For me to stand on this stage tonight," he said, "the same stage that Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff and Hank Williams and Bill Monroe and all of those wonderful, wonderful people — my heroes — stood on, and to stand in front of this crowd, especially in this building, and to go out over the airwaves is more than I can say."

Marty and Connie accompanied him on a rendition of "Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye," and Montgomery Gentry and Trace Adkins joined the group for Carter Family classic "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

Grand Ole Opry Live airs every Saturday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

http://www.gactv.com/

CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE FROM EVERYONE HERE AT SOUTHERN FRIED!