SWAMPLAND Goin' Out West...Frisco Bound...
Mystery & Manners Goin' Out West To San Francisco
10/25/07
"I'm goin' out west
Where the wind grows tall."
--Tom Waits
Greetings....a few lines of explanation for the next couple of weeks...
As a southern entity, Swampland refuses to be stereotyped as southerners who fail to acknowledge the rest of the country's culture, scope and artists, or venture outside southern soil. So, next week I'm goin out west to San Francisco, California. I'll give you the details when I arrive there, but the provenance of this trip hinges between business and first-class fun--most of which I'll document here behind a southern-colored lens.
I will begin the second installment of Mystery And Manners' Honorary Southern Artists that will include artists that spent a great deal of time in Northern California, such as Tom Waits, Neil Young, the Grateful Dead, Jack Kerouac, Robert Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, Hunter S. Thompson and the upcoming releases of the Flying Burrito Brothers 1969 performances recorded in Frisco, to name a few of the many signposts. On this adventure, I'll notate how and where southern culture intersects with the culture of northern California...personal intentions also include visits to a specific wine vineyard, record store, and City Lights Bookstore...
I'll be attending the birthday party of an old friend (I'll introduce you to her later) with a 'familiar' Macon, Georgia, resident, where the Yonrico Scott Band will perform the party. The same night--Nov 3--Marc Ford and MOFRO play in Frisco, which may bring about part three to the Marc Ford saga if schedules allow. Meanwhile, read a review of the new book GONZO, and a recently added fiction short story. I may regret posting personal itinerary before it transpires, but it's a general overview...No devil in these details. I must return to the Paul Hemphill article. First thing I'll do when I get back is interview the great Athens producer David Barbe (Drive By Truckers, R.E.M., Bloodkin) for an upcoming feature.
Obviously, the plate is more than full. I'll add a few classics to the reviews section until it's time to get on the plane next week goin out west. Until then, acquaint yourself with the site. A new look is coming soon. Adios,
James Calemine
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