by Hatchet Jack Kenyon
My experience at the Pinetop Perkins Masterclass Workshop during the week of June 15 was a blast. I stayed at the legendary Shack Up Inn on the Hopson Plantation site which was wonderful. I spent all my free time sitting with the “legends” as I called them, such as Billy Branch and his wife, Rosa, Teeny Tucker, Bob Corritore, Mr. Sipp, and many others. It was fascinating spending time with them and hearing their stories. I learned many interesting facts and wonderful things to pass on to other people. Clarksdale, MS, is an amazing town to explore. One of my favorite things was just driving around town and discovering all sorts of cool little shops and hidden secrets. The town is jam-packed full of blues lore and history.
I had an amazing time at the many jams and meeting new people who had the same passion as me was wonderful. My harmonica teacher, Bob Corritore, taught me some very useful techniques about the instrument that I am sure I will use. All in all, I had the time of my life down in Mississippi, and I encourage anyone who loves music, especially blues music, to join the Pinetop Perkins Foundation and go there and have fun.
A shoutout to the Kansas City Blues Society for their support, and to Dave Galletly, KCBS Board member, for driving me to Clarksdale and being my chaperone.
