04_25_09_Big_Mike_Griffin-Gips_Juke_Joint-Bessemer_AL

Plus: 04_25-26_09_Magic_City_Art_Connection-Birmingham, AL

          Well, This Has Been A Great Spring Weekend! This Birmingham, AL adventures' inception occurred when I heard that Big Mike Griffin scored a gig @ Gip’s Juke Joint after I turned him on to my happy Blues History discovery! So here I sit in a roomy, expensive suite in the coolest, happening-est part of town, know as the Southside. I’ve included some photos of the boutique Highland/Pickwick Hotel, where I stayed (shared it with Brett Michael's entoursage, last year) & a link to the fabulous seafood restaurant “Ocean”, where I dined, one of my favorite restaurants from coast to coast, which I never miss visiting whenever I’m in town. I’d also like to thank Jan, Mike & the rest of the Highland/Pickwick Hotel Staff for their wonderful service. Sadly, I couldn’t seem to locate my friend “Redwood” who lives in B’ham, & had contacted me just a couple of months ago & was looking forward to seeing me again. We had met & had a lovely 8 hour Mimosa Brunch & Sushi Picnic on my first trip & I visited with her again on my second trip. The third time is definitely not the charm?
          On the plus side, I’m goin’ Jukein’ @ Mr. Gip's Juke Joint again, a living slice of history that’s not to be missed, plus I got to surprise my lovely & exceptional friend Emilie, (Big Mikes squeeze & singer) with my unexpected presence & hang out with her most of the evening. I also stumbled into the excellent annual Magic City Art Connection Festival @ Linn Park. There was some pretty cool art, (of which I’ve included a couple of links to my favorites), some very pretty girls in summer attire, the most awesome of which & a reminder of what makes life worth while, was an incredible, ethereal vision of style, grace & beauty wading in the reflection pond named Stephanie, If my memory serves me well, (who I hope takes my advice & pays a model/talent agency a visit) & some pretty good music including the lovely & talented Abram & Sarah who were well worth the visit! I’ve included some photos from the fest for your perusal.

*NOTE* To go directly to Gip's, use the link below! To peruse the rest, start with the arrows @ top of page!

Let’s Go Jukein’ iwth Big Mike, Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet!!

Previous Visit: Willie King @ Gip's 9/27/08

Additional Visit: Kent Duchaine @ Gip's 8/9/14

www.albinarts.com

www.bodyscapes.com

www.thehotelhighland.com

www.birminghammenus.com/ocean/