It was Not a Luau...it was better!

“A Pig Roast”…the words bounced around in my head and there were thoughts of a Hawaiian Luau themed party. In my mind were beautiful young ladies in grass skirts and coconut bra-type tops swinging their hips rapidly to the sound of hands pounding on drums and ukuleles sweetly holding them to a rhythm as voices chant a story of Polynesian warriors returning from the sea.

“Hold on Juanita, this is a Pig Roast in Selma, Alabama”…(the little voice in my head jerked me back to reality abruptly).

My son Eric Erdman (a musician) and I were headed towards an unknown adventure. Neither of us had any idea what to expect. The person who booked him for this show gave no real details that guided our minds..all we knew was it was “A Pig Roast” in Selma, Alabama. It had been on his calendar for months and each time I checked the calendar I paused as I read, “Pig Roast”.

Headed north on Highway 43, I remembered the trips I had taken on this same road as a child when we went to Winfield, Alabama to see my maternal grandparents and other relatives in the area. Such happy memories filled my head as I drove and immediately I could see that most of the area along this highway had changed. The little country road now becomes a four-lane highway for great lengths of the way. 

Once we got off the main highway, we would lose connection on our GPS and hold our breath in hopes of it returning so that we could get to the Spencer Farm in plenty of time for this event. The Gods were with us and GPS popped on, guiding us down long one lane roads for many miles. We even passed a sign that warned “ROUGH ROAD”. This was something we had not seen before and oddly enough, the miles just passed the sign were the smoothest.

While on the one lane road we passed bee-hives, farm animals of all kinds; we even observed at least one peacock along the way! I just knew at this point we were headed towards FUN.

Once we arrived at our destination, there was relief. Everything was set up fabulously on part of this huge farm owned by the Spencer Family. There was an enormous campfire type area that was surrounded by huge stones in a circle. There was a massive lake that looked so peaceful and sported a nice wharf to walk on and get a closer look. There was a 25 foot work of art that had the influence of American Indian Culture and at the top, it said “Welcome to Shangri-La!” 

Spencer Farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is family operated and they produce vegetables, meat, eggs and honey completely free of synthetic chemicals. 

One of the largest tented areas I have seen contained many tables that bore beautiful white linen tablecloths and centerpieces of wildflowers in wonderful vases. Each place setting included real china and silver utensils (unusual out in the yard like this, I thought); each had a program with a menu inside and a beautiful napkin that included similar printing to the menus. This program explained that everything we would eat was grown on the farm(chemical-free). A 30 foot bar with waiters and bartenders all in matching tops, greeted us with smiles. They offered a huge array of liquors from beers to wines to mixed concoctions of your choice. Plus there was even a lemonade that included beet juice and rum. Eric tried that one (he asked me to taste it and see what I thought). I tried it but I will stick to my diet coke.

It was my first time to eat okra fritters with a sauce of maple syrup and thai sauce. (That was oddly delicious!) The grits with goat cheese was my favorite, followed closely by the muscadine tart with a dollop of homemade whip cream. 

The guests who came, paid $100 a plate and were proud to support such a cause.

Hundreds of people were there and I knew none of them. Most looked very upscale and were nicely dressed, also they were warm and welcoming. I learned that Chip Spencer (the owner) is a person who is constantly looking for ways to help his community. He is a sponsor of the community garden in downtown Selma and this was a fund raiser to help with that project. This was the third annual Pig Roast for the garden project. 

I met people who live on the farm who were displaced from the Louisiana flooding. They had lost everything and Mr. Spencer heard their stories and invited them to stay and be a part of his program. He also has a joint program with the local community college here and they offer a popular internship to the students for real experience and education on Spencer farm.

Night had come upon us, the keynote speaker had finally completed his talk (my personal opinion is it was WAY too long)…but he was done and everyone walked down closer to the lake and the firepit to take their places for the entertainment. 

Mr. Spencer is also a musician. He had his upright base and his guitar at the ready when the music part of the evening commenced. His 16 year old daughter (he introduced her as VK), played the violin like a pro and her singing voice was fabulous. It did not hurt that she is also gorgeous. In addition to them, there were three other musicians from different parts of Alabama, including my son. 

The show did not include hula girls, nor ukuleles, nor hands slapping drums, there were no stories of Polynesian warriors returning; but it was still an inspirational story.

I saw beautiful sights, I ate good food, I met wonderful, caring people who were helping other people. The people of Selma, through Spencer Farm CSA support one another; and support people who are in need throughout the south (i.e. flood victims from Louisiana).  I am impressed at the outreach and their reach up for help and reach down to give it where it is needed. Thank you to the Spencer family and the community they represent.

Humanity took a front seat in Selma, Alabama and I was honored to be along for the ride!

Mighty Proud I went!

It was an earlier start for us; these words were moving through my mind as I watched the scenery pass and “Welcome to Mississippi” was on the sign I read moments earlier. Our destination was still a good distance away. We would cross Mississippi, then Louisiana and find our place in Texas by the early afternoon.

Through a  series of texts with Eric, our friend Steve Belcher (who lives in Louisiana), learned we were approaching his city and he met us for lunch in Louisiana at a wonderful cafe filled with brightly colored pictures; all included a large dog. The cafe was named The Blue Dog Cafe and it had great, spicy, seafood dishes as you might expect in Louisiana. Steve bought our lunch, which was a sweet surprise. He grew up with a musician that we loved who is no longer living, Mr. Hank Becker. How could you not love someone who loved Hank Becker?

Getting off the interstate to meet our friend, caused us to pass homes and neighborhoods in Louisiana and it was an eye opener. I was fully aware of their flooding months ago and so many lost so much. Our area had many benefit shows and other events that raised funds and needed necessities for those in that area. Yet as time passes we tend to push that behind us and move on with life. I could see piles of household debris (old mattresses, broken furniture, and unrecognizable destruction).  Their loss and heartbreak was piled high at the curbs and I was shocked into the reality that many people in Louisiana are still hurting, still living the nightmare and braving it through on their own. The people of this area are strong of character, not afraid of hard work and genuinely nice folks! Their plight was heavy on my mind.

It was early afternoon and we were in the great state of Texas. This show would take place at a well known venue in Kemah, Texas; just outside of Houston. It is called T-Bone Tom’s and the event is sponsored by Pirates and Poets society.

This area of the world had not seen or heard of Eric Erdman until a few weeks prior to the show when a popular local radio station did an hour-long interview with Eric. They recorded and aired this interview and they followed up by playing Eric’s original music on the station on a regular rotation for weeks. It worked!

The place was packed and people we had never seen were calling out requests for his music. Many in the crowd sang along with his songs and they were eager to hear more. Now that is how a show in a new town should work!

Some of Eric’s cousins who recently moved to Galveston drove over for the show and a couple from Mobile that moved to Houston about 4 years ago; came and brought a group of their friends. So, we felt like we had a part of home with us even though we were three states away!

This small town is right on the water and yachts lined the basins in huge numbers. The homes were huge, modern and nice in every direction. There were some local restaurants and bars that had unusual names, i.e. “Tookie’s”; whose sign outside boasted, “We love big buns and we cannot lie!” It brought a big smile to our faces. The people here are true original music lovers and they are an attentive, listening crowd that is also very enthusiastic! They laugh at the appropriate points and clap during the song if it is a part they love. To me it is like musician heaven!

The next morning we were rolling west, back to sweet home Alabama. The trip was wonderful! We made new friends. Eric has new fans. The journey was great and we saw lots of things along the way. Before we left Louisiana on the way back, we pulled off the interstate as our appetites and intrigue fell prey to the billboard signs we read for miles, “TRY OUR HOMEMADE CRACKLIN’ AND BOUDIN BALLS!” We did just that and we were not disappointed. Prior to that experience I had had cracklin’ only twice in some cornbread my grandmother made. I was not a fan. But this was in a sack like chips or popcorn (Yes a brown greasy looking sack, but still a sack and not in cornbread). This cracklin' was awesome! I am glad we only got a small bag because we would have eaten a HUGE bag if we had gotten it and that is too much grease for anyone to consume.

Though our trip was wonderful in so many ways; so was the view of my own driveway and the sight of my own bed. 

This was another adventure in this life of mine and I am mighty proud to have been able to go.

Music Loving, Lovely People...

House Concerts are my favorite. The artist is there by invitation and is met with open, welcoming arms and smiling, happy faces. There are no loud talking people, shouted orders from the bar; no pool tables with balls clanking and loudly cracking together.  No one shouts, “keep it down up there, we are trying to talk!” 

As so many such gigs can take a heavy toll on the heart of musicians, house concerts and listening rooms are restorative to their very soul. All of the disappointments and discouraging situations from these “gigs from hell” are brushed away by these wonderful, caring, music loving people who open their homes and embrace original music.

Sunday, my son, Eric Erdman played one of my favorite house concerts. The people who hosted this event had seen him at Manci’s and then returned for another of his local gigs with friends in tow. They approached him about booking a house concert. I’ve never been to a house concert that I did not enjoy. This one was fabulous!

The people who booked him were some of the nicest you would ever care to meet. They have an absolutely gorgeous home complete with a two bedroom garage apartment that they use to house out of town musicians who come to their concerts. Their home includes the most beautiful view of Fowl River and everything about their home is beautiful. This includes their fabulous dog, Scarlet who greets you at the door and comes by for a little pat, scratch or tidbit of food if you are willing to share.

I learned that the hosts (Sue and Joe) are each from families of 11 children. So when they have get-togethers, the crowd is unlike any family gathering you could imagine as far as sheer numbers. Throw in a few friends or co-workers and you have a big party going on at their place.

Sue made a huge pot of seafood gumbo and she said that all the seafood included in the gumbo was caught by them. There was dozens of dishes of food to try and desserts were plentiful. One visitor made delicious petit fours that she topped with music notes on some and my son’s initials on the others! What a nice personal touch!

Mixed in the crowd were a couple of family members who are musicians. A brother who sings and plays guitar but is actually a veterinarian by trade. A sister who lives in Birmingham; she plays piano and organ for her church and she told some stories about that during the break and at the end of the show. She had us doubling over laughing as she told of a demanding, controlling priest who is 82 years old, very grumpy and is also her boss.

Another sister spoke of living in a subdivision on the Eastern Shore where my oldest son lived for years. We talked a while about the convenience of that location and the massive mall across the street that includes nice restaurants, a theater, a bowling alley, a Publix grocery market and a game venue in addition to all of the fine shops of all sorts. By the time we finished our conversation I felt like I had known her for years.

Sue and Joe come from the nicest families. The Sweeneys and the Steadmans were well represented at the show. These are people who are down to earth, personable, friendly and all of them love original music. 

House Concerts like this one are spirit lifting for the musicians and entertaining for the audience. It gives the musician the opportunity to relax, talk about his or her songs, then play them with pride. People laugh at appropriate points and applaud at appropriate points because they are actually listening to the music!

This event was a win-win kind of event for the audience and the artist. I would like to say "Thank You" to Sue, Joe and Scarlet for a fabulous evening!

How About You....

As for Me, I Believe!

We were in Pascagoula for a show that we always enjoy. My son Eric Erdman was playing at a great place there called Jack’s By The Tracks. It is everything I ever wanted in a music venue. The food is excellent, always fresh and always perfectly seasoned. The owner is welcoming, I have never seen his face without a smile. The people who come there for music are absolutely the salt of the earth kind of folks. As a rule this venue offers live original music Thursday through Saturday each week.

It was Friday night and we were wearing our own smiles as we approached and pulled into the parking lot. The people there greet you with open arms and make you feel like you are family. 

The show began and some were calling out requests. “Bird on a Powerline”, “Fire 2.0”, Tangled Up with You!” came the calls immediately. 

People were coming in and greeting one another all night long, it seems like all of them have been friends for many years; possibly that is true. I have become friends with some and renewed some old friendships that had faded due to time and distance over the years. The best way to describe going to Jack’s By The Tracks is I can't wait to get there and I feel at home when I arrive.

This particular night someone mentioned an event that happened many years ago in Pascagoula that made national news. It is an old story but one that all of us that were alive at the time will not forget. October 10, 1973 two guy from Gautier, Mississippi were fishing in the Pascagoula River on an especially dark night when this story unfolded. Their story (which has not been disproven and which they never wavered from) is they were abducted, examined then released by aliens in a UFO.

My son Eric had never heard this story before. So most of the crowd came alive with remembrances of the time when their town was flooded with reporters from around the world and they were suddenly the center of the universe, it seemed. One particular lady in the crowd, (who I now consider a friend) began to tell the story from her experience. Her name is Brenda and she was working in the office of the city of Pascagoula at that time. She said, they brought these two men (Charles Hickson-age 42, and Calvin Parker-age 19) into the office. They immediately separated them from one another and took them in to be interrogated. Their stories matched and they were both in a state of shock. Over the period of the first few days after this happened, both men were given lie detector tests and both passed. Experts from all across the USA came to investigate. Professors from University of California and experts from the US Air Force, and some from the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) came, among others. 

On this same night other sightings of a spaceship were reported slowly flying over a housing project in St Tammany Parish in New Orleans and others places along the path to the Pascagoula River, this seemed to confirm what they said. Both men stuck to their story. The oldest gentleman was Charlie Hickson and he wrote a book about the experience. Hickson passed on September 16, 2011 at the age of 80. A couple of physicians examined the men on the night of the event and said they definitely had suffered trauma of some sort. They were genuinely terrified and shocked by something.

You can read their story by clicking this link: 

http://www.ufocasebook.com/Pascagoula.html

I remember being dumbfounded at all this news of the UFO and knowing it was so close to Mobile. I was a young woman with a toddler at the time and had many other pressing concerns in those days; yet it dominated the news for weeks and kept us all on edge for a while.

Pascagoula, Mississipi will always be famous for the alien abduction on the Pascagoula River in 1973. These men went through something that altered their lives for the rest of their days. The story comes to life again as I read it and remember my mixture of fear, shock and doubt at the time. People made jokes at the expense of these guys. That is a shame but it is a part of human nature.

Eric played the rest of his gig and the show was wonderful. Then as I drove us back to Mobile, he read the story of the UFO and the alien abduction. I do not know his feelings about it; as for me…I believe!