Red’s Juke Joint

Our last evening in Clarksdale before we head off to my home town arrived.  Jim declared that he wanted to take me to Red’s to hear more Blues.  Red’s is a true Juke Joint.  Not unlike Ground Zero, the outside of
the place did not encourage me to want to venture inside.  The overhanging front awning looked like a comb that had seen better days.  We sat outside in the truck for a few minutes debating whether to go in or go home.  Finally, Jim took my hand and led me to the door.

Inside, we were greeted by a woman, who turned out to be the singer’s wife and she collected the $7 cover charge.  The inside of this small place was bathed in red light.  Scattered about were unmatched tables and chairs and a row of chairs that backed up to the bar.  The ceiling was covered in drooping burlap and the walls in posters and other memorabilia.  In the middle of the floor, the “band” was playing.  The band consisted of a keyboard player and a singer/guitar player.  The singer sang about love gone wrong in most of his songs.  He had a whiskey voice that fit the surroundings.  We enjoyed the music actually.  It was more local and original, down home Blues.

Even though there was a bar, the only libations on sale was beer that was pulled from a ice chest that had seen better days.  If you wanted wine or spirits, you could bring your own.  Red, the owner was in the house.  As reported, he sat in the corner in his recliner watching a big screen TV with the sound muted.  He was watching a baseball game and drinking a brew.  He was a big man that filled that chair and then some.

We stayed for a set and then when the singer took a break decided to head back to the RV.  As we walked away, he and others were outside smoking ….. and drinking.  They called out to us to be careful and not do anything they would not do, hehehe.  A cheerful bunch for sure who left us laughing and glad we had visited Red’s.  Tomorrow we move on.