You are here: Home / 2012 / Archives for February 2012

Ross Neilsen Singing the Solo Blues at the 2012 IBC in Memphis, Tennessee

February 29, 2012 by 1 Comment

For those of you that have been reading along here and on my site this past Autumn, you might remember this week’s musician from the Sufferin’ Bastards, as in ‘Ross Neilsen & the Sufferin’ Bastards’.

 

Ross Neilsen

 

Seems only fitting that Ross should be featured on Tunes from the Road again, as he inspired the diversion of what was suppose to be a road trip to Savannah to Memphis.  You see neither Ross or I seem to be all that up on our US geography, other than the fact that both Savannah and Memphis are in the Southern US. Ross was playing in Memphis, Tennessee, and mentioned that if we happened through Memphis on our trip to Savannah, we should come hear him play.  I mentioned this to my road tripping buddy, before I bothered look at a map to discover they aren’t exactly close or on-route, rather similar to the distance from Calgary to Vancouver (similarly, both out West – come to think of it, maybe that’s why so many travelers strife to see both Banff and Vancouver on the same trip). By the time I’d discovered this, it was too late, my road tripping buddy had figured out that Ross was playing at the International Blues Competition and being a music lover clearly this was a sign from the heavens that we should be high tailing it down to Memphis instead.

Once I got over any concerns of being perceived as a groupie, I have to admit I was pretty glad for the happenstance, as Memphis is a fabulous town, I met and listening to some talented musicians, and I got to experience Ross performing solo.  I like Ross with the band, but I LOVE Ross solo.  The man has talent and you see so much more of his depth and his sole when he’s on his own.

 

Yep, the man has cool boots.

 

See for yourself, here’s an incredible set DittyTV filmed of him in Memphis.   Be sure to watch right to the end, as the last song is my favourite.  When I saw him perform this live, it really tugged at my heart strings, and after hearing his introduction to this song here, now I know why.

 

 

Not nearly as beautifully filmed or as good sound quality, but nonetheless a video of Ross playing at the 2012 IBC Great Canadian Polar Bear Blues Showcase that I filmed.  I’m rather fond of the boot shot.

 

 

Thanks again to the Ottawa and Montreal Blues Societies and the Kooky Canuck for hosting an event to showcase all the great Canadian musicians at the IBC!

Filed Under: All Aboard!, Emme Rogers, Events, Music, Our Travelers, Travel TV, Tunes from the Road Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

IceFest This Weekend at Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville

February 25, 2012 by 9 Comments

The Ice Bunnies are out to play at Bloor-Yorkville's 2012 IceFest this weekend.

I was in Yorkville this morning partaking in a Toronto guilty pleasure of mine at Robin Barker hair’ sociates. Tis’ true, I often hold off on all hair cuts until I am back in Toronto. I couldn’t do what Dan of Uncornered Market does, wandering into random barber shops all around the world.  To me, I am as particular about my hairdresser (or artist, in Robin‘s case), as I am about my doctor, and Robin is the best.

Beauty this morning was that my visit to Robin’s took me past where they were setting up for the 2012 Bloor-Yorkville IceFest.

Not being able to wear a hat over my newly styled hair, I got cold fast, but was glad to experience a bit of  the winter beauty I felt I missed out on this year.  Had I not been so cold and playing chauffeur , I would have loved to have watched the ice carvers at work.  I did snap a bit of a tease of some of the beautiful ice art though:

 

So cool, it's hot, at this firepit.

 

Bundle up, so you don't get frozen hare.

 

Seeing as we're in Yorkville, even the ice homes are stylish.

 

You might even meet a rugged Canadian fellow!

You can catch the IceFest today and tomorrow (February 25th & 26th, 2011) at the Village of Yorkville Park (Bellair St. & Cumberland St.).  Here’s the schedule of events:

Winter Wilderness ~ noon – 5 pm, Saturday & Sunday

  • Winter Wilderness Ice Art Exhibition
  • On-Street Skating Performance by Glisse on Ice at 1 pm, 2:30 pm & 4 pm
  • Restaurant Street Vendors

Ice Carving ~ noon – 5 pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

  • Competition – on Saturday, starting at noon
  • Demonstrations – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Ice Lights ~ unconfirmed Saturday night

  • I can’t confirm this, but based on what I saw, I suspect the Winter Wilderness Exhibition will be lit up for a romantic icy stroll tonight, before tucking into one of the local eateries to warm up.
Enjoy!

 

Filed Under: All Aboard!, Around the World, Canada, Erica, Events, Ontario, Our Travelers Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Picture & a Story from a Photogenic Bird

February 24, 2012 by 4 Comments

Last week I wrote about our similarities as people from the seawall in Alexandria, and this week I write about one subtle difference in culture from across the pond.

In North America, we tend to avoid being in the photos of others, giving the camera a wide birth.  Similarly, I feel awkward about taking pictures of people I don’t know without their permission.  I was reminded of this as I snapped this picture of Lucy Duck at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

 

Lucy modeling at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to demonstrate that being a bird brain is a scholarly thing.

 

I wanted to respect people’s privacy, so I went to the other, less busy side of the sculpture, only to watch people change their course of direction to be in frame with Lucy.

 

Who wouldn't want to be photographed with such a good looking bird!

 

Was reminded that we may avoid being in other’s photos in North America (unless you’re the Banff Squirrel), but hadn’t I discovered the same difference the last time I was in Europe.  Time to change my photographing tactics, because even though Lucy’s one good looking bird, there were some gorgeous locals I might not have the opportunity to photograph again.

 

Filed Under: All Aboard!, Around the World, Egypt, Erica, Lucy Duck, Middle East, Our Travelers Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Mouthwatering Memphis: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

February 22, 2012 by 17 Comments

Seems all I can do since I’ve been back from Memphis is think about food (and the Blues), which is probably why I posted on Leftover Casserole Cravings earlier this evening.  Loved the food in Memphis, so much so that I am amazed that I seem more toned since the trip and not 50 lbs heavier.  Guessing thats thanks to the beauty of the Blues and all the dancing I did to it.  Apparently if your dancing, then a minute on the lips does not equate to forever on the hips.

Just like anywhere though, not all food is equal, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a few of my favourites.

The first and my first Memphis, Tennessee meal:

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

 

Funky atmosphere and seated by a table of Blues Men = A Good 1st Impression!

 

This is truly a religious experience, that I knew I’d be yelling “Halleluyahs” to the second I entered under the yellow chicken sign. The place has character, my kind of character.

I wish I’d remembered our waiter’s name, as he only made the experience better, plopping himself in the seat next to us and asking if he could get us deep fried pickles. “I beg your pardon.” Yes, he had indeed said deep fried pickles.  ”Hell yeah!”

 

Deep Fried Pickles, an experience I'd do again if my heart will take it.

 

Interesting experience that.  The deep frying takes away the bitter.  Would definitely do those again, although for the sake of my arteries, not alone.

So the main course?  Well duh!  Southern Fried Chicken!  Wisely in the snack size, thanks again to our waiter.

 

If Gus's Chickens aren't the Tennessee State bird, they should be.

 

Now I have to admit, being Canadian I didn’t really understand the huge appeal to Southern Fried Chicken.  That all changed with one bite.  Wow!  I didn’t understand Southern Fried Chicken before, because I’d never had the real deal.  This was the real deal and it was bloody fantastic.  So juicy. So tasty.

I just didn’t understand the reasoning for the slabs of white bread with the chicken, until it slapped me in the face.  The chicken had been sitting on the white bread, yet there was no grease to be seen.  These cats knew what they were doing.

Total spent for 2?   $22.51 US, including taxes for:

  • 2 beer
  • 2 2-piece chicken snacks
  • deep fried pickles
  • plate of fries

For more on Gus’s Downtown Memphis location find them on facebook and read up on the history of the Memphis icon here.

 

It's a simple menu, but you can't really go wrong (provided you're not a vegetarian, that is).

 

Stay tuned for more Mouthwatering Memphis posts on B.B. Kings and the Kooky Canuck.

I also need to return to Memphis to eat at Blues City Cafe (for ribs) and The Arcade Restaurant (for sweet potato pancakes), as I’ve heard incredible things from fellow travelers.

 

 

Filed Under: All Aboard!, Around the World, Down South, Emme Rogers, Our Travelers, Tasty Morsels, US Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jesse Roper Roamancing the IBC Great Canadian Polar Bear Blues Showcase

February 19, 2012 by 4 Comments

Love the road trip and love our tunes from the road!  So why not make the pilgrimage to the heart of rock n’ roll in Memphis, Tennessee to acquire a bit more road tripping music?  That is just what we did, in the nick of time to catch the International Blues Challenge and a whole tonne of great blues. Amazing the talent out there, but didn’t really expect to discover so much more Canadian music and talent from a trip to the States.  That is indeed what we found, thanks in part to the Kooky Canuck and the Montreal and Ottawa Blues Societies for putting on the first ever Great Canadian Polar Bear Blues Showcase.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing more ‘Tunes from the Road’ from the heart of music and Canadian blues in Memphis, Tennessee.  The first of whom is a young, none to sore on the eyes, whipper snapper, who wormed his way into my heart by making me laugh.  Give it up for Mr. Jesse Roper (otherwise known as The Roper Show)!

 

 

With any luck, you’ll be seeing more of Jesse here, along with Mr. Ross Neilsen, as I’ve always been a gal for live music, and these two just make me so darn happy that I figure why pack CDs for a road trip, when you can pack a musician or two!

Sultry Blues Kisses,

Emme xoxo

Filed Under: All Aboard!, Around the World, Down South, Emme Rogers, Events, Music, Our Travelers, Perfect Dates, Roamancing, Tunes from the Road, US Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
«Older Posts