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Blues night finale on tap for Thursday By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer  | Photo by Sue Watson
Entertaining
Ben Cauley,
famous horn man and member of the Bar-Kays, plays during Duwayne
Burnside’s set. A Memphian, Cauley has supported Blues Night in Holly
Springs. In back on the saxophone is Glynn Faulkner, who is also the
band director at Holly Springs High School. |
With
the last scheduled Hidden Treasures promotion downtown by Holly Springs
Main Street Association set for this Thursday night, the attendance got
even bigger last week. An estimated 500-plus
crowd turned out for the best of hill country blues in North
Mississippi. Several dozen bikers also rode in for the rally, including
local and out-of-town riders.  |  | Photos by Sue Watson
Loads of fun on North Center Street
(Left)
James “Tot” Lester is on the electric with Ralph Waller and The Tough
Street Band. (Right) Country Boy Lil Wilson makes his debut Thursday. |
Dancing in the
street has become a big part of blues night and those who do not dance
toe tap, shake a leg or enjoy watching the crowd show its enthusiasm
for musical guests or just talk to friends. Last
week’s entertainment lineup included the regulars – Robert Kimbrough
Sr., Duwayne Burnside and Ralph Waller, plus Wendy Garrison from Oxford
playing slide guitar. Country Boy Lil Wilson and the Countryettes from
Clay County rounded out the evening. Some comments from the audience included the following: - “It’s one of the best things that’s happened in a while.” —David Caldwell, owner of Aikei Pro’s Record Shop. -
“It enlightens my heart that we can communicate. If I can make their
day, mine is made. It’s like sunshine.” — Brown Sugar, with Ralph
Waller and the Tough Street Band. - “I’m hearing
this has become an event in the community that many people are looking
forward to and want it to go on. It is probably one of the best things
socially in a long time going on in this community.” -— State Rep.
Kelvin Buck. - “I think it’s wonderful and it
gives people something to do. We’ve got people from all walks of life
here. That’s what I like.” -- Edna Boyd. - “I truly enjoy myself. Thank you very much.” —Ben Cauley. -
“It’s one of the greatest things that's ever happened in Holly Springs
- to bring out poeple of all kinds. Music is one of the most powerful
tools to bring people together.” — Annie Moffitt. -
“People from everywhere are here and lots of out-of-towners. Everybody
is hugging, laughing, and there is no trouble. Music is soothing to
your soul.” — Judy Smith.
 | | Duwayne Burnside lays down the blues. |
The final night of the
summer program begins Thursday at 6:30 at Blues Alley (North Center
Street) with the arrival of bikers. Music starts at 7:30 and goes on
until 11 p.m. Put on your dancing shoes and bring your lawn chairs if you are a sitter. Thanks
go to the musicians, David Caldwell for the electric hookup, Rust
College (Wayne Fiddis and Bobby Johnson) for the sound system,
technical assistance and television coverage, the Main Street
promotional committee including Fannie Lampley, Charles Terry and Andy
McMillon, and to the bikers for making blues night a huge success for
Holly Springs. Appreciation also goes to Willie Wilkinson, who has
served as emcee for blues night all summer and has lined up the musical
guests.  | | Samantha Johnson, Laquala
Malone and Jabe Bowen enjoy the party together. |
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