May 18-20th: Jackson, MS "Hoarse ing around town"

It's only three hours from NOLA to Jackson, but we decided to stray from our GPS instructions and add 20 minutes or so to the journey to drive across the longest bridge over an interrupted stretch of water (24 miles):

We made it to my sister and future brother in law's place in the early afternoon. Coming from the environment we'd come from, it was certainly a good feeling to have a clean room and bathroom of our own. We decided to check out the festival we'd be playing at later that night. It was the hottest day of summer in Jackson so far, nearing 90. 

The festival was called Figment, and interestingly enough began in NYC, Boston and then Jackson. An environment where everything is free and you create and interact with different types of artistic creations. We met a few of B & D's pals (I love the sense of community in smaller cities) and made some sidewalk art before checking out their other friend's Grill-Off event nearby. I don't eat almost any animals (chicken, turkey and fish only), but it smelled good and D got to try some of the winning meat.

Throughout the day, KG & his voice were fading fast. I was trying not to worry, assuming that when the time came for our set he would be able to push through. I'd had (it was finally close to gone after a week and a half) the chest congestion and cough which had made my voice cut out a bit, but I figured we'd both persevere. B made us some delicious nachos and some soup for K back at the house with all the adorable dogs before we had to return to the outdoor Figment Fest later in the evening. We were to be the second band of the night. K was starting to warn me in defeated croaks that his voice wouldn't be returning. We watched the first fella and I hoped for the best.

We went up.
We are quite used to performing our best for minimal to non-existent or non-interested crowds, and it just so happened this was one of those rare occasions where we had a large number of eyes upon us eagerly awaiting our music. We start our first number and KG approaches the mic for our first note of harmony. He croaks and immediately backs away shaking his head and giving me the "this is the show where you sing all the duets yourself" look. It was a bit devastating, and I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a tad terrifying as well. KG was disappointed and uncomfortable as well, understandably. I don't mind singing alone, but these songs that are so clearly meant for two voices felt so wrong and weak coming from only me. I also still had my cough and throat/chest congestion, just enough that I could feel my voice weakening and ready to drop out at any second, but that simply wouldn't do. Between songs, I pleaded with the audience a bit (finding out later KG was non too pleased with this) that although KG is missing his normal crooning voice, we'd love to hear him chirp in when he can.... we all clapped for him and assured him we still enjoyed hearing his Lou Reed-ish musicality, which we all did. The songs sounded much better when he joined in, though he wasn't capable of enjoying the performance. We did get plenty of friendly feedback after the set, although it didn't quite feel like an accurate portrayal of what Scuttlebuggs should be. Sold a couple of CDs and enjoyed the last two performers of the evening.

The following day we went to brunch at the adorable old style diner/drug store in downtown Jackson, used for the diner scenes in the movie "The Help". I got a French Toast Egg Sandwich. Yep.

We wandered a bit around town before heading to the animal shelter B & D volunteer at on Sundays. What a great way to spend an afternoon -- it's the only time all week the dogs get outside. We exercise them, feed them yummier food, give them toys, play with them and of course give them plenty of love and personalized attention. K & I got Rock 'N' Robin. They were adorable siblings, perfect size and so sweet. They were initially hoping they'd be adopted together, but since they're still at the pound they are now up for adoption separately. I hope they both find forever homes! Here is my little buddy Rock:

It reached 90 that afternoon and KG was still suffering, so we took it easy after that. Mostly relaxing at home and watching the adorable creatures play:

We met up for a quick snack with some friends of B & D before having another lovely home cooked meal. The following morning we toasted Mimosas to the future marriage of our hosts before they headed off to work and we headed off to the great beyond (or... Nashville.)