I’m back. Its time to finish the story about my trip to Po’ Monkey’s Lounge, in Merigold, MS.
Now you can go follow that link if you are interested to hear about how a sharecropper’s shack became a famous juke joint. Here’s another write-up, by the New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/02/us/02jukejoint.html.
Well, I told Ronnie (remember Ronnie?) all about Larry and that I was planning on running out there Thursday night and he was more than welcome to join for my little adventure. He also invited Greg, a friend of his from Helena to join us. So we pitched in to put gas in Greg’s car (you don’t think I’d take MY vehicle out there, do ya?) and Ronnie offered to be designated driver, and off we went. Given the lack of road markings, it was a good thing I had scoped the place out during the day so we found it without too much problem (we had more problems getting out of Clarksdale, but that’s another story).
To say we ‘stood out like a sore thumb’ is probably a bit of an understatement, but as
I walked up to get a beer when we got there, a man approached me, offered his hand and introduced himself as Monkey, and welcomed me to his place! It was going to be a good night. It was still early and we pretty much had our choice of seats. Ronnie seemed to find comfort and a connection with Monkey’s interest in tractors as well and found a nice comfortable spot at the end of a table that turned out to be the perfect place to see EVERYTHING that was happening all night. Here’s Ronnie and Greg.People were strolling in, with the DJ playing R&B (they don’t have bands there except for special occasions) and we were enjoying looking at the uniqueness of the place. There were stuffed monkeys and various other ‘decorations’ hanging everywhere, including beads, banners and a disco ball. About 30 minutes after we got there, Larry came strolling in. When he saw me, he told me he had called Monkey asking if a guy on a bike was there yet, and then yelled “hey, this is the guy I was calling you about!” Again, how much more comfortable can you feel when you realize they are checking to make sure you showed up. Or, perhaps…..nah, he was truly hoping I’d show up for good reasons. Right?
At this point, Larry started coming out of the backroom with various gag items, telling jokes and pulling coins out from behind the ears of some of the gals that had sat at the other end of our table. We were all having a big time. I told Larry I’d really like to get a picture with he and Monkey at some point and after a while he said “better get yer picture now before it gets too wild”.
I’m the guy on the right. LOLWhat’s hilarious is the fact that other than when this picture was taken, these guys were
usually smiling! I guess that’s their camera faces. I hope this picture of Larry doesn’t offend anyone, but this was actually the least offensive of all pictures of him, but at least it shows him smiling,
as well as an idea of his antics, and some of the crowd we were partying with. Also, Monkey is known to come out in brightly colored suits, which he changes quite often, but I guess since he’d been working in the fields all day, he settled for various wigs on this particular night.I had a chance to visit with some regulars while listening to some fun music and having a great time. The place filled up pretty good, and probably even more so as it got even later,
but we had a bit of a drive. Here’s a picture of some of the folks dancing, which also gives you an idea of the years of decorations. Looking at the picture I’d like to reassure you that the guy in the blue and white shirt is not throwing a punch, but rather dancing. Notice where his left hand is.Also, there’s a little story involving the gal in the beige shirt up front. When we decided it was time to go, I went to the restroom before the drive home. When I came out, and I was crossing the dance floor, she grabbed me and said “you’re not leavin till you dance with me.” I didn’t have any problem with this (none of y’all were there to laugh at me), but as I started dancing I looked up to see Ronnie holding up my jacket and saying “we’ll see ya outside”, as he and Greg walked out the door! I guess they didn’t want to have to dance to leave, and I was on my own! LOL
Well, that’s an overview of my Po’ Monkey adventure. Another opportunity to experience blues history and meet some great people. I’ll definitely go back next time I’m in the area. I’m sure by then, Larry will have some new jokes and Monkey will have some other wigs or suits!
Life is Good. Po’ is relative!
Lon
