River Art Festival/Beale Street (10/25)

Went into Memphis thinking we would go to the farmers market, but it turned out to be the river art festival. What fun.  There are some amazing artist here, everything from painting, photography, and wood carving to name a few.  We met a woman who had just completed the PCT, she had some amazing photo's of the hike, as well as of the AT and other hikes she has done.  There was another guy who did his photo's in some kind of a glossy finish that were spectacular.  He had a time lapsed one of the night sky that made the stars look like they were swirling around.  Most would not let you take pictures of their work but one did and is one of my favorite.  What a unique way to use old instruments.

I just loved this praying mantis playing the sax.  The guitar guy is pretty cool too.  They all are!!!!










We also listened to a couple of bands.

We also toured the Memphis Railroad museum.   It was free to tour during the festival.

The above is a 1/8th scale replica of a Memphis steam train.   After going through Dexter's train set up in AL this was kind of cool to see.                                                                                                             

We have a little lunch and head back home for a nap before going to Beale street tonight.  We have a light dinner and head to Beale street around 7pm.  It took a while to find a place to park, finally found a garage that only charged us $5 all the other places were $10 or more.  It was a couple of blocks to Beale street.  All I can say is WOW!!!!.   It is packed already and music coming our of every building and bands playing on the sidewalk.  It really reminded be of 5th and 6th streets in Austin.  Beale street is closed to traffic so you are free to walk around without worrying about getting hit by a car.  You are also allowed to carry your drinks with you.  They have sidewalk bars all over the place.

We finally settled on listening to rockabilly for the night.  We went into the Blues City Cafe.  They had two really good rockabilly bands playing there. The first one was called Smooth and the Bully Boys.  Very high energy and fun to watch.

 The next band was Hillbilly Casino.  They were also high energy and fun.

By the their first break I was on music overload and ready to go home.  By this time is was close to midnight.  Finally home and in bed by 1am.  I am glad we don't have to get up early in the morning. We have not made plans for Sunday yet!