Until last week, my radio experience was limited to one WHBQ moment in 1976 when Anita Ashley and I showed up unannounced in Memphis and found ourselves live on the air with Rick Dees and his Cast of Idiots. I adored Rick Dees and sitting shoulder to shoulder with him was intimidating for a giggly ninth grader. Mr. Dees was entertaining and accommodating, and later that summer the Keiser Jr. High cheerleading squad bounced around Arkansas State with a bit more spirit wearing Rick Dees ‘Mouth of the South’ shirts. I think that was the year we finally snagged the elusive spirit stick…
“Sunshine” Sonny Payne |
Last week, Sonny Payne and King Biscuit Time welcomed me into the studio. I was part of a group of Arkansas Women Bloggers invited by the Helena Advertising and Promotions Commission to spend a few days in this charming delta town overlooking the Mississippi River.
One blogger may not affect great change, but put a group of lady bloggers together with a microphone and things tend to get exciting…
Synergy and all that.
Facing a mic, I was transported back to junior high.
Debbie Arnold (Dining with Debbie) eloquently represented Arkansas Women Bloggers while I managed to compound Sonny Payne’s already cloudy understanding of blogging… (joggers/bloggers, what’s the difference?)
If you’d like to hear our live broadcast (including how we nearly brought down the longest running daily radio show in history), click HERE then select October 23, 2013…
Arkansas Women Bloggers, Helena River Walk |
Next year, I plan to see the blues festival for myself.
Mr. Morris Gist, owner of Gist Music, discussing the day Elvis came into his store… |
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Musical Pairing:
Jennifer says
Sounds like a fun trip! I want to hear about the day Elvis cam into Mr. Gist’s store!! 🙂
Talya Tate Boerner says
Yes it was sometime in the 50s. Mr. Gist said he strolled into his store, but he wasn’t a big deal yet. He signed a picture which is still on display in the store. Mr. Gist said he wished he had asked him to sign every guitar in his shop. One of my other blogger friends may discuss this more in detail – if so, I’ll pass the story on to you!
Debbie Arnold says
Loved this! You are such a gifted storyteller. We just needed a photo of Kellee’s face when he told her that the mike was broken! xoxoxo #helenagetaway
Talya Tate Boerner says
Awe thank you Debbie! Yes, I bet someone has that picture:)) Hilarious… I was glad to see the next day’s broadcast on the website. I guess we didn’t do too much damage.
Unknown says
What a fun story! Jamie (Jamie’s Thots)
Bryan Jones says
Can’t hardly go wrong with the blues! Cool, really cool!
Dorothy Johnson says
I’ve often thought King Biscuit Blues Festival would be fun, but we’ve never made it over there. I like blues, so I know I’d enjoy it.
Michelle F. says
What a great trip!