Also our students that had the opportunity to cross the ocean and be part
Photo by Fred Delforge
Here what Orphée Plaisance wrote:
From June 7 to 17, 2024, I made the first trip abroad of my life and I had the chance to participate in the Pinetop Perkins Foundation blues workshop thanks to the support of the European Blues Union and France Blues. The workshop lasted four days and consisted of several workshops led by about fifteen instructors of exceptional quality and kindness. Johnny Burgin, regularly accompanied by Bob Margolin, taught the guitar class in detail pieces by Elmore James, Magic Sam, Little Walter and Son Seals, from right-hand intention to the choice of positions and left-hand vibrato. The setting of this workshop is straight out of a movie, whether it be the Hopson Commissary (the location of the masterclasses and jams in the evening), the mobile homes where the students slept and the landscapes of Clarksdale. The desire to transmit and the simplicity of the instructors were truly touching. Seeing them play every night gave all the meaning to the lessons given during the day. I was lucky during this trip to be accompanied by Fred Delforge, without whom this trip would not have been the same. Fred showed me the mythical places between Memphis and Jackson via Clarkdale. Among them, the gospel mass of the Peace Baptist Church, the clubs of Beale Street, the blues route going down to Jackson, the graves of Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Riley B. King and Pinetop Perkins (to complete the loop), the Delta Blues museums, BB King. Beyond these discoveries related to music, Fred also showed me the “real” life there, passing through neighborhoods less bright than Beale Street like Soulsville, where poverty is more and more present. So I thank Fred Delforge first for having accompanied me on this journey and having made me discover this culture always in a good mood. I also thank the European Blues Union and France Blues for their support in this trip, as well as the Pinetop Perkins Foundation for their welcome and the richness of this workshop. Can’t wait to go back!
Photo by Fred Delforge
And here what Odin S Sokac wrote:
I received a scholarship from the European Blues Forces for the blues camp as one of only two young blues musicians from Europe, along with Orphee Plaisance. My first destination was Jackson, Mississippi, where I played at the iconic Hal & Mal’s bar the day after arriving on American soil. It was a true Southern atmosphere. Jackson is known as one of the five most dangerous cities in America, but I wasn’t afraid because I came with a positive intention: to play blues. The next location was Clarksdale, Mississippi, where the camp I attended was located. At the Pinetop Perkins Foundation camp, I was the first Croatian ever. Besides having free education, my dad and I had a whole 40-square-meter house and food provided, which made me feel like a star! LOL. In addition to meeting many people and learning a lot, I played in Clarksdale three times. On the last night, I played at the Ground Zero Blues Club, owned by the acting star Morgan Freeman. The club was named the best American blues club by bestbluesclubs.org. That was a blast! On the way to Memphis, I had the opportunity to see many landmarks of blues culture thanks to Fred Zicazic Delforge, such as the grave of Robert Johnson, the legendary Crossroads, the B.B. King Museum, and many more! In Memphis, I renewed my experience of playing at the legendary Blues City Cafe on Beale Street with FreeWorld. But all in all, standing at the birthplace of blues, immersing myself in its culture, while playing and learning from blues legends Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger, and Johnny Burgin at the workshop was a dream come true. I definitely need to come back to see all the wonderful people I met and to relive the amazing experiences I had there. I’m really grateful for all these experiences.
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