His Master's Voice

[Mike Handley]

The Jack Russell terrier, red leash coiled on the grass beside him, cocked his head in front of the giant speakers flanking the Front Street stage.

While Vince Johnson and his Memphis-based Plantation All Stars praised the virtues of big-legged women, little-legged girls danced on the bricked street, oblivious to the lyrics.

As the shadows from the nearby Yazoo River bridge spread over the brown water like ink over a cotton shirt, tendrils from more than a dozen pork-laden grills were encircling heads and upraised cold beers, seeking purchase.

Admission was otherwise free to this weekend’s River to Rails Festival in Greenwood, Miss., which featured live bands, a “Que on the 'Zoo” cookoff, art in the streets and even a Saturday morning pet parade.

The Jack Russell, who came with the Blue Mountain band, wasn’t in it.

So full of rib bones -- they’d been sitting in a styrofoam plate atop the speakers -- the short-legged fella probably couldn’t walk.

[Teresa]

I wish I was there, with you and Gita and a beer in each had.  I wish, I wish, I wish...

[Gita]

Nice, extremely. Tendrils of barbecue smoke seeking purchase where cold beers are raised and music drifts.  Sure does sound like the Delta.  Fave.

[Sandra Davies]

Nice, very.