Date: May 25, 2000

W.C. Handy Awards 2,000!

What an honor to be nominated, and what a blast to go down to Memphis during the Handys! Seems like we were just down there, recording our show at B.B. King's for the Beale Street Caravan, but even more new stuff has popped up down town! A new sports stadium is now up and buzzing right outside my window of the Radisson Hotel. And cruisin' down Beale street (on foot) I can't remember there being so many shops and clubs! This is one fat, and healthy music scene, folks! Thank God for Memphis!

I don't want to bore you guys with too much about the Handys cuz I know the whole show was filmed for a future showing on PBS national television, and was simulcast on the internet. But Larry Garner and I sure had a ball presenting Keb Mo with the acoustic blues artist of the year award, and Annie Raines and Paul Rashell with a Handy for best acoustic blues album of the year.

CONGRATULATIONS to my other sweet little sister in the blues, Susan Tedeschi, for winning in our category; female contemporary blues artist of the year! We got to exchange hugs and kisses and lots of fellowship back stage! A rare opportunity for us traveling minstrels!

Extra special congratulations to Wilson Pickett for garnering 3 Handys and to his producer, Jon Tiven, for making it all happen!

Some artists were especially fun to hang with - real down, if you know what I mean: Sapphire, The Uppity Blues Women, Larry Garner, Tab Benoit, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Anson Funderburgh and Chris Layton! I love you all!