The Coastal South
When we think of the music of the Deep South, Jazz, Blues, Country and Bluegrass often come to mind along with Southern Rock which has elements of all. Our music is complex due to the rich history of the region beginning with folk music brought to North America from Ireland and England and African beats brought by African slaves. These genres began forming in the pre-American Civil War era and managed to survive and evolve into the modern forms of today. Here’s a trip for you along the Gulf Coast with all prominent sounds of the Deep South:
Atlanta – Montgomery – Gulf Shores, AL, Ocean Springs, MS – New Orleans
10 included meals. Historic lodging. Unique experiences. Expert guides.
Day 1 ATLANTA – MONTGOMERY
Arrive at Atlanta Airport and make a 2½ hour drive to Montgomery, Alabama. Overnight Montgomery downtown in the Riverfront Entertainment District. Enjoy live music at the Exchange later tonight.
Day 2 – MONTGOMERY
Montgomery is Alabama’s capital city and the ideal historic Southern city, located on the Alabama River and is both the birthplace of the American Civil War and the American Civil Rights Movement. This morning visit Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church where Dr. King was pastor during the bus boycott. It’s at this church that Dr. King had his first public forays into the national Civil Rights movement leadership as chairman of the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA). This event also propelled Rosa Parks into national fame. Visit the Rosa Parks Museum. Tonight, enjoy traditional southern cuisine and a special evening of music with a local group as they share the importance of song and music in the African American community. From the origins of Negro Spirituals to mass meeting and freedom songs, our host carries you on a journey of discovery of how these songs which were sung at home progressed into the first independent black churches and how these songs and choirs supported the movement and Dr. King on his visits around the US. (B,D)
The Gulf, Robert Rausch © 2016
Day 3 – GULF SHORES
Few performers in the world left a mark on the musical industry, and specifically the history of country music, that can compare with Hank Williams Sr. (1923-1953) in terms of importance and influence. A key figure in the development of modern country music, Williams personified the musical genre’s shift from a regional, rural phenomenon to nationwide, urban acceptance in the late 1940s. Revered by fans drawn to the sincerity of his songs, his singing was later glorified by an industry that once ostracized him. Hank Williams, during his brief 29 years, was instrumental in turning “hillbilly” music into “country” music. Montgomery was home to Williams during much of his life and career and is also where he is buried. This morning step back in time to discover the life of Country Music’s first superstar at the Hank Williams Museum.
Then travel south along the ‘Lost Highway’ towards Gulf Shores with a brief stop along the way in Georgiana to visit the boyhood home of Hank Williams.
Later this afternoon arrive in the Gulf Shores community. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico it features lots of sun, brilliant sugar-white sand, and emerald green water! In addition to the magnificent beach, the community draws visitors for sport fishing, golf and has become a fresh seafood lover’s delight. Enjoy time at your leisure this afternoon.
When the sun goes down the beat heats up and music locations abound. The most famous is the FloraBama Lounge, located with the border of Florida and Alabama running through the building. The FloraBama is a one-place venue for dinner, drinks, music and fun! The Gulf Coast’s cultural landmark and touted as being America’s “Last Great Roadhouse” is part honky-tonk, oyster bar, beach bar, and unique music venue from country to beach music. (B)
Day 4 – GULF SHORES
As last night was probably a late one, enjoy the morning at your leisure…..the sunny beach, swimming, etc.
About 2pm, head north to the small rural community of Silverhill for the 3:00pm house concert at The Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm which will be a special treat for you. This is an invitation only* outdoor house concert at a private home. Gather around the 200-year-old Cedar Tree and enjoy listening to various folk artists ‘pickin’ and grinnin’ on the front porch. Many of the country’s best songwriters and musicians have performed here with gusto. *this is an intimate event for music lovers. It only happens on Sunday afternoons, and not every Sunday; pending availability.
Later today, enjoy a traditional ‘covered-dish’ supper. Community folks from the ‘South’ (southern US) will bring various specialties from home to share at a community meal. Tonight, we will have someone locally prepare your portion of southern delights to contribute. (B,D)
Day 5 – GULF SHORES – OCEAN SPRINGS, MS – NEW ORLEANS, LA
This morning travel to New Orleans with stops in Mobile, AL and Biloxi, MS. Mobile is a historic city and the first capital of the French Louisiana Territory. Mobile is home to the first Mardi Gras celebration in America, so enjoy a visit to the Carnival Museum. From Mobile travel to New Orleans with a stop this afternoon in Ocean Springs, Mississippi to learn about the Mississippi Music Project and interact with some local musicians.
New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinct music, Creole cuisine, and unique dialect. and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. Enjoy a guided evening of visiting some of the best live music clubs in the city. The line-ups change night-to-night, but our local guide knows where to find top musicians playing the hottest venues in and around the French Quarter. Genres range from jazz of all styles to Gypsy as well as rock, blues and funk. (B)
Day 6 – NEW ORLEANS
This morning enjoy a walking tour of historic New Orleans which encompasses 300 years of history. Begin with a visit to Congo Square, birthplace of much of the region’s music legacy, and the nearby Louis Armstrong Park. Discover the French Quarter, visit Jackson Square and the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park with the tour concluding with a late lunch at the Court of Two Sisters. Additional nights available.