Still reeling from the tragic and untimely death of Mississippi Delta bluesman Lil’ Dave Thompson on Valentine’s Day, and reflecting on the success of this year’s Lowcountry Blues Bash, it’s as good a time as any for us to turn the spotlight on the Folly Beach blues scene.

As some of you may or may not know, Lil’ Dave Thompson was killed in an automobile accident on Feb. 14, after playing a gig at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ on Sullivan’s Island as part of the Blues Bash. Although the club had arranged lodging for Thompson and his band for that night, he told venue employees that he was worn out from nearly two months on the road and was longing to get back to Mississippi.

“Dave was truly the most professional touring Bluesman and all around nice guy,” Home Team BBQ Talent Buyer and GM Tony McKie said in a conversation with the Follywood Insider this week. “I am lucky also to have called him a friend. Hosting what turned out to be his last show leaves me with mixed emotions. He will truly be missed by Blues fans everywhere.”

Thompson embodied everything that is the Mississippi Delta Blues. A throwback from the old days with a new generation swagger, Thompson was always on-time, friendly, courteous, grateful, and most importantly, he always brought his best to the stage.

Although none of the venues on Folly Beach were officially involved in this year’s Blues Bash, Follywood Productions and the Surf Bar hosted one “unofficial” event on Feb. 14, which ran simultaneously with Thompson’s last performance just an island inlet away, featuring The Eric Deaton Trio with special guest Davis Coen. Deaton is best known for having joined North Mississippi Hill Country Blues legend Junior Kimbrough’s back band as a bassist and sometimes guitarist when he was only 18. When Kimbrough passed in ’98, Deaton found an immediate opening as bassist for the Burnside Exploration with Garry Burnside, youngest son of Hill Country Blues legend R.L. Burnside, and his cousin Cedric Burnside. He parlayed that into lead guitar roles with both Afrissippi and Jimbo Mathus’ Knockdown South. He has since struck out on his own with his new trio featuring Nate Robbins of Rockett 88 and Charles Gage of Duwayne Burnside & Mississippi Mafia. Mathus’ new band, The Tri-State Coalition, was also a part of the Blues Bash playing the Pour House on Feb. 12.

The show at the Surf Bar, which followed the overwhelmingly successful Folly Gras Parade, was on-fire. Deaton & Co. kicked things off with a straight-forward electric mix of classic blues standards and his own originals. Coen also chimed in with some originals of his own, sharing the vocals with Deaton throughout the night. The Surf Bar staff was highly complimentary of the performance and said it was “exactly the right fit” for the bar’s post-parade party. Deaton and his band mates said they would spread the good word about both the bar and the island’s hospitality and good vibes from here to North Mississippi.

The Surf Bar kept with the Mississippi music theme the following Saturday night when they hosted local Alt-Country / Americana act Guilt Ridden Troubadour which features Mac Leaphart and his partner in crime Reid Stone, former Daybreakdown front man and Vicksburg, Mississippi, native. Stone’s musical roots and past touring and recording experience in Mississippi led him to both personal and professional relationships with each of the aforementioned artists, and the band’s set that night seemed to take on a tone that was just a little on the Bluesy side.

Considering that so many of those tightly-knit Mississippi Blues musicians were all in Charleston on the same weekend, and that it ended with such a tragic note, you can bet that there were many heavy hearts traveling that highway from here to the Crossroads. Please keep Lil’ Dave, his family and band mates in your prayers.

Ben Bounds is the owner of Follywood Productions on Folly Beach. Follywood Productions strives to be the islands’ most dedicated event coordinating service, handling live entertainment and promotion for local and regional artists, venues, festivals, fundraisers, universities and special events. For more information, call 408-6439 or email follywoodrocks@gmail.com

This is Follywood – This is The Edge.

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Parade rules

• Decorated floats, golf carts, marching and alternative transportation only. NO CARS OR TRUCKS UNLESS THEY ARE PULLING A FLOAT. You must be in Mardi Gras costume to participate. We welcome decorated pets!

• Must be at the Folly Beach Public Boat Landing by 1:30pm for lineup.

• Trophies will be given for: “Best Over All” “Best Float”, “Best Golf Cart” and “Best Costume”.

• There will also be a trophy presented to the restaurant with the “Best Food Fare”.

• Masks will be sold at City Hall, 2nd Floor, at cost, for all who are interested. Masks are $2 and are first come, first serve. Free beads given with each mask.

• The Art Guild will also be in the Park with their crafts and vendors.

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Upcoming events

February will be a big month for the Exchange Club. The Annual Exchange Club Oyster Roast will be held February 28 on Bowens Island from 1-4pm, with entertainment provided by the Shaken Martinis. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from a member or at the event. BYOB and coolers allowed.

The Exchange Club will also be selling hot dogs and hamburgers during the Folly Gras celebration on February 13. Be sure to stop by the tent at the corner of West Huron and Center Streets.

Last meeting’s highlights

We learned about ongoing community programs at the Folly Beach United Methodist Church during our January meeting. Bob Deal explained how the food bank was administered and foods distributed. Michelle Mazyck spoke about the HALO program, which helps supplement the care of foster children.

The Annual Sanitation Workers Luncheon was January 21. 15 workers, 12 Exchange Club Members and one guest were in attendance. Retta Laurey and Debbie Bucher coordinated the event.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Spaghetti Supper and bought tickets. Over $350 was raised.

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