Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)

We made good time driving from Mobile to Jackson on Tuesday, arriving right on time (and in the middle of a terrible thunderstorm) to meet our local host, State Senator Wendell "Hob" Bryan at the historic Mayflower Cafe near the Capitol. Hob ran over from the legislative session to welcome us and make recommendations on the Mayflower's traditional Southern menu.

After lunch, we went to the Capitol for a tour with someone from the Visitor's Office. We visited the Senate gallery, where Hob introduced us to the Senators in the chamber, and we visited the House of Representatives, which wasn't in session. There were several representatives on the floor, and they wanted to know who we were. One came up to say hi and answer questions. (Kudos to Flannel for an excellent question on Mississippi's 50th place ranking in public education!). We sang 10K and the Good Old Song, and then beat a hasty retreat.

After the tour, we headed to Fondren Presbyterian Church, which also hosted us 10 years ago for a tour concert. The awkward layout of the altar area in the Sanctuary made for a lot of adjusting, but we finally figured out a configuration that would work.

After rehearsal, we had a bite to eat, again courtesy of the Senator, and then performed for a small, but appreciative audience. 

The next morning (today!), the weather was much nicer, and Hob met us out front of the Capitol to take us inside so we could get ready for our performance for his colleagues in the Senate. Before we went in, he answered a few questions about his 33 years (!) in the Senate. Getting through security was much easier today, since they remembered us from yesterday (and since the Capitol was much busier, with lots of Veterans and Republican Women there for events).

Before we sang, we were able to hear a little history from Hob, and warm up (in a great acoustical space - the old Supreme Court Chambers). 

Soon it was time to head to the Senate chambers. The guys got a kick of our locating Hob in each of the Senate composite photos on the walls outside the chamber. We couldn't take pictures inside, but we had a full house made up of Senators and a full gallery of visitors. There was an official photographer, so perhaps we'll see some more photos soon. We got standing ovations after each of the songs we sang (Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and Biebl's Ave Maria). 

After we were done, we hightailed it back to the bus to hit the road for New Orleans and our first free night. We made one stop for gas and learned that the reading habits of Louisianans are a little different from ours. 😉

After we arrived in NOLA, the guys took to the streets to sample the local fare. Here's something typical of what was eaten: Fried Green Tomatoes, Alligator Sausage, Gumbo, Crawfish Étouffée, Homemade Biscuits, and plenty of Sweet Tea. Then to Cafe du Monde for Beignets and coffee. I don't know how anyone had room for dinner. Folks are currently roaming the streets of New Orleans in search of the perfect jazz club. I'm off to bed, and tomorrow, we head to Atlanta for a rehearsal exchange with the legendary Morehouse College Glee Club!