It’s a Sunday night about two weeks ago. It’s chilly and gross and spitting rain. Memphis seems hell bent on reminding me that despite the flip flops and cotton dress I’d been wearing just 24 hours prior, it is, in fact, February and I better not forget it.
But even with the dreary weather, I had managed to forget it — at least temporarily — as I sat inside King’s Palace Cafe on Beale listening to the musicians of the Memphis Farmers Market at the MFM benefit jam. The market opens up again April 17, and the event Sunday brought together some of its regular players to raise a few bucks for the cause.
I heard some good music, for sure — including one of my favorite versions of “My Baby Wrote Me a Letter” — but mostly the jam inspired me to be a farmers market regular come the spring. I love supporting local merchants, and being able to do that and catch some good local music is about as good as it gets.
I love the idea that local musicians are supporting local initiatives, and vice versa. That Memphis has so many symbiotic relationships like this one between hometown institutions (music and food, hello) is one of the things that makes our city rich and ever richer. Plus, I love discovering new artists. And if I can pick up fresh produce and meats and cheeses (definitely the cheese) and hear some new musicians at the same time? Shut the front door.
You can find out more about the market here, and more about the musicians who support it here. Will I see you out on April 17?
