JUKE:

1] dance, especially to the music of a jukebox

[A] a middle-aged couple shook and juked to the music

PART ONE

The summer of '97 I had been on the Tallahassee FL Project six months  and counting.  I learned my way around town and had seen most of the tourist attractions.  

Since the Origami incident I had spent time with Mitchell on a trial basis to determine if we indeed were compatible.  He was a gentlemen so far.

I decided I wanted to see some real down-home Tallahassee Blues and researched all the Venues.  I sought authentic Blues Music I could relate to.  

While discussing our plans for the weekend I brought it up with Mitchell and Fenton.  

"Sure Sweetie I'm game."  Mitchell responded.  

Fenton looked at me crossed his arms, rolled his eyes, and smacked his lips.

"You want to go to one of them Bucket-of-Blood places?" 

I had not heard that expression since Oklahoma City.

"Ha what do you know about Bucket-of-Blood nightclubs?"

"I know how to not get shot."  He countered.

I knew Fenton knew his way around because he was the type to hit the ground running socially when we started a new Project.  

"I already know where I want to go but not sure where exactly it is...it's in French Town."

"French Town....gurl you don't know nothin' bout French Town do ya?"

"No but I know you do and you're welcome to come along with us and hear some Talle down-home Blues since you know your way around."  I said hopefully.

He stood up stretching out his long legs and lanky body and did a James Brown Shuffle.  

"I guess I should go along because you two cannot be trusted among the Locals who live in French Town."  

"So that's a Yes?"

"Only this one time I ain't really down with the Devil's Music."  He said with false righteousness.  

I laughed.

Later that evening while out at dinner Mitchell and I discussed our plans for the weekend.

"So you really dig Blues Music? Mitchell asked sipping his Bourbon.

"Yes.  As kids we were exposed to all different kinds of Music; Blues, R&B, Mexican, C&W.  But I love the history of Blues Music and how it evolved." 

"I'm more of a Jazz guy."  He answered.

Somehow I already knew that.  

"I find it intriguing that there is a rivalry between two Blues Men here in Talle.  One is old school Blues an old guy name of 'Biscuit-Head' Brown."

"Never heard of him."  

"I have he's a Blues Legend.  His rival, get this...is a Jamaican Blues Man name of 'Badrick Bembe' also an old timer."

"I never knew Jamaicans were into the Blues...thought they were Rasta and Reggae."

Since the Project started we learned there were Jamaican Drugs Lords in control here.  One of our crack-head employees had got in debt over her head and the Jamaican Drug Slinger had seized her rental car for ransom when she was late he stripped the rental car and burned it.  The authorities located the burnt out shell in French Town.

"I heard also that some local guy did not pay up and they found his head-less body in French Town."  Mitchell told me.  "You sure you want to venture out there?"

"Actually the Club is right before French Town on the outskirts. It's called The Chicken Coop Juke."

Mitchell laughed for a good five minutes at the name.  

"Sorry Sweetie it just hit me as funny!"  He chuckled.   "Don't worry I'll protect you.  How should I dress?"

"Casual...I'm wearing my favorite jeans and my Blues Hat."

"Can't wait to see that Sweetie."  

STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO