I think I’m a groupie. I went to see Marcella Simien perform three times in a row and I was fully entertained the entire time. Generally, my attention span for any type of show is limited to once a week at best. Rarely do I want to follow any particular group or artist from one venue to another, let alone record the experience each time. The last time I did that was the Yojimbo double feature earlier this summer. That pair of shows was entertaining not only because Yojimbo has amazing stage presence, but also because of the contrast in the venues. From a Midtown Memphis pirate bar to a Tupelo highway honky-tonk shack. Yojimbo performed with gusto each time and it’s encouraging to see people from all walks of life enjoy the same music, even if they don’t all do it in the same place. The places where Marcella performs aren’t quite so disparate, but it wouldn’t matter because her stage presence could make a TJ Mulligan’s swanky.
As I’ve mentioned before, Mollie Fontaine Lounge is Marcella’s usual haunt on Thursday evening. Seated behind a baby grand on the first floor of this Victorian Village locale, Ms. Simian takes requests and performs covers of just about any song. Her signature style puts a sultry edge on classic favorites. Maintaining an unassuming presence, you can practically taste the soul in Marcella’s voice, like dark chocolate and red wine. Despite her young age, it’s not surprising she’s so talented. Raised on music the way most of us were raised on television, Marcella also won the genetics lottery as the daughter of Terrence & Cynthia Simien. With an aural education cultivated among generations of soul singers her own verve for music is like Créole steroids. She sight reads and sings in French for fuck’s sake!
Piano night at Mollie’s is one of my favorite weekly activities. You never know what you’ll end up with but it’s sure to be interesting. This Thursday was no exception. The start of the night was about a low key as you can get. An essentially empty building except for me and the employees. The early birds fluttered in right around 8:30 when Marcella got started. The usual night life filtered through a while after that. Like moths to a chic flame, the glitzy RSVP candies wandered through, two by two. The crowd was delighted with Marcella’s creativity and one of the patrons graciously offered to do a duet. Mollie Fontaine’s sexy set up is the ideal place for couples to go see and be seen. The live piano is icing on the gourmet cupcake.
Friday night I changed gears and I found myself just off Cleveland St. at The Buccaneer Lounge. Again the crowd was sparse, but this time is was a matter of timing. Marcella & Her Lovers were set up and playing by 11pm, a feat almost unheard of at a pirate dive bar. Fortunately, the Bucc is forgiving of small crowds and I love an intimate show. The video possibilities are more accessible and I’m able to spend some time relaxing to the music. Of course, even the mic test is entertaining when the Swamp Princess is involved. This was my first experience with the Lovers, so I’m glad they were gentle. Dave Cousar is one of the most underrated musicians on the Memphis scene these days, so I relish every chance I get to hear him. I called it a night around 1AM, right when the late night crowd started filling the bar.
When I started out on Saturday I didn’t even know I’d see the Lovers again. I woke up satisfied, which is reason enough to consider the night before a one-night stand. I also had plans that did not involve DKDC. Well, without giving away details, I’ll say that my “plans” for that night only lasted until about 9:30. So I went out for act 2 and Cooper Young was the perfect destination. Given the previous two nights I figured it would be more of the same good time. Well, the Lovers (& Marcella) had other plans. I was treated to an entirely different style of performance from the exact same band. If you don’t believe me, let’s go to video. I’ve had that song stuck in my head all damn day.
DKDC is similar to Mollie Fontaine’s in all the right ways. Both places serve great drinks and have plenty of who’s who for the viewing. However, as Fontaine parades glitzy couples and grown up flare throughout their halls, DKDC has a more down home, gulf shore feel to it’s swank. The drinks in mason jars and endless supply of beautiful people make it one of the best places to go meet your favorite new person. Providing a space for quality entertainment multiple times a week, you can’t shake a stick in there without hitting some soul-soaked youth having a good time. It’s the sort of place that makes me want to drink spiced rum, which is fortunate because that’s their specialty.
All in all, I was out of my depth in the role of a groupie. I don’t really look the part and my ability to hit three venues in as many nights is not a superpower I exercise that frequently. But, if Marcella and/or Her Lovers are on the bill, that’s a place I’d set my sights on if I were you. She brings a zydeco flare to Memphis soul music and her good vibes are contagious. I won’t be surprised if a spontaneous Mardi Gras erupts in Cooper Young some unsuspecting Friday night. I hope I hear about it in time to get a slice of king cake. Let the good times roll.