"Once upon a time, a man child was born... birthed from the murky waters of the Indian Bayou. Born under the full moon of a heated summers night."
And, so the story goes...
Yes, I was born right here in the Heart of the Mississippi Delta... right here in this town of Indianola. My parents soon transplanted
northward for greater opportunity and a better life. However, I would find my childhood filled with many summers spent in my birth place.
Though I was reluctant to make these visits back to the south, my parents wanted to instill within me a sense of origin... my roots.
The Blues came over me later in my life. I grew quickly into a man tormented by his father's demons. I soon found myself displaced... torn from my
wife and child. What was left? I found solace in the music that raised me and brought me through... that very same music that belonged to my grandfather... the Blues.
Welcome to the Home of the Blues
November 1st, 2003, The 308 Blues Club and Cafe opened to a highly anticipating audience. We were the premier location for local Blues acts to present
their craft upon our stage. The 308 Blues Club and Cafe received much fanfare overseas. We found that most of our audience was International and we kept
our performances strictly to that of our name.
In the past, we have featured the talents of David Lee Durham, Jay Kirgis, Mississippi Slim, John Horton, Mickey
Rogers, Barbara Looney, Lil' Dave Thompson, Paul "Wine" Jones, and many others. As the 308 grew, just as the Blues grew over time, we took many different turns and curves with the music. Blues varies and carries many music genres, including Gospel, Rock, Jazz, and Country. As a musician, I had to share this growth as well.
The 308 Blues Club and Cafe is not just a bar and grille, and was conceived as not just a place to be entertained, but to educate about Blues culture, Americana, and Roots music. And in this music, The 308 Blues Club and Cafe has been able to transcend much of the division within the area. Yes, the Blues truly heals.
After a great three year run, I left the Delta to make a new life. However, I found myself yearning to return home... to once again baptise myself in that bayou water. As Davey told me, there's just something about that Mississippi Mud... And now, I am home.
The 308 Blues Club and Cafe is now 5 years strong. We've come a long way. We've been through many personell as well as many personal changes. But, we are still here. There is still much work to be done. However, I am looking forward to another 5 years. The 308 Blues Club and Cafe will become legendary.
The 308 Blues Club and Cafe is constantly growing and bringing innovation to the Mississippi Delta. To the remaining local players that have graced our stage, there are more bookings coming. I believe strongly in presenting the local talent. And to the newbies on the Blues scene, there is room for you too. For those who hunger for real southern cuisine, we have remodelled the kitchen and are completing our menu which will soon be posted.
And once you come out to have that meal in our cafe, be sure to bring your laptop and surf the web at the Mississippi Delta's newest Wi-Fi hotspot. Yes, The 308 Blues Club and Cafe now offers free, wireless Internet access! To those partaking in our spirits, enjoy the new setting of our "Well of Perfection". We have given our bar area a new facelift. And for those who want to get away from the main bar crowd can relax in our second bar area, the "Laid Back Corner". And finally, to the pool sharks and billiard hustlers who had to take turns on the one table in the corner, we now have two pool tables for your play. As always, there will be literature about the community and the music. Remember, the 308 Blues Club and Cafe is here to educate, entertain, and unify.
If you haven't been here in a while, check us out and get reacquainted. If you're a new face in town, stop by and make yourself at home. Everyone here is family. Most of our staff were past patrons who just wouldn't leave... and that's a good thing.
So, I'm sure I'll see you around. You might catch me behind the bar serving up a drink, hustling newbies on the pool table, or sitting in with one of the bands. Either way, I am home.
Mario T. Strong
"That guy..."
Co-founder