Article by Gina Turner

Have you ever walked into a place and felt like you were in on something special? The Julep Room, located in the cellar of Aunt Jenny’s restaurant in Ocean Springs, is a shining example of a well kept secret raising its voice and spreading the news: Original Music Lives Here.

The Julep Room’s roots run deep and far, mingling with music since even before it became one of Elvis’ favorite Coast haunts. The venue is the home of the oldest (and for a long time ONLY) all-original Songwriters Nights, known as the premier spot for singer-songwriters and bands to showcase their original music to an appreciative crowd. Not only that, but it’s faithfully remained the most consistent venue in the area, hosting live music of every persuasion six to seven nights a week.

The cellar also puts a new twist on tapping into the spirits, as local lore will tell you the place is more than just a nice place to have a drink…it’s been regarded as a nice place to see a ghost too (and THAT is a whole other history best told by one of the many ‘regulars.’ Stop in sometime and ask about it.)

It’s all of these things and more that makes The Julep Room so special amongst its peers. And what pushes it over the edge of ‘awesomeness?’ – THE PEOPLE who frequent it. The people, the sounds, the visual (floor joists hanging just overhead, just the ‘right’ lighting, the spirit of a cozy pub, the musicians, the folks behind the bar culminate to make the Julep experience once for the books. Curious? Go see.

On Friday, December 12, 2009 from 10pm-2am, The Julep Room and local performer Gina Turner are teaming up for a Toys For Tots drive. The night will feature music from Gina as well as early performances by Anthony Ainsworth, Matt Hoggatt, and Danielle Thomas – three of the area’s greatest songwriters. ADMISSION FOR THE EVENING = 1 NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY and there will DEFINITELY be some surprises in store. So, if you’ve never stepped a foot into the cellar, December 12th is a fantastic night to do it. If you’ve been there before but not in a while, December 12th is a fantastic night to revisit. If you’ve been looking for a reason to celebrate the season in the most spirited mix of music, magic and mostly importantly – charity – December 12th is the best day of the whole year to make a trip over…and, well…under!

Tags: Anthony Ainsworth, Aunt Jennys, Danielle Thomas, Gina Turner, Matt Hoggatt, Ocean Springs, The Julep Room

I’ve been lazy for quite some time now. It’s inherent in all of us. I finally decided to upload some long overdue pictures yesterday. I still have several more recent shows to upload as well. Anyway, check them out.

Falls From Grace – Uncrowned

Yeah, I’m way behind on uploading pictures. Anyway, here are some pictures of Falls From Grace and Uncrowned at Thunders Tavern on 4/5/08. Check them out.

http://messageboard.gulfcoastbands.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=620

Ko-lija at Sweet’s Lounge in Ocean Springs, MS

This was a great show by Matt and the gang. I also saw my first ever chicken shit contest this day. Sweet’s Lounge in Ocean Springs had some great cool people and some amazing crawfish this day. Check out the pics at the link below.

http://messageboard.gulfcoastbands.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=621

Gina Turner and Anthony Ainsworth at the Julep Room

Here are some pictures I took at the Julep Room at the beginning of this month. I had the pleasure of watching Gina Turner and Anthony Ainsworth perform this night. Andrea Rodgers even stopped by to celebrate her birthday so I had to snap a few shots.

Check out the pictures. It was a great night.

http://messageboard.gulfcoastbands.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=622

Adrenaline Tattoo Grand Opening

Here are some pictures of 13th Hour, CastorTroy, Stereohype, Aura at the Adrenaline Tattoo grand opening in Gulfport earlier this month. It was a great all ages show with a decent turn out. Hopefully, they will do this at least once a quarter there.

http://messageboard.gulfcoastbands.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=623

Brian Powers vs. The World at the Julep Room

Oh what a night, this was one badass Monday night at the Julep Room. I was playing around taking some pics of the band and cool Ocean Springs people having fun. Check out the pics, you may see someone you know.

http://messageboard.gulfcoastbands.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=624

Mutheroux at the Julep Room

Check out these great pics of Mutheroux at the Julep Room from a couple weeks ago. It was another great night of sweet music, cold beer, and great people at the Julep Room.

http://messageboard.gulfcoastbands.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=625

Tags: 13th Hour, Adrenaline Tattoo, Anthony Ainsworth, Aura, Brian powers, castortroy, Falls From Grace, Gina Turner, Julep Room, Ko-Lija, Mutheroux, Stereohype, Sweets Lounge, thunders tavern, Uncrowned

The infamous Gina Turner has posted her video to “Birds of a Feather” on youtube. I have to say that I have been a huge stalker of Gina for several years now. Ever since I first met her at the Julep Room, I have been mystified by her transpiring performances. Her lyrics are deep and captivating, plus her smart ass comments make me feel warm inside like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup when you are sick on a cold winter’s day.

I actually started an interview with Gina three years ago that I swear one day she and I will finish. I’ll share one question that we had:

GCB: Do you think there is an ambient or atmospheric quality to your music?

Gina Turner: My music is all about atmosphere. I try very hard to alter my listeners’ sense of awareness when I perform. It’s really cool to feel the vibe in the room sync up to the mood of the music.

The infamous Gina Turner will be performing at the Julep Room in Ocean Springs on Friday, September 26. I highly suggest you make it out and catch her is beautiful and intriguing performance. The show should start around 10pm. So go there early, and request that she plays “The Wheels on the Bus”. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out the video to “Birds of a Feather”

Tags: Gina Turner, Julep Room, video