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!

It’s time to get fed at the Shed this Saturday!

The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, Ocean Springs, Ms is preparing for the largest turnout yet at the 5th Ever ShedHed Blues Festival on Saturday, September 20th. To celebrate its fifth year, The Shed has added a second stage for acoustic performances. Other artists appearing at the Festival this year will be Walter Wolfman Washington, Ernest Guitar Roy, Jimbo Mathus Knock Down South, Lisa Mills Walter Waiters, Rochelle Harper, Roster Blues and 3 Karat Diamond winner of the from Shed to Chedigny blues challenge.

The legendary Kenny Wayne Shepherd will headline the Festival. Kenny Wayne Shepherd is a four time Grammy nominated, platinum selling artist with four No. 1 blues albums to his credit, including Billboard Magazine’s # 1 Blues Album of 2007, a string of No. 1 mainstream rock singles, two Billboard Music Awards, two Orville H. Gibson Awards, the Blues Foundation’s Keeping The Blues Alive Award, and a Blues Music Award. Blues enthusiasts will certainly take great pleasure in the performace of Double Trouble’s Chris “Whipper” Layton appearing with Shepherd.

The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint is an award winning BBQ restaurant and music venue. The Shed is known for its “Down Home Southern BBQ” and its eclectic taste for live Blues on Friday and Saturday nights. The Shed won two first place trophies at the world championship of BBQ at Memphis in May 2008 and were voted Best Pork Sandwich in America 2001 by the National BBQ News Magazine. For the non BBQ lovers there will be other types of food available such as Fried fish, hamburgers with all the fixings, etc.

The 5th Ever ShedHed Blues Festival brought to you by Miller Lite, Harley Davidson of Gulfport, Clear Channel Radio Group. Tickets are $25.00 for the all day event and are on Sale now at the Shed and at the door. There will be on site parking for motorcycles and offsite parking for cars with a bus running continuously to and from The Shed. As always at The Shed children are welcome. Children under 10 are free. Bring your lawn chairs and wear your festival garb. No coolers allowed. Rain or Shine. Gates open at 2 O’clock continuous music until 11.

The 5th Ever ShedHed Blues Festival
September 20th, 2008
The Original Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
Hwy 57 North 1,000 yards
Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39565
228-875-8577 Shed Office
228-324-7311 Marketing