JULY 26,2007: "THE 2ND ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI HERITAGE BLUES FESTIVAL" Hello BLUES and SOUTHER SOUL fans I recently attended "THE SECOND ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI HERITAGE BLUES FESTIVAL" held in Gulfport,Mississippi.I tried to put on a happy face but physically I wasn't feeling very well.The lineup included Walter Waiters,Betty Padgett,Nathaniel Kimble,Jeff Floyd and O.B. Buchana.Walter Waiters had the crowd up and dancing throughout his entire performance.The highlight came when Walter and American Blues radio personality Beverly McDowell did their popular dance version of "Walking The Dawg" and they were joined on stage by "The Budweiser Girls".He gave the people in Gulfport a damn good show.Betty Padgett is one of the top divas in the southern soul industry and her show has just received a big boost.She has started touring with one of the baddest bands in the land.Soul 4 Real(T.K. Soul's band)have joined forces with Betty Padgett and they are magic on stage together.She belted out some gut wrenching songs but of course "Never Coming Home" got the biggest ovation.My homeboy Nathaniel Kimble was very dynamic on this day.His show has become electrifying.He had the crowd singing,dancing and laughing.The highlight of his performance came when promoter Herman Wilson and DJ Philmore brought the police on stage and told him if he performed "Can U Bagg It Up" he was going to jail(It was part of the show).He has really developed into a top performer in the industry.Jeff Floyd was awesome as always.He gave the people in Gulfport one hell of a show.If he had his way he wouldn't have left the stage as he did an extended but powerful version of his southern soul classic hit "I Found Love On A Lonely Highway".Everyone had packed the downstage area as Jeff took them to church with his performance.After his performance Beverly McDowell brought a special guest to the stage,my homegirl "The Sexy Lady Of Southern Soul",Roni made a suprise appearance as she did a brief version of her hit single "A Fool On My Hands" and the crowd gave her a nice ovation.I was so glad to see her."The Gentle Giant Of Southern Soul",O.B. Buchana closed the show with a bang."Like My Woman " is always my favorite part of his performance but on this night it was an elderly woman(I'm guessing about 70 years old)among the fans down by the stage area.She held a sign with O.B.'s photo and she had a gallon of Crown Royal for him.He extended his hand to her and I thought she was going to pass out.He told her she better not start crying and that he too had a gift for her,he went to unzip his pants and the look that came on her face was one for the ages.I'm just glad that lil old lady didn't have a heart attack.O.B. is truly one of the top entertainers in the industry.His show is a must see. I know this isn't one of my typical reviews but I wasn't feeling well at all.Being in the presence of my good friends pulled me through.Walter Waiters you have arrived my friend.Your show is incredible.Roni it was good to see you girl.I almost left the show but Walter told me that you were on your way,so I hung in there and just your presence alone made me feel a lot better.Even though I wasn't feeling well this was an awesome show and I just wanted to share some of the highlights with you the greatest fans in the world.Take care and MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. BIG K9