It’s 2026, the year of our Lord, and it sure seems like the wheels are coming off. It’s tempting to sit at home, scroll, and think about how horrible it is to be on this spinning rock. At the moment, I’m trying to chase things that I view as deeply human as an act of resistance to the dominate forces of capitalism, violence, and self-centeredness.

I live in Mississippi, a state that is often forgotten because of its lack of economic and political power. What Mississippi lacks in the economic and political departments, it makes up for with its cultural power and its people’s ability to find joy amidst pain. It’s easy to make this argument when most of all modern American music can be traced back to the state. I don’t know of a place with as many talented writers and artists per capita than the state of Mississippi. Mississippians are creative and fun folks, especially when you’re outside the white Baptist crowd.

This April I’ve found live music as a form of resistance that has kept me going. The other night I decided to go to a show because I thought to myself, “Going out sure beats sitting at home thinking about how the world sucks.” I plan to keep on groovin’ even as the waters rise, prices rise, and wars continue. It’s one of the only things that still feels hopeful.

Shows I’ve seen April 2026:

Eric Deaton Trio – Voyager’s Rest, Water Valley, MS

Taj Mahal – Delta State, Cleveland, MS

R.B. Morris – Tim and Susan’s, Water Valley, MS

Wilco – Double Decker Festival, Oxford, MS

The Black Keys – Red’s, Clarksdale, MS