NCMR 2007: Memphis., TN

I just got back from the National Conference on Media Reform in Memphis. It was my second time going and this year was even better than the last. It is amazing to me what 30 people can do when they put their minds to it, here is a picture of the Free Press team on Beale Street after the conference is over (I think). All I can say is way to go them, it was a huge success!

Here are just some of the highlights…If you click on the links most of them go to YouTube pages of them speaking. If you don’t want to watch all of them, I understand, but if you have time (like 30 min), and you want to know what this movement is all about, watch Bill Moyers’ opening speech. It was tremendous.

Friday night my colleagues from all over the globe went out to dinner at the world-famous Rendezvous Ribs. We were served by Percy, he has been working there since 1970 and he has had the pleasure of serving four presidents and one Japanese Prime Minister. Percy gave us a tour of the whole restaurant, even the kitchen. I brought back some BBQ sauce and rub for Ian and we made BBQ chicken last night. It was wonderful!

Danny Glover was our MC on Friday night.

And then Dennis Kucinich a suprise guest.

The we saw Rev. Al Green's Gospel Choir …

and the North Mississippi Allstars/Burnside Exploration. (I don’t have photos, but also there was Davey D from Hard Knock Radio and Amy Goodman from Democracy Now!) The Allstars invited up FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein up to join them on the harmonica.

On Saturday night Consumers Union held a reception with the Austin Lounge Lizards. And, there he is again, Commissioner Adelstein is rocking out with the Lizards!

Then we headed down to see Geena Davis (founder of See Jane). Sorry, no pic yet.

and the The Bar-Kays (remnants from Otis Redding’s band). That’s quite the outfit!

Let’s see it again up close. Wow.

After that we headed down to Beale Street and were given special treatment at BB Kings. Here’s the view from the VIP box.

Overall it was a wonderful trip and I met tons of wonderful new people!