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Perryville Pickin’ and Grinnin’

Posted on May 15, 2013 By Tom 11 Comments on Perryville Pickin’ and Grinnin’
Local, Music, Photography, Rambling
Perryville Pickin-015
Perryville Pickin’ & Grinnin’

Back in April Stephen and I visited the Pickens Flea Market and stopped by the Musician’s Circle. One of the regulars, Robert Perry, played a homemade tub bass and had a distinct persona.

Pickens Flea Market (20 of 55)
Robert Perry, Mountain Man

Stephen struck up a conversation with Robert’s girlfriend, Sharon, and she told us about a weekly gathering at Robert’s place. This past Monday neither of us had Chorale rehearsal or other engagement, so we decided that we would head up and check it out.

Robert’s place is north of Pickens, near the community of Midway. He has built himself a mock town on his property, which he calls “Perryville.” Stephen followed the directions Sharon had given him, and we found the rutted driveway with no problem.

Perryville Pickin
Perryville Road
Perryville Pickin-001
Perryville Road

We approached an amazing array of sheds, barns, and buildings, with a centrally located farm house. There were lots of cars parked in front of a row of facades, representative of Perry’s town. It looked like a pretty good sized crowd was gathering.

Perryville Pickin-026
Crowds Gather
Perryville Pickin-004
Leaning Farm Shed
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The Town of “Perryville”
Perryville Pickin-003
Perryville Farmhouse

Just as we were getting out of Stephen’s truck we were greeted by Robert’s young grandson, Joshua. Since we were newcomers, Joshua wanted to show us everything. He took us on a tour of some of the multitude of old vehicles around the building, let us look into some of the fake storefronts, then took us around to see a red fox that they had captured on their property.

Joshua on an old truck
Joshua on an old truck
Perryville Pickin-030
Ford and Dodge
Perryville Pickin-044
Perry’s Fleet
Joshua on the tractor
Joshua at the wheel
Perryville Pickin-036
Home, Sweet Home
Perryville Pickin-034
Captured fox

As we wandered around the grounds I kept thinking that this would be the perfect place for a visit by the American Pickers. There were vintage signs and knick knacks in just about every corner. The number of classic cars, including old Ford T-models, was just astounding. There was almost too much to look at and too many places to point a camera.

Perryville Pickin-038
Old Truck/Tractor
Perryville Pickin-040
Farm Implements
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Rusty T-Model
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Apothecary Bottles

But, the reason we were here was for the music.  As Joshua was giving us our tour, we heard the strains of Gospel and Bluegrass coming from one of the buildings in the “town.” As we headed on over, we were greeted warmly by several of the regulars. The venue itself was in a section of the town designated as the church, on one end, and saloon on the other. Appropriate, I guess.

The interior sported a pot-bellied stove, a stained glass window, and church pews. The place was filled. A circle of musicians was up front, with Robert on his bass, several guitar players, an electric bass, and two mandolin/violin players. A couple of other old guys played a washboard and bohdran. The walls were covered with photos of Country and Western stars, as well as programs from upcoming or past events. There were also vintage items in just about every nook and cranny. A rack was set up at the back where the players could put their cases.

Perryville Pickin-050
Musician’s Circle
Perryville pickin'
Musician’s Circle
Perryville Pickin-057
Pot-Bellied Stove and Stained Glass
Perryville Pickin-022
Audience
Perryville Pickin-053
Bohdran Player
Perryville Pickin-051
Shotgun Wedding Flyer

Everyone we met there was super friendly and welcoming, from audience members to musicians. Most of these were regulars, and we were obviously the two outsiders. Even so, we seemed to fit right in. No one objected to our cameras. In fact, I’d glance over, and some ersatz geezer in mountaineer garb would pull out an iPad or iPhone and start recording video or taking photos. At one point Sharon came over and showed us her pet baby possum.

Perryville pickin'
Stephen making friends
Perryville Pickin-014
Sharon with pet possum
Perryville Pickin-012
Stephen with baby possum
Perryville Pickin-011
Old Farts

The music itself was informal, and different ones would take turns singing or playing lead.  The quality of the music wasn’t outstanding, but it was heartfelt and fun.  Some of the old Gospel songs I knew by heart, and found myself singing along with them.

Perryville Pickin-017
Guitarist
Perryville Pickin-019
Singing the lead
Perryville Pickin-056
Robert on his bass
Perryville Pickin-058
Singing lead on “I’ll Fly Away”

Even the animals got involved. Robert’s little dog Blackjack took a lead roll in the Hank William’s classic, “Move it on over.”

Came in last night at half past ten
That baby of mine wouldn’t let me in
So move it on over (move it on over)
Move it on over (move it on over)
Move over little dog cause the big dogs moving in

Here’s video proof…

After a few tunes the group took a break. At the back of the hall were a few homemade snacks that could be purchased. Stephen got a bowl of beans and cornbread, but I satisfied myself with a canned drink. There was lots of chatter all around as we talked to the denizens of Perryville.

Perryville Pickin-016
Stephen at the snack bar
Perryville pickin'
Chatting between sets

The group gathered once again, and we started another round of music. Here are a couple more video clips…

In that last video, the man on the train whistle was Bobby Cox. Bobby also brought the washboard and a collection of harmonicas.

Perryville Pickin-020

Stephen struck up a conversation with Bobby. He said that he didn’t think he was talented enough with singing or stringed instruments, but he still wanted to make music. So, he brings his percussion instruments and harmonicas and joins in when he can.

I can understand his feelings. I couldn’t help but sing along when I knew the song. It doesn’t matter if it’s singing the Verdi Requiem with the Greenville Chorale, playing keyboards for some cover band, or singing Gospel songs with my family or some other group. There is something about corporate music making that is transcendent. You don’t have to be great at it – you just have to let loose and enjoy it.

Perryville Pickin-024
Through the church door

Stephen and I stayed until about 9:00, then headed on toward home. However, I’m sure this will not be our last visit. Here are all of my photos from the trip…

…and here are Stephen’s photos…

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11 thoughts on “Perryville Pickin’ and Grinnin’”

  1. ashley ray says:
    December 2, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    From the pictures ive seen your location is awesome. I would love to get info on using your location for my clients photo sessions. thank you and hope to hear back

    Reply
  2. Jim Wetherhold says:
    February 12, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    Is Robert AKA Mountain Man, pick’n every Monday night?. I’m never sure of the time schedule, When do you start and how long are you playing.
    Feb-12-2018
    Hoping for a reply

    Jim

    Reply
    1. Tom says:
      February 12, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      As far as I know it’s every Monday, I think starting at 7:00. Robert also has a gathering at the Pickens Flea Market every Wednesday morning. You could get more info there.

      Reply
      1. TDJC says:
        July 27, 2018 at 10:38 am

        Not sure if you were aware that Robert passed away 7/26/18.

        Reply
        1. Tom says:
          July 27, 2018 at 10:39 am

          I found out last night. I was just in the process of writing a post about it.

          Reply
  3. Rosemarie DGinto says:
    July 27, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    Our community lost a gentle soul who always had a twinkle in his eye. He will never be forgotten.

    Reply
  4. Jennie Perry says:
    August 3, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    He was my grandpa and he was the greatest man I have ever known. I will miss him dearly

    Reply
  5. Crystal Whitmire says:
    March 14, 2019 at 6:52 am

    Thanks so much for recognizing my uncle Robert for the good man that he was! This was so wonderful to see this morning. But I have to say it has brought some big tears to my eyes. rest in peace love and miss you

    Reply
  6. Kathy Perry says:
    March 17, 2019 at 1:14 pm

    There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss my daddy. He was a good man, father, grandfather and friend. I miss the time we spent together.

    Reply
    1. Tom says:
      March 17, 2019 at 2:09 pm

      Hi Kat. We’ve met several times but you may not remember. I miss Robert as well. I didn’t get to play with his group as much as I would like, but I always enjoyed our interactions. We’re trying to keep the spirit of his music alive every Wednesday at the Pickens Flea Market.

      Reply
    2. Rosemarie DGinto says:
      March 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      Hey Kat – definitely miss seeing your Dad. Still not getting out much as Greg is still recovering. He did mention wanting to go to Ralph’s for music so that’s a good sign. Please take care. I hope BlackJack is doing okay. Miss ya’ll. Rosemarie

      Reply

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