Patrons enjoying the music at Gip’s Place, where Little G Weevil sometimes plays
: This small and intimate joint has authentic blues bands and serves lip-smacking wings, wine and beer. 1580 Vollintine Ave., Memphis, Tenn. (901) 726-5473
Tony’s Lounge: This longtime favorite has a pool table and a dance floor but mostly spins music on CDs. 2412 Congaree Road, Eastover, S.C. (803) 776-8967
Bradfordville Blues Club: Open since the 1930s, this rural hot spot off a dirt road books different touring blues bands each weekend. 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee, Fla. (850) 906-0766,
www.bradfordvilleblues.com
Riley’s Tavern: From the sagging roof to the tilted dance floor to the outhouse privies out back, this is the real deal with both a jukebox and live bands. 8894 FM 1102, Hunter, Texas. (512) 392-3132,
www.rileystavern.com
Po’ Monkey Lounge: Opened almost 50 years ago by Willie “Po’ Monkey” Seaberry, it’s one of America’s oldest juke joints. Open Thursday nights with an R&B DJ. Located on a dirt road in Merigold, Miss., two miles from a cotton field. Ask a local for directions, as there is no phone.
Queen of Hearts: This down-home, 40-year-old venue was a popular hangout for Elmore James and Sonny Boy Williamson II. The music is R&B-oriented. 2243 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jackson, Miss. (601) 352-5730
Teddy’s Juke Joint: Once the little house where owner Teddy Johnson was born, this club now books live blues bands a few times per week and also spins R&B. 17001 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary, La. (225) 892-0064
Margie Goldsmith is a writer based in New York whose work has appeared in Robb Report, Elite Traveler and O, The Oprah Magazine. She is learning blues harmonica, but she isn’t ready to play the juke joints just yet.