Lindsay Mott
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Harold Dees and Keith Delcambre believe there aren’t too many places in the world where you can find live local music outside of a seafood market and restaurant.
As owner of Bozo’s Seafood Market and Deli in Pascagoula, Delcambre provides the seafood while Dees provides the tunes as the guitar player out front. Dees has been performing at Bozo’s for almost three years now. He plays for tips and said he has enjoyed every minute of his time there.
Dees used to play at the BP station on Chico Street but decided to look for a busier venue for his music. Dees said that Delcambre showed up at the right time, and Dees asked him if he could play for him. To which, according to Dees, Delcambre replied, “Why haven’t you asked sooner?” The rest is history.
Now, Dees is sort of a staple at Bozo’s, and Delcambre said people ask about him when he’s not there. He said you’ll see people singing with him and dancing to the music, and the kids seem to really the music too – they’ll come out and just sit in front of him and not want to leave. To Dees, seeing the kids have a good time is one of the best parts.
“I had no idea that I sounded that great to get them to act like that,” he said. “It’s wonderful.”
Dees said his music makes the people happy as they go in and out of the store, and he looks forward to playing there each day.
“They love me,” he said. “I’m crazy about them also.”
By playing at Bozo’s, Dees has met people from all over the country, but that’s not the only place that he plays his music. Dees also plays weddings, barbecues, ceremonies and other events and occasionally travels to Atlanta to play.
“I enjoy playing in front of people,” he said. “I enjoy playing music period.”
Delcambre said Dees fits right in at Bozo’s because “characters are welcome.” He said that things are not quite the same when Dees is not there and that the music helps bring more people to the store.
“He’s the first person you see when you come to Bozo’s,” Delcambre said. “I love having him out there.”
When asked if he’ll move to the new Bozo’s location, Dees said he would let Delcambre make the call but that he’ll be happy to make the move if he’s asked.
