Reach out for New Orleans

Movember in NOLA

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 05:55:00 +0000

I'm aiming to attend this event with my daughters tomorrow. I learned about it through the Imagination Movers' Facebook page, and think that it's a great reason to return to the city after not visiting for about 7 months. I'm doing this to honor my dear father who died of colon cancer just two months ago after a 2 year battle with the disease. It's actually a needed step in my healing process to get out there and connect with those who care about health issues effecting men. It'll be my first time since he's passed away, and I feel comfortable doing so in the city I love. I have to add that I really respect Rich Collins of the Imagination Movers for getting involved and promoting this event. Thank you, Movers, and I'll see you there.

Whole Foods 5% Day for Threadhead Records

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:51:00 +0000

On October 12, I did a bit of my Whole Foods shopping on their 5% Day for Threadhead Records . It was a nice surprise to have Matt Perrine, Alex McMurray, Debbie Davis and Arsene Delay, talented musicians from New Orleans, performing live in support of the Nine Lives - The Musical project. I enjoyed their music, and especially appreciated being able to chat with them, too. Visit http://www.threadheadrecords.com/ to learn more about these artists and the projects supported by Threadhead Records.

That following Friday, Whole Foods shared the following good news: "DRUM ROLL...Thanks to you, we're pleased to share that the Louisiana stores raised more than $15,100 for the Threadhead Records Foundation 5% Day!!! With these funds, the Foundation will be able to finish the Nine Lives musical and employ more than 100 Louisiana musicians! WOOT!"

Be sure to check out "Nine Lives - A Musical Adaptation" by Paul Sanchez and Colman DeKay. Here's a song from the first volume of songs.

I'm a Brass Roots Movie Backer!

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 06:11:00 +0000

I'm very happy to be finally backing this documentary. It's the first of its kind to tell the story of New Orleans modern brass bands. For me, that story is a key part of the lifeline of the city, and it's a very important one to tell. That story helps preserve and continue the music culture of New Orleans.

These guys will donate all of their raw footage to universities and organizations for educational purposes. They'll also direct proceeds from the film to The Roots of Music, the ever growing, successful, and awesome after school music education program for kids in New Orleans.

Click on the link, learn more about its value, and donate what you can.

Brass Roots: The Untold History of New Orleans Brass Bands

Links:

www.brassrootsmovie.com
www.brassrootsmovie.com/blog
www.facebook.com/brassrootsmovie
www.twitter.com/brassrootsmovie

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:17:00 +0000

I was one happy girl in New Orleans last Tuesday night. A quick visit to pick up our visiting friend from Japan led to a fun encounter with the Young Fellaz Brass Band. I LOVE this city, its people, and the music it breeds.

I couldn't have planned it any better. A drink at the Carousel Bar and a walk onto Bourbon to find a brass band playing at 11 o'clock at night. I jumped into the Young Fellaz Brass Band crowd pulling in my visiting friend from Japan, and danced our way to the corner of Canal. Two police officers 'tagged' along in their patrol cart and blocked off the street at Canal. The crowd grew, and the Young Fellaz played an inspired set of brass rhythms and sounds that made my heart jump. The dancin' and togetherness was all about life, joy, and release. I'm tellin you that on this night it was a precious gift to have been there with the them. Young Fellaz, it was more than wonderful to check you guys out. Thank you.

Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers at Chelsea's 11.12.10

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:56:00 +0000

Here's a nice flashback to seeing Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers at Chelsea's. This was my first time seeing him in a club, and meeting him, too. He's really lots of fun.

Please help the Threadheads send young musicians to NOLA's Jazz Fest

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:38:00 +0000

"Gotta get those kids to Fest." ~ Neenatlanta, New Orleans Jazz Fest Fan

It's that time of year again. The New Orleans Jazz Fest approaches and the Threadheads, super dedicated Fest fans who meet on the online Fest forum, kick into high gear. Their goal is to give back to New Orleans through various, cool events that help keep the city's music culture going. One of their initiatives, in conjunction with Silence is Violence, is Fest4Kidz. Money is raised to send the children who attend SIV's weekly music clinics to Jazz Fest. The kids are hooked up with a chaperone, a t-shirt, and spending money. It's been a big success, and they're aiming for the same this year.

The cost for doing this in 2010 was $5270. Fest4Kidz does have support from the Threadhead Records Foundation, another great outreach group to check out, but additional funding will help make it happen for the kids.

Please visit http://threadheads.org/F4K.htm to learn more and make your secure donation.

Every dollar helps, so thank you!!!!

1 View = $1 to the Roots of Music Kids

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:24:00 +0000

Here's a simple way to support New Orleans music education. Every time you click and view this video BACKSTAGE PASS WITH RAPHAEL SAADIQ, American Express will donate $1 to the Roots of Music youth music education program. Please spread the word for the kids. Thank you.

Fun! Check out my Kermit Ruffins video on Tip's FB

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:27:00 +0000

Tipitina's Facebook Post

Look at that! Tipitina's FB posted one of my Kermit Ruffins' Chelsea's videos from YouTube. It was a nice surprise when skimming the status updates tonight. That Chelsea's show was my first time seeing them in a club, and so wish that I'd also be able to check them out at Tipitina's. After living in Louisiana for six years, I have yet to go to a Tip's show.

Tipitina's's Profile

Tipitina's
When was the last time you saw Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers at Tipitina's? It's been too long. Catch him at the Tips 33rd Anniversary Series, Saturday 1/15

Harvest the Music awesome concert series - Doctor John

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 03:50:00 +0000

On 10/6, I packed up the car with my husband and two girls to battle rush hour traffic to New Orleans. Destination: A Harvest the Music free concert with The Treme Band, and Doctor John and the Lower 911. Upon arrival, we navigated through people, people, and more people. Lafayette Square was packed, and we had to set up camp way back from the stage. So far back that I couldn't even see the musicians, but all was good because we made it. We were there. All was even better because proceeds from the THOUSANDS of tickets sold for food and drink were benefitting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana and its mission of fighting hunger across south Louisiana.

(Work in progress)...Insert the positive - Edge's podcast highlighting Gulf coast music

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:31:00 +0000

(Work in progress. I'll complete this post with videos of Edge's Gulf Coast music pics one day)

Tonight I've been flashing back to some of my great concert/music experiences in New Orleans, and I found myself listening again to the Edge's podcast of favorite musicians and music from the region. He put out a "celebrity podcast" in July 2010 in the midst of the oil spill disaster in the Gulf. It was a great reminder of the riches of region, and a wave of positive energy despite the devastation in the region.

Enjoy his list, and if you're interested in learning more about preserving the music culture of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, please visit Music Rising at www.musicrising.org.

Fats Domino, The Fat Man

Little Richard, Tutti Frutti

The Meters, Cissy Strut

..couldn't resist getting some live Meters from Jazz Fest

Professor Longhair, Big Chief
This video is incredible!!! Dr.John , Professor Longhair , Earl King , The Meters...

The Wild Tchoupitoulas, Hey Pocky A-Way

Snooks Eaglin, Helping Hands(A Thousand Miles Away From Home)

I didn't find a "Helping Hand" video, so here's Mr. Snooks at the awesome Mid City Lanes/Rock N'Bowl in New Orleans.

Now I understand this t-shirt that I took a picture of when I was there this past May. Mr. Snooks must have been someone extra special to see live.

From Jazz Fest After Hours - Rock 'N Bowl w/ Anders Osborne and Eric Lindell

Trombone Shorty, Backatown

Lee Dorsey, Working in a Coal Mine

Dr. John, Walk on Guilded Splinters

Edge mentions the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Rebirth Brass Band, and the New Birth Brass Band.

New Birth Brass Band, Project Love
No Project Love video available, but here's a listen.

Check out some live footage of the band at Sammy's in Houston ten days after the flooding in New Orleans.

Allen Toussaint, Yes We Can Can
I like this version of the song because Allen Toussaint is the main vocal. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the video of him singing it.

The Neville Brothers, Yellow Moon

Galactic, Speaks His Mind

Ship of Fools

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:49:00 +0000

My angst over where we're at with the oil disaster grows exponentially. The thick, globby Gulf waters strewn with death reveal our stupidity, greed, corruption and fear. Holy crap, evolve. Get me off of this ship now.

IT AIN'T MY FAULT!!! - Gulf Aid All Stars

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:30:00 +0000

A very cool song to give voice to the little people and wildlife of the Gulf hanging on in limbo with their livelihoods and hope. It gets right to the point about BP/Transocean/Halliburton's negligence, irresponsibility, and complete disrespect for the region. Meanwhile, BP just won't stop that damn gushin' oil...it's been one month!!!! Please visit GulfAid.org to help. Also, please contact your senators, representatives, and the President to let them know how furious you are about this disaster and oil industry "regulations". Thank you.

"It Ain't My Fault" lyrics are written by Mos Def and Ben Jaffe. Song performed by the Gulf Aid All Stars - Trombone Shorty, Lenny Kravitz, Mos Def, Tim Robbins and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The PHJB musicians that participated on the track are Joe Lastie-drums, Freddie Lonzo-trombone(seated in the PH video), Charlie Gabriel-clarinet, Clint Maedgen-tenor sax, and Ben Jaffe-tuba. (Thanks to Ron Rona of Preservation Hall for his help with the PHJB musician names)

Read Jaffe Talks Gulf Aid, “It Ain’t My Fault” on CNN

Check out the video of the Gulf Aid All Stars during their all night session Preservation Hall.
http://www.people.com/people/videos/0,,20385795,00.html .

Here's the live performance at the Gulf Aid concert on May 16.

Thanks 2-cent.com for the lyrics.

IT AIN'T MY FAULT

Mama no don't ya say
ah
oil and water don't mix
petroleum don't go (go) with no fish
Awwwwwwww, IT AIN'T MY FAULT
BP....big pimpin
Big pile of BAD presses
boiling point
billionaire point pressure
Awwwwwwww, IT AIN'T MY FAULT
Say Man:
Who pushed the marshes back?
It's where the hurricane shelter
and the gardens at
Awwwwwwww, IT AIN'T MY FAULT
Sing...
from the government's coast
to the broke levee wall
somptin goin on
and it's somebody fault...I said
Awwwwwwww, IT AIN'T MY FAULT
said they go to the rock
to hide they face
said the rock cried out
"No Hiding Place!"
said they go to the rock
to hide they face
said the rock cried out
"No Hiding Place!"
said they go to the rock
to hide they face
said the rock cried out
"No Hiding Place!"

Oh no, oh no
"IT AIN'T MY FAULT"

Anders Osborne and Eric Lindell at Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:29:00 +0000

Treme Watch: David Simon on Pity and Tourists - James Poniewozik

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 07:09:00 +0000

Poniewozik's piece, Treme Watch: David Simon on Pity and Tourists, hit a chord with me, or should I say, that the character Sonny in Episode 2 of Treme did.

I finally watched it last night, and felt defensive/crushed about the possibility that I made someone feel such cynicism towards my volunteer work. It was an awkward moment for me putting myself in the volunteers' shoes feeling misunderstood. Fortunately I can't recall any similar real life experience during my time with New Orleanians. Those that I worked with were humble and appreciative. Courageous. They expressed themselves with an honesty that had me doing my best to work alongside them without judgement. I was thankful to be there with them, and I let them know. It's a vulnerable position to reach out for "a hand up", and a brave one, too. Had I missed the "Sonny" somehow?

Sonny's 9th Ward comment also made me remember the one time I worked in the 9th. The home owner talked to me with pride about her will to make sure her son had a school to attend and that he did his best. As a single mom, she had moved to Georgia post-flood, and wasn't sure at the time if she'd return. She did make the trips back to gut the house and clear things out. I'll never forget when she told me, "I'm not poor. I know the media tells you that we're all poor, but we're not. We're hard working people. I'm a middle class American working hard here." How much fortune in that to remind me to screw stereotypes?

Let's see what else Treme will stir up? Looking forward to the healing.

Threadhead Raffle - Gotta be in it

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:17:00 +0000

Yikes! I thought that I had posted this already, but peeking in here I find out otherwise...

It's the last day to buy a raffle to support Threadheads outreach. Proceeds will benefit the Threadhead Records Foundation, Fest4Kidz (SilenceIsViolence), and Music Rising / The Gibson Foundation. Please visit Threadhead Charity Raffle 2010 to learn more and grab a ticket or two. Check out the full list of cool items.

I'm definitely going for the Absolut New Orleans Vodka and the two opps to work with the glass artist at the Rosetree Blown Glass Studio in New Orleans. That vodka was our absolut favorite, indeed, and I can't imagine ever parting with a bottle if I still possessed it. (Couldn't stay in our house for long - so delicious) As for my choice on the glass art, my husband is captivated by the technique and always wanted to try it himself. Wish me luck!

The Lower 9 Documentary

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:55:00 +0000

I like what Matthew Hashiguchi aims to achieve through this film. Watching the trailer reminds me of the connections I made with the people of New Orleans during my volunteer work. Their stories and weave with the city is what makes the city so unique and alive. If you don't get that, then you don't get New Orleans. Lower 9 does.

Music Rising/Gibson assist with music clinic needs

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 06:57:00 +0000

Cool news! I just jumped into the Jazz Fest forum for a Fest4Kidz update about the SilenceIsViolence music clinic donations. One of the Threadheads, Scoop, had contacted the Gibson Foundation with the information about the clinic needs for advice about assistance. They replied with news that Music Rising/Gibson would assist with the needed funds!!!! Awesome!!! Kudos to Scoop for reaching out to them, and a big THANK YOU to the Music Rising Team for being there, once again, to help.

Jazz Fest fans help New Orleans' kids and music culture - you can, too

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

I had posted earlier about the Threadheads, a group of Jazz Fest fans and friends, that give back to New Orleans every year through their outreach. They're very awesome because of their generosity and consistency in staying involved and caring about the city.

One of the projects in need of support, whether you're near or far from New Orleans, is their Fest4Kids, which works in conjunction with SilenceIsViolence. The information below was shared on the Jazz Fest forum
, and it outlines what's needed to keep the music clinics and support for the kids alive. Thank you very much for checking them out and spreading the word.

John, thanks so much for continuing to look out for us! We are starting up the clinics again next week.

We actually are in pretty good shape as regards instruments right now. The contributions you facilitated for us last year gave us a crucial and very solid foundation--I feel confident about inviting kids to come and try whatever instrument they like! I had an Americorps volunteer inventory and assess all of our instruments earlier this week, and we have about as many instruments as we can use given our current capacity (we serve 20-35 kids per week right now, and about half of those bring their own instruments). What we are struggling with a bit is maintaining ample funds for music coaches' stipends, space rental (now that we are using the bigger and better space across the street from Sound Cafe), and private lessons (which became very popular during the most recent series of clinics--a good sign for our progress, but also costly!).

The Threadheads' support has been totally essential in keeping the clinics going...and growing! But we still need additional funds for instruction expenses, as well as dinner when we do not get it donated. Between the Threadheads as a group and individual Threadhead contributions, our spring clinics are about halfway funded; we still need to raise approximately $5,000. If you hear of any relevant grant or contribution opportunities along these lines, please let me know! If all goes well, we will probably be in a position to seek additional instruments about 1 year from now.

Thanks again and WHO DAT!
Baty L.

This is probably a good time to ask for Threadhead help. F4K donated all of our raffle $$, plus $1000 from the F4K account to SIV several months ago. (To make an even $10,000). That funded the fall clinic and 1/2 of the upcoming spring clinic. Fest4Kidz is also running low on funds for Jazz Fest expenses for the kids.
Hopefully we will receive Fest Foundation Community Outreach tickets, but we won't know until the first week of April and can't count on that.
So, my friends, no amount is too small. I know this has been a rough year for everyone, but please give what you can to support our little Threadhead charity. As always, thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart!

To donate: http://threadheads.org/F4K.htm

The New Orleans music scene: A decade in review

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Check out this positive article and the fact that the author doesn't use Katrina shorthand in describing the flooding in New Orleans. Thank you Geraldine Wykoff.

The New Orleans music scene: A decade in review

Geraldine Wyckoff, Contributing Writer

Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010 12:11 pm

January 2010 marks not only the first month of a brand new year but the start of a new decade. Like everything else in life, the New Orleans music scene had its ups and downs since 2000 and was hard hit by Katrina and the resulting flood caused by the levee breaches.

The last 10 years, however, boasted numerous positives for this city’s music and its purveyors as is reflected by the responses of some of New Orleans’ movers and shakers to the questions: “What do you consider a significant musical milestone of the last decade?”

One answer that quickly came to mind was the return of native son Terence Blanchard to his hometown. The much-esteemed, Grammy-winning trumpeter and composer also eventually brought the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance along with him. His mere presence shone a spotlight on this city, reminding folks around the world that New Orleans is not only the birthplace of jazz but faithfully continues its legacy. A big plus for locals was the opportunity to hear the brilliant trumpeter perform more often.

The street cultures of the Mardi Gras Indians and social aid and pleasure clubs certainly became more visible and gained greater respect and appreciation in the last 10 years. The Backstreet Cultural Museum, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, became the first institution to offer the public full displays of Black Indian suits and secondline outfits plus historic photos and videos of jazz funerals. People were also given accurate, comprehensive information on these cultures by those with deep roots in the heritage. The exposure provided by the museum, other cultural ventures and the news media helped create an atmosphere where police harassment of these organizations was no longer readily tolerated.

So when Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana stood up at a City Council meeting on June 29, 2005 to speak on the issue of the police’s treatment of the Mardi Gras Indians and, at age 82, died while standing at the podium still fighting the fight, the citizens of New Orleans were ready to insist on change. And change happened. The Indians were treated with greater respect when in ensuing years they roamed the streets on St. Joseph’s nights. Police sirens stopped their constant screaming at the end of the the social aid and pleasure club’s anniversary parades. It’s not perfect out there on the streets, but the scene has come a long way.

Here are a few other reflections from New Orleanians in the know about the last decade.

Deacon John, guitarist, vocalist, bandleader. During the decade, Deacon John Moore received further, well-deserved recognition following the release his excellent Jump Street Blues CD and DVD and the documentary film “Going Back to New Orleans.” He finds it significant that in 2006 he became the first African American to be elected president of the New Orleans Musicians Union #174-496. He believes it signifies that the musicians have gone past race in electing a Black to the highest position in the predominantly white union. “In the past, there’s always been a white president,” he notes. “I can’t say it was on race, but it appeared to be like that. It’s like the United States of America to think beyond race and elect President Obama,” Moore offers. “We changed the image of the union because people trust us now. We have the most diverse board of directors than any union in the United States of America,” Deacon adds, noting that the board now boasts people of a variety of races — Blacks, Caucasians, Asians — women, and those of all ages.

Jason Paterson, talent booker, Snug Harbor. Patterson cites the Satchmo Club Strut, a Frenchmen Street event where folks stroll from club to club for one set fee, as a milestone of the decade. “It was a Frenchmen Street jazz music showcase in a jazz town,” Patterson declares of the Strut that kicked off the Satchmo Summerfest in August 2001. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz Centennial, the Strut made its debut presenting some of this city’s finest jazz artists including pianist Ellis Marsalis, Astral Project, saxophonist Donald Harrison, trumpeter Christian Scott, Troy “Trombone” Shorty and more at various venues. The New Orleans Nightcrawlers began the popular tradition of brass bands performing on the street during the event. “It kind of pulled Frenchmen Street together and solidified it in the legacy of New Orleans jazz history,” Patterson declares. The party continued through the decade, expanding its scope to bring in some national artists like saxophonist Joshua Redman.

Irma Thomas, vocalist. Of course, personally, Thomas’ triumph of the decade was receiving her first Grammy – for her 2006 album After the Rain – after being in the music business for over four decades. The Soul Queen of New Orleans was also inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame. Concerned she might be misunderstood, the always positive Thomas chooses her words carefully when she offers that Katrina was a mixed blessing for the city’s music. “It opened up the eyes of those in power as to what this city needs to better itself,” she says. “They realized how important music is to the economy – they didn’t realize that until they thought it was gone.” Thomas also believes that as a result of the storm, musicians have become more unified. “The community as a whole has come together. It peeled away petty jealousies.

Kermit Ruffins, trumpeter, vocalist. Naturally, this year’s Saints season was on Ruffins’ lips when asked about a milestone of the decade. He then related how he and much of the city celebrated the “big, big history” of Barack Obama winning the presidential election. “We celebrated like only we can do in New Orleans,” says Ruffins of that night when he and the Barbeque Swingers rocked St. Bernard Avenue and the Rebirth Brass Band welcomed the news. Ruffins also remembered the loss of Michael Jackson and the secondline that celebrated his life. He clearly recalls playing Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” with the Lawless High School band and the accompanying dance routine.

This article was originally published in the January 11, 2010 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper

It's that time again...Jazz Fest approaches!

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:43:00 +0000

The artists have been announced early and plans are already being made for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2010.

I haven't been for 2 years, so I'm more than psyched to immerse myself in the sea of music, delicious food, and hot and steamy bodies. Besides pure pleasure indulgence is the even more important consideration to give something back to the New Orleans community during this time. An amazing group of Fest-goers from the Jazz Fest online community, the Threadheads, organize outreach opportunities for volunteers. There's no excuse to rock on into New Orleans without getting involved.

Please visit http://threadheads.org

*More to come on this page*

Tonic's 2009 Celebrity iPod Auction - Proceeds benefit Music Rising

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:52:00 +0000

Tonic has the bidding up for celebrity iPods right now on ebay. 100% of the proceeds benefits Music Rising, whose support of musicians and students in New Orleans and the Gulf Region continues.

There's less than 15 hours left so please visit Tonic's auction page. Thanks!!!

http://shop.ebay.com/tonicincorporated/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

Tonic's 2009 Celebrity iPod Auction - Tonic

Check out Josh Charles - download a song, help rebuild New Orleans through the Preservation Resource Center

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:53:00 +0000

My friend, Kim, hooked me up big time tonight with Josh Charles, a musician helping out New Orleans through his music. When you download his song "Healing Time", 100% of the proceeds go to the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. I just learned about the PRCNO tonight, too, and will definitely visit their site for more information about their outreach.

Please check out his work and tunes at
Josh Charles. Spread the word. Download the song. Thank you!

Just got word from Josh himself about Healing Time Video Cover Contest. I wish that I could sing.

Interview: Visionary Entertainer Josh Charles

Josh Charles on Tavis Smiley - Interview and Song

Chris Williams, professional photographer, New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:31:00 +0000

I've just discovered an amazing professional photographer out of New Orleans. I found Chris Williams through the U2.com website. It's nice to have found a fellow fan who's also a photographer in New Orleans. Check out some of his imagery.

It's also good news to see organizations having their conferences in New Orleans. Keep the heart beat of the city pulsing strong by continuing to visit. Thank you.

I especially like that there will be charity portrait sessions for the families who survived the devastation of the levee failures. I remember working with the children in Renaissance Village and how thrilled they were to use the camera to take pictures of one another. It's reassuring to know that maybe that feeling will be generated again with this outreach.

Invitation - Blues Symposium at the Manship

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:56:00 +0000

I just received info about Tabby's Hoodoo Party and 21st Century Blues Symposium . I'm especially interested in checking out "New Orleans Music in Exile" by filmmaker Robert Mugge.

Check out a video of the opening of the film.

Check out this clip featuring the Iguanas. This was my introduction to the band, and I definitely want to check out more of their groove. Very cool.

3rd Anniversary - The Saints are Coming and Music Rising

noreply@blogger.com (aina) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:17:00 +0000

3 years ago, on Sept. 25, 2006, the Superdome reopened and Music Rising raised NOLA's voice high. It was such an awesome event and outreach! It was an honor to be there on the field that night celebrating New Orleans' rebirth, strength and courage. Thanks to everyone involved, and to those who continue to care about NOLA's music culture.