Don't hate me because I live in New Orleans

I spent the day at Jazz Fest with the Big Guy. This is his first time ever, I've gone by myself the last 3 years (ever since we moved here). He loved it. The past 2 years I've gone on a Saturday, and going on a Friday was much nicer, crowds wise. Not as big names, perhaps, but I'm all about catching the local stuff and finding new things to listen to, so it's perfect.

We both agreed that our favorite act was Tab Benoit. We had great seats in the Blues Tent for his whole set, which was awesome. He very briefly asked everyone to go home and write their elected officials and ask them to dedicate time and resources to rebuilding New Orleans, to make sure Jazz Fest continues (also check out Tab in the great IMAX film, Hurricane on the Bayou). We bought his CD, and had him sign it. Hello! Do we look happily tired after a full day of fabulous music or what?

And can I just say that I think I have a crush on trombone players?

Oh, and the food. Yum. I had alligator pie, boudin, and a crab meat po' boy. Yum.



One of the great things about New Orleans music is that musicians play together, back each other up, hop around from band to band. So today, several hours after seeing Susan Cowsill open the festival, we saw her sing back up for Theresa Anderson. Craig Klein (trombonist extraordinaire) popped on stage for one of Susan's songs. John Gros played keyboard/organ for Anders Osborne. It's a community. You can feel it in their support of each other, in their joy on stage, and in the audiences who come to love them.

Wish you were here.