Lips & The Trips

NOTE: Yahoo Small Business sold to Turbify & my website is now obselete which has me switching to wix

New Orleans, LA
lipsandthetrips@hotmail.com

THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF LIPS, PT. IX (12/1/14-Present)

Wednesday, December 3

Volunteered to work at Holt Cemetery with Asst. Prof. of Anthropology, D. Ryan Gray from the University of New Orleans, helping him in his mapping and documenting of this 1879-established resting ground:

From nolacemeteries.com & article by Richard Rainey, nola.com:

Established in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Holt, a City Board of Health official, when Locust Grove Nos. 1 and 2 closed, Holt was a cemetery for the bodies of the indigent. One of a few New Orleans cemeteries that is 99% in-ground burials (with only one tomb) it was opened on lower City Park Ave., at the intersection of St. Louis St. and New Metairie Road: the land at that time superior to other cemeteries because the bodies could be carried around the city rather than through it--a preferred method because of the yellow fever epidemic. The original 400’ by 600’ plot was enlarged in 1909 (with an additional plot on St. Louis Street) and developed into a primarily African-American site. It is in active use today. While the city is responsible for the grounds, it is up to families to care for plots.

A very personal cemetery with most of the markers hand-built and handwritten (some written phonetically), many items such as dolls and teddy bears adorn the plots. Loved ones are buried in wooden caskets that deteriorate over time, allowing families to re-use plots for generations. The landscape has a few large oak trees drenched in spanish moss. Although seemingly unkempt and deplorable at first glance, a walk-through shows how personal and loving it is.

Holt Cemetery is the final resting place of Buddy Bolden's (see also to the right plus additional photographs) and Jessie Hill's ("Oop Ooh Pah Doo") remains:

I see the Orpheus medallion (of a lyre) I placed there last May (my first visit) was still standing...wanted to visit ever since I heard Patti Smith on stage at Tipitina's say she made the pilgrammage to Buddy Bolden's grave. Afterwards, I read about this Cemetery and how unkempt it was--Peter brought us 'round as the first stop on the Bayou Boogaloo Pub Crawl this year and was excited to have a better firsthand look and to help out on an important project. After all, when I was a kid, I wanted to become an Archaeologist.

Dr. Gray had us measure and describe a line of plots. I worked with Danna and John:

We came across this partially-buried marker:

"Supreme Royal Circle of Friends"

From Wikipedia I learn that the "RFC" was an African-American organization formed in Arkansas in 1909 by Dr. Richard A. Williams. The joining fee was $2.50, which included a physical examination. Dues were $1.00 a quarter, and $300 was paid at the death of a member with a substantial grave monument that featured the organization’s logo, a lion sitting atop a triangle with the letters "RCF" in the points of the triangle:

Marker, from Wikipedia

We also came across this object:

From Dr. Gray's e-mail:

"The current effort is aimed at getting sufficient data to make a working model of the eventual public map and database for the cemetery."

He will map out a GPS with details, finally consolidating the previously undocumented and mainly word-of-mouth knowlege.

Thanks for letting us help out!

Later that evening:

Attended "The Good Night Show" at Cafe Istanbul in The Healing Center. Had to see The Iguanas and NPR's Nick "American Routes" Spitzer! Didn't realize there was a burlesque dancer

Bella the Beautiful

as well as the very articulate Ashe Cultural Center's founder.

Loved hearing The Iguanas in that cozy setting and got to hear some tales told by long-time mates, Joe Cabral and Rod Hodges. Don't really like the host and the house band, so I don't think I will be returning unless a scheduled guest entices me.

Since it was Ex-Trips' Drummer Tim Ward's last night in town before returning to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, met up with him and Bill Powe:

for the Wednesday night Walter "Wolfman" Washington show at d.b.a. Had a blast hobknobbing with Walter, his wife, bassist Jack Cruz & company:

Yours Truly with drummer and trumpeter from The Roadmasters

Office Party Annual Soiree

Friday, December 5

Diane L. generously chauffeured me out to Metairie to the Annual Christmas Party put on by a former boss and his present partners.

Lots of surprise guests and lots of memories cherished.

Got to catch up with some former workplace colleagues.

Always great libations, the wild rockabilly band from Nashville, fresh-shucked oysters & char-grilled.

Great night of visiting and fun to get into the Spirit of the Season! Thanks again, Guys!!!!

Saturday, December 6

La Fete de Marche, Annual Christmas Fair, Pitot House

Have to catch this every year as I can get my yearly supply of Mary & Tomio's -cello products--this year I scored the last bottle of Persian Lime-Cello--smooooth! Also, my clove soap from Mermaid's Pouch, although she was out and I will have to go online to purchase my yearly supply!

No matter, got to visit with Barry who holds forth with his Louisiana Music Factory items and I got to visit with Blanchard, the crazy artist and listen to his rendition of his Cajun tales, featuring the Boudain Man...

Also love to cruise a sunny day at Bayou St. John and the lovely houses along Moss Street which actually have more garden-y gardens than my n'hood, The Garden District:

Didn't get to visit with Tomio as much I would have liked as a school choir helped us get into the Christmas mood with some carols...watched his wife Mary demonstarting the caning of a chair, which is fun to see.

Mark your calendars for next year. A Lips Recommendation!

Later that same day:

A highly-anticipated visit from Neil & Kate Campbell

arriving from Seattle. Met them at Pop City on Magazine Street where Dr. Bob was showing some new pieces (see pix to the right).

Attended the opening of the "Queens Rule" Exhibit at the George and Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art on Carondelet Street, curated by Queen Cherise of the Guardians of the Flame. She wanted to pay tribute to those in the photographs, not the photographers. The event featured the honoring of the various Mardi Gras Queens by way of introduction and fanfare. Always enjoy the singing, chanting and dancing that accompany a Mardi Gras Indian gathering. In this case, tambourines and drums led by Big Chief Darryl Montana. Very glad that the Campbells were appreciative.

Thank you, Queen Reesie! Your hard work is always appreciated!

Stopped off for refreshment at Casa Borrega (out in the courtyard) on Oretha Castle Haley. One of the kick-a--est Margaritas I have had in a long while--thank you, Neil! So great hanging with this branch of The Campbells!

Met Neil's work colleague & better-half at Chickie Wah-Wah's for my other pick of the evening, Carolyn Wonderland! Knew her from the ole Blythe Spirits' days (in HoustonTown) and hadn't seen her perform live in a few years (since we split a gig at Checkpoint's, c.2000??). She's magnificent so quit your jobs and follow her around! Love, love, love her!

Also love, love, love The Campbells--thanks for treating me and making me part of the Clan. Loved lunch at Luke & for the strategy session and the wrap-up at Victory--much prosperity in the Future!!!!

Friday, December 12

Handel's Messiah, Symphony Chorus, St. Mary's Assumption Church

Wonderful and powerful performance by Ralph Gipson and his Symphony Chorus! Great for the Christmas Season! Loved it! Thank you, Ralph! St. Mary's Church in the Irish Channel was a perfect venue. Breathtaking! A-Men! Michael & I were both deeply moved.

December 13, 2014

Lips & The Trips, Preservation Resource Center's Garden District Holiday Home Tour

Our 5th year playing a Swankienda home, this year, Dr. Lyons on Seventh Street. Had a ball, as usual. Thank you, Anna, for having us again!

Later that same evening at Chickie Wah-Wah's:

WWOZ-Radio Station's Volunteer Holiday Party

Had a blast at Marys Dejean's Holiday Party for the Volunteers. Hung out a bit with d.j. Bill deTurke & lovely wife Aimee and had some laughs with that krazy guy. Speaking of karazy, loved dancing with Sta. Mgr. David Freeman (wish I had a pic of that!) Feeling mighty good after the Gingeroo! Music by Sugar Bear & Company!

Bill, Aimee & Mimi

Thanks so much for all you do year-round, Ms. Marys!

Lips & The Trips, Sidney Smith's Haunted History Tour Holiday Party

December 14, 2014

Had a big time at Sidney's with his employee party on this beautiful sunny day in his yard.

Loved catching up with his Peeps! I love how Sidney knew Rae Horton since Kindergarten and she was one of the first people I met from The Gipsons when I first starting visiting back in 1983--plenty of hospitality came out of her Short Street house back In The Day!!!!

Rae Horton & Sidney

Also, Tony Seville hired me on Bourbon Street to play his club, The Sho-Bar, where Blaze Starr met The Gov. back In That Day. Tony know owns the Pirate Bar in Pirate's Alley and a new spot, Mahogany on Chartres.

Not to mention, Peter, who was Anastasia Shaw's (from Checkpoint's) English teacher and when I first moved here, I actually drove the LipsMobile across the Lake to his house for a party!(Small-Town stuff here in New Orleans!) Great singer--sit in with us again some time!

And of course, we had the honor of Sidney sitting in with The Band--thanks for it all, always, Mr. Smith!

(more pix to the right)

Dr. John & Allen Toussaint--photo by Sidney

December 16, 2014

Le Bon Temps' Holiday Party at Karla's

Seemed fitting that a bar owned by Pepper, a metal rock star, would take place in a haunted mansion in the Lower Garden District. Built in 1832, Karla has done a tremendous job on her beauitul home and was kind enough to share it with us for the evening. Featured on "The Haunting" TV-show on The Animal Planet Station, she made the decision to not exorcise the ghosts which I did at my haunted pad on Louisiana Avenue. I was unable to go to sleep, but somehow she has made peace with her Spirits. More power to her!

December 18, 2014

Farewell (for now)--to Domenic Fusca, Voodoo Gardens

Michael & I both having a relationship with Domenic (him at The Hideout, me at The Tricou House), had to see his next-to-the last New Orleans performance before moving to Nashville to start a new Chapter. Talented and a nice guy--Much Prosperity to you, Mr. Dude! You will be missed!

Got to say hello to Dale and Jim Smith while we were at it!

December 18, 2014

Office Christmas Luncheon, Brennan's

The town's been abuzz with the reopening of Brennan's on Royal Street. Rocky scored us a rez and we enjoyed living it up for an afternoon!

Rocky is friendly with Ralph Brennan himself, a co-owner:

along with Teri, who knew Meg in High School and he sat down for a catch-up.

These custodians have done a good job keeping the place a Landmark. The other Brennan is opening another spot on the next block so we will not be deprived of good cooking in the Quarter! Or of Banannas Fosters tableside:

Enjoyed it -- the food and drinks were superb and the atmosphere festive and the company, lively!

Thanks so much, RockACanolez!!!

December 21, 2014

Caroling on Jackson Square

Been loving this since before I moved here and have only missed it a few times--last year it rained and they had it in the Cathedral!

Ran into Mignon & Peter and their family. Got to see Brooke, now in college, whom I hadn't seen since she was in elementary school! She is beautiful! Also, never met their young'n, Luke. A cutie!

Had a big time singing with everyone--such a lovely setting.

December 25, 2014

Had another great Christmas with my Honey. Christmas Eve, we went to Domenica for a Proseco and I scored a new pair of gloves for him at the Roosevelt Gift Shop. Enjoyed their decorations:

Not as good as the ones on our tree from Santa's Quarters

Beauty weather for a bike ride through Audubon Park on Christmas Day

Hope y'all have someone to share the Holidays. If not, get out there and meet some wonderful folks--plenty of them out there, just waiting for you! xox!

Jen Campbell

New Year's Eve:

M. went to work and I wasn't up for much. The Big Wing-Ding at Jackson Square had Terrence Simien but I knew I wasn't going to get within one mile of the place, it was a bit chilly outside and I wasn't into The Frat-Rat Scene so I stopped off at Checkpoint Charlie's to see how ex-Trips guitarist T-Bone Stone was doing with his enterprise, The Happy Monsters,

for his usual Thursday gig at my ole stompin grounds. (Ex-Trips drummer Auggie Augustine III was playing!) Still a smokey nightclub and I am not used to it so did not stay long.

Had time to listen, visit, sit in and take some pix. Hung out with Dale Latino

and Kathyrn O'Connor stopped in-- she used to sing at CP's when I did in the mid-90s... Angelo was still bartending and I had a couple of Purple Hazes (not on tap anymore)... seemed alot smaller in there then I remember... on the way home snapped these three pix of a French Quarter balcony.

Still glad I moved here!

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot..."

Holt Cemetery, 12/3/14:

"In Memory of Buddy Bolden"

From Wikipedia:

Charles Joseph "Buddy" Bolden (September 6, 1877 – November 4, 1931) was an African-American cornetist and is regarded by contemporaries as a key figure in the development of a New Orleans style of rag-time music, which later came to be known as jazz.

He was known as King Bolden, and his band was a top draw in New Orleans (the city of his birth) from about 1900 until 1907, when he was incapacitated by schizophrenia (then called dementia praecox). He left no known surviving recordings, but he was known for his very loud sound and constant improvisation.

While there is substantial first-hand oral history about Buddy Bolden, facts about his life continue to be lost amidst colorful myth.

Bolden suffered an episode of acute alcoholic psychosis in 1907 at the age of 30. With the full diagnosis of dementia praecox, he was admitted to the Louisiana State Insane Asylum at Jackson, a mental institution, where he spent the rest of his life.

Bolden was buried in an unmarked grave in Holt Cemetery, a pauper's graveyard in New Orleans. In 1998 a monument to Bolden was erected in Holt Cemetery, but his exact gravesite remains unknown.

Many early jazz musicians credited Bolden and the members of his band with being the originators of what came to be known as "jazz," though the term was not in common musical use until after the era of Bolden's prominence. At least one writer has labeled him the "Father of Jazz." He is credited with creating a looser, more improvised version of ragtime and adding blues to it; Bolden's band was said to be the first to have brass instruments play the blues. He was also said to have taken ideas from gospel music heard in uptown African-American Baptist churches.

Instead of imitating other cornetists, Bolden played music he heard "by ear" and adapted it to his horn. In doing so, he created an exciting and novel fusion of ragtime, black sacred music, marching-band music, and rural blues. He rearranged the typical New Orleans dance band of the time to better accommodate the blues; string instruments became the rhythm section, and the front-line instruments were clarinets, trombones, and Bolden's cornet. Bolden was known for his powerful, loud, "wide open" playing style. Joe "King" Oliver, Freddie Keppard, Bunk Johnson, and other early New Orleans jazz musicians were directly inspired by his playing.

No known recordings of Bolden have survived. His trombonist Willy Cornish asserted that Bolden's band had made at least one phonograph cylinder in the late 1890s. Three other old-time New Orleans musicians, George Baquet, Alphonse Picou and Bob Lyons also remembered a recording session ("Turkey in the Straw", according to Baquet) in the early 1900s. The researcher Tim Brooks believes that these cylinders, if they existed, may have been privately recorded for local music dealers and were never distributed in bulk.

Some of the songs first associated with his band, such as the traditional song "Careless Love" and "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It", are still standards. Bolden often closed his shows with the original number "Get Out of Here and Go Home", although for more "polite" gigs, the last number would be "Home! Sweet Home!".

One of the most famous Bolden numbers is a song called "Funky Butt" (known later as "Buddy Bolden's Blues"), which represents one of the earliest references to the concept of "funk" in popular music, now a musical subgenre. Bolden's "Funky Butt" was, as Danny Barker once put it, a reference to the olfactory effect of an auditorium packed full of sweaty people "dancing close together and belly rubbing." Other musicians closer to Bolden's generation explained that the famous tune originated as a reference to flatulence.

I thought I heard Buddy Bolden say,

Funky-butt, funky-butt, take it away.

The "Funky Butt" song was one of many in the Bolden repertory with rude or off-color lyrics popular in some of the rougher places where he played, and Bolden's trombonist Willy Cornish claimed authorship. It became so well known as a rude song that even whistling the melody on a public street was considered offensive. The melody was incorporated into the early published ragtime number "St. Louis Tickle."

Some plots are informative:Most are not:

The Good Night Show, 12/3/14:

Nick Spitzer with show host

The Iguanas: Rod, Joe & Rene

Walter "Wolfman" Washington at d.b.a, 12/3/14:

Me & The Wolfman in The Green Room, photo by The Missus

Tim Ward

Annual Christmas Soiree, 12/5/14:

Lips & Diane

char-grilled oysters

Lips & Mignon

La Fete de Marche, 12/6/14:

Barry Smith & Yours Truly

The Real Thing!!!

St. Nick and the columns of the Pitot House

Also spied Walter Galas, President of the Louisiana Landmark Society, caretakers of the Pitot House:

Dr. Bob at Pop City, 12/6/14:

Lisa & Dr. Bob

"Queens Rule" Exhibit opening:

Queen Cherise, Curator

Kate & Barb (from a Social Aid & Pleasure Club)

Kate caught a pic of me dancing with one of my favorite Queens

Carolyn Wonderland Show, 12/6/14:

Despite all the miles, she's still about the smiles and all that love! Ex-Trips guitarist, Skiles Kelly, took this photo--he was in town with his son auditioning for the Music School at Loyola University!

Handel's Messiah, 12/12/14: