More Fun!!! More Frolic!!!

August 1, 2014

Satchmo Fest--Edward R. Murrow's Documentary on Louis Armstrong

Besides the musical offerings, Satchmo Fest held seminars and showed films.  The one presented by Ricki Riccardi is not on NetFlix!  CBS owns the rights and has never released it.  The famous interviewer, Edward R. Murrow followed Mr. Armstrong filming the goings-ons of his world tours, 1955, 1956 with unbelievable results!  Called "Satchmo The Great," the ultra-fab footage shows an outstanding man and fantastic, non-stop performer--(when in Africa, he even temporarilty stopped a Civil War due to his performance!)

The show features Louis and his band and this is jaw-dropping beauty.  He was beloved and I can see why.  From Paris to Africa, the crowds could not get enough of him and neither can I.  This is a definite Lips Recommendation!

Later, I snuck up on the Campbells, just arriving from Seattle on the new non-stop Alaska Airlines flight--on their groovy balcony on St. Philip. (see all pix to the right)

They treated M. & I to dinner at the Pelican Club.  Beauty feast!  Beauty Company!  Afterwards, we "made the scene" at the Davenport Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel where Jeremy Davenport and his band were holding Court.  Dancing, more cocktails, more Love!

Love these two lovebirds, about to celebrate their 24th Wedding Anniversary!  Woo Hoo!

August 2, 2014

Lionel Ferbos Sr.'s Funeral & 2nd Line

Laid to rest today in grand fashion, grand Mr. Ferbos (July 17, 1911-July 19, 2014), just turned 103 years young!

As Glen Campbell and I entered the church on St. Bernard Avenue at 8:30 a.m., Mr. Ferbos' fellow Peter Claver Knights were exiting, singing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." 

The night before at The Wake at the Charbonnet Funeral Home, Dr. Michael White summoned those Chariots with his snake-charming clarinet:

Dr. Michael White & Company

Charbonnet Funeral Home

Flowers at The Wake

Mr. Ferbos was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, and fellow members presided over the Funeral:

Uplifting speeches by Al Kennedy, his granddaughter and Mayor Mitch Landrieu prior to the Mass, performed by Archbishop Gregory Aymond himself.

Beautiful music provided by The Treme Brass Band, Connie & Dwight Fitch, John Boutte ("His Eye is on the Sparrow") and Deacon John ("Ave Maria").  Very moving, very touching--no dry eye in the house.

Afterwards, Glen & I got hello hugs from Kathleen Moore, Nita Hemeter, Detroit Brooks and Deacon John!   

Photo by Nita Hemeter

The Second Line on St. Bernard Avenue was lush with celebrity players, and the casket, horse-drawn by the Charbonnets

transferred to an auto--the Second Line reversed and the first stop was a bar!

Such a celebration of a Life!  I did not know him personally, except through his music at The Palm Court.  Not too long ago The Historic New Orleans Collection hosted an interview with him and I was impressed (of course by his age, still playing!) but also by his down-to-earth-ness, his humility and love of his music.  He grew up in Louis Armstrong's neighborhood and knew some of the same folks...

Great celebration for a great talent--a great man!  I think he would have felt honored by the well-deserved attention and love.

(See more pix in "Special Events" Section)--coming soon!

Jane Harvey Brown--CD Debut

Louisiana Music Factory

Had not been to Barry's groovy new spot underneath the Offbeat Magazine offices yet and Jane was sitting next to me at Mr. Ferbos' funeral along with her keyboard player and invited me to her CD debut so I took her up on it.  Glad I did!  Had never heard her sing before until sitting next to her at Church--she's great!  Sweet and lovely as well.  Dressed the part (her CD of jazz greats) as did her band.  Ran into Donald Lewis, friend from Unity Church, whom I hadn't seen in ages.  We skinned the cat together. 

Nice spot there by my old spot at Checkpoint's and a WWOZ Swamp Shop to boot!  Glad to see it!  Will hae to return with my own CD debut as I see they have finally removed my "Lips & The Trips" card from the line-up (since the demise of my 2002 Dance Babys Dance cd at Hurr Kat)...

Afterwards, during my continuing search for The Montana Bananas (who were on their own self-guided Cocktail Tour) ran into Dan & Diane of Franklin Ave. and Detroit Brooks (whom they also know) and whom I had seen at Mr. Ferbos' Good-Bye Party that morning.  We got a passerbyer to take a photo and their friends jumped in the pic with us! (see all pix to the right) 

In my continuing efforts to hook up with The Campbells, I attempted to lure them to Buffa's.  As I knew they were nuts for the TV-Show Treme and that The Real D.J. Davis was performing on special due to Satchmo Festival (did I mention it was Satchmo Fest?!)

Later that same night, at White Linen Night, stopped in for some free yummy catering, vino and a chat with Trips Guitarist, Mark Fowler, whose wife's kin started Aunt Sallies.  The "new" Aunt Sallie's Pralines on St. Charles (where we played last year--they had just opened the week before) is just off Julia Street and the crowds were fierce!  George Schmidt decided to close so stopped in to see Will Smith's artwork at Jean Bragg's.  Ran into Dave Clements and gal, Kathleen with their new chaweeney dog.

Peche was on the Campbells' radar and on White Linen's as well, being on the corner of Julia & Magazine Street.  Sharilynn liked the drum and Glen had:

I had heard a lot of good things about this restaurant, but I guess I am not a big Donald Link fan.  Yes, my loyalty resides with John Besh!!! 

But had a blast with The Campbells and they treated again!!!!  Thank you!!

August 3, 2014

Jazz Mass & Second Line for Satchmo Fest

St. Augustine Church, Treme

Arrived 45 minutes early because once I had to stand outside during the service.  Was annoyed when folks arriving at the last minute jammed in next to me in a non-a/c'ed venue.

Got over it though--great music (the choir & The Treme Brass Band) & uplifting service mellowed me out. 

Then the Second Line formed &  got to see Al "Carnival Time" Johnson on the back of a convertible with Baby Doll Cinnamon Black!!

Beauty Second-Line with Zulu on bicycles, stilt-walkers, social aid and pleasure clubs dancing it up, and a couple of Mardi Gras Indians for good measure!!!

Fi-Yi-Yi outside the Backstreet Cultural Museum

Lonnie is in the choir

Later that same day, The Campbells stopped off at our pad with Verti-Mart oystah po-boys on their way to the airport! 

Sharilyn, Lips & Glen at El Hacienda

I cried when they left!  Really enjoyed the 36 hours they spent here!  My only consolation is they will be back in October for the Blues & BBQ Fest!  Beauty, eh?!!!

They even made eating your brussel sprouts fun!!!!

August 9, 2014

The Creole Queen paddlewheel riverboat:  Round-Trip French Quarter--Chalmette Battlefield

Cruisin' the Mississippi River, a great way to spend Saturday afternoon.  We never got to cruise on Sidney Smith's Birthday Party Cruise due to engine trouble, so they offered us freebies and we took them up on it.  Caught some great pix from a new vantage point--

St. Louis Cathedral flanked by the Pontalba apartment buildings & Jax Brewery (to the left) as seen from the Mighty Mississippi R.

and caught up with some historical facts about The Battle of New Orleans.  It's not just a pop song!

Hadn't been out to the Battlefield to walk around since the late '90s and they have added a visitor center and replaced the gravel drive with walkways.  There wasn't time to walk to the graves, but the grounds felt peaceful despite the crowds from the boat...

The Chalmette Battlefield

Spanish moss on the oaks

Visitor Center

Michael

Dirty Linen Night--Art Walk on Royal Street

Later that same day, stopped in at the Verti-Mart for some sustenance.  What else?  Oystah po-boy!  Got ready for Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street.  Music on the street, cocktails, visiting, oh & ART!  

The French Quarter did not want Julia Street to steal any thunder, so they cooked this up a while back--wear your white linen from the Saturday before--hence, Dirty Linen Night. 

The Red Dress Run was that day, and many were still not ready to go home after sporting their "Red Look."  Even Dancing Man 504 was in on it with his gang.

Also, still on the prowl, Jefferson City Buzzards, Jaguar George & Steve, with wife, Jackie.

The recent shop in the old place of Hove Parfume (where Tom Robbins got the inspiration for JITTERBUG PERFUME, one of my fave books) sported Sara Dearing's art (see pix to the right).

After spying Amzie Adams' former joint:

 I ran into him, on his way to his recent show.  Didn't have time to stop for a hug from Dottie & Trent, who had just spied Amzie's Art.  Checked it out and snapped some good shots (see pix to the right).

Rode my bike home in the rain after hanging with: 

August 17, 2014

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Awards--Ashe Cultural Center

Queen Cherise Harrison-Nelson, Queen of the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indians, started this seveal years ago and I had not attended in a while.  Really enjoyed it and of course, lots of photo ops!

We were greeted by Flag Boy Leroy:

Al "Carnival Time" Johnson received an award, so I had to go! 

Andrew & Al

Also, Geraldine Wyckoff:

The complete list of 2014 Honorees:

Big Chief Carl Reed--The Donald Harrison, Sr. Crystal Feather Honoree

Alvin "Cream" Mutin, Sr.--Curator’s Choice Elder Statesman Award

Herbert Gettridge--Peace Chief's Choice Elder Statement

Queen Wanda Womble--Queens Choice Crystal Feather Honoree

Mama Jennifer Turner (Community Book Center)--Guardian of the Culture and Literary Arts

Spy Boy Dow Edwards--Legal Eagle Award

Al “Carnival Time” Johnson--Music Heritage Award

Geraldine Wyckoff (Louisiana Weekly and OffBeat Magazine)--Scribe Award

Dodie Smith-Simmons--Freedom Fighter Award

Jamilah Y. Peters-Muhammad--Nurse of the Nation Award

Evelyn Rodos and Boogie Rodos--Outstanding Supporter Award

Norman Smith--Capturing the Flash Award

Gus Bennett--Capturing the Spirit Award

August 20, 2014

The Historic New Orleans Collection--"Ties That Bind: Louisiana and Senegal," an illustrated lecture

By Erin M. Greenwald and Melissa Carrier

THNOC sent two of their staff, curator/historian and photographer to explore the roots of one of Louisiana's founding "families" of African descent: when the French West Indies Company had command of the commerce in Louisiana, between 1719 and 1732, nearly 6,000 men, women & children were captured in Africa and taken to Louisiana as slaves.  Of those that survived passage, more than 70% called Senegambia home (the area now called Senegal, the Gambai, Guinea-Bissau and parts of Mali, Mauritania & Guinea).  These individuals became Louisiana's founding families of African descent.

These two individuals (I call them courageous) braved unsanitary conditions to discover and pave the way for discoveries between New Orleans and this important historic and cultural area.  The ties that bind come in many forms: okra (they called it gumbo) and rice were cultivated in West Africa; cultural arts; architecture; music; dance; religion.  To explore our roots gives us education about ourselves. 

Another trip and more to learn in the future:  always enjoy the programs from THNOC!

August 23, 2014

Took advantage of "Museum Month" with my Historic New Orleans Collection membership & got in free to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. The building, c.1825, was the residence of the U.S.'s first licensed pharmacist, Louis Dufilho, a Frenchman.

Really great place.  Loved its low-key charm. And it's educational! Love Potion No. 9--not just a catchy tune (although I did already know that alcohol was medicinal, learned some new hangover remedies--see photos to the right and below).

Hadn't been in several years--kind of bummed that the typewritten notices of the epidemics looked printed from a computer and had been protected with plastic.  The former "rustic-ness" of the place made me feel like I was discovering some thing myself.

Snapped lots of shots & brought M. back to see it:

Soda Fountain, c. 1855

And this is why Soda Fountains were in drug stores (I didn't know they helped with medicinal tonics):

Nor did I know about this:

August 24, 2014

Anniversary Celebration--M. & I: 11 years

Took a staycation at The Roosevelt Hotel and had Sunday dinner at John Besh's Domenica (Sunday in Italiano!) Restaurant.

View of the Catholic Church from our "usual" table at Domenica

Watermelon salad,

roasted carrot pizza & save your fork & spoon, therez peach pie topped off with La Divina's gelato:

We would make horrible food critics--could not wait to tear into it to take a decent photo. 

A rosie stay until I got into the complementary Champagne:

Love the pool and my neighbor Matthew (whom I met while walking his dog along Coliseum Square) is the Rooftop Pool Bar Barkeep (see more pix to the right).

August 30 & 31, 2014

Mad dash for freebie admissions during "Museum Month:" Braved the torrential downpours on bikes to the Civil War Memorial (929 Camp Street), Louisiana's oldest operating museum & a bit "too quaint" (No photos allowed) but I liked seeing the clothes. The term "War-Between-the-States" never caught on with me, but they did cover the African-Americans who served on the Guard and those that fought in the Civil War.

The museum was erected to store the records & memorabilia of the Civil War and was opened on January 8, 1891 (75th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans), presented by Frank T. Howard to the Louisiana Historical Association in memory of his father, Charles T. Howard.  Thomas Sully designed Memorial Hall to harmonize & complement the adjoining Howard Memorial Library (designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the founder of the Romanesque style of architecture).

Louisiana residents donated most of the contents of the museum with Jefferson Davis' wife, Varina Howell Davis, donating a large collection of her husband's memorabilia.

The largest turn-out to the museum was when 60,000 people paid their respects to the dug-up remains of Mr. Davis, May 27-28,1893 when he lay in state there before being moved to Richmond for reburial...in case you weren't aware, Mr. Davis passed away in the front room of a house over on First Street in my n'hood...

Enjoyed The Beauregard-Keyes House (1113 Chartres Street) where Confederate Gen. Pierre Beauregard stayed following the Civil War, and writer Frances Parkinson Keyes had her winter home, starting in 1944:  she acquired the house from a group of women who had saved it from demolition because Gen. Beauregard had lived there, but it was deteriorating -- they did not have adequate funds. 

She employed Koch & Wilson architects, tore down the brick factory next door and restored the garden to the property (using the bricks from the building).  Couldn't get a decent photo, but the house retains many original features:

the former back door to the house, now entrance from the dining room, where Francis held dinner parties

[Please see more pix to the right]

Am grateful she preserved this 1826 home--it is lovely! 

Audubon Institute's 

Insectarium & Butterfly Garden

gave me a much-needed respect for bugs:

The When

The Why 

The Whom

And The Other Whom:

Had one of these when I was a kid--loved it!

& Bunny Matthews' hysterical perspective on Roaches' History! (see pix to the right)

The Insect Museum is housed in the historic U.S. Customs House:

Butterflies got on us in the Butterfly Garden (they make you go in this air lock and then when you leave, there's a mirror in the air lock to make sure you don't have any stowaways)

& hopefully I will not have nightmares over the large tarantula ... (which I couldn't even photograph--yug & fuzzy, too!) 

Arrived too late to take the last tour at The Free People of Color Museum on Esplanade but the Tour Guide promised to honor our free admission another time. 

Wanted to continue on Esplanade for a ride out to Longue Vue Gardens with a stop at New Orleans Museum of Art, but decided to stop for a beer instead...

Thought we had dodged the Heat Bullet of August, but came home to M.'s van's back window busted out from the heat!  Wow!  At least we didn't have any hurri- or himacanes!

August 1, 2014

The Campbells visit from Seattle 

 Relaxing on their balcony, then fine dining at the Peli Club:

Spiffy for dessert

Jeremy Davenport:

Lionel Ferbos Sr.'s Funeral & 2nd Line, August 2, 2014:

Corpus Christi Church

Outside the Church, and 

Inside the Church

dancer

SECOND LINE:

Sunpie & The Black Men of Labor

John Boutte

James Andrews

Kerry Brown

Queen Cherise

Charmaine Neville

Craig Klein on trombone 

Sunpie & Jane Harvey Brown, waiting for the final passing

Mr. Ferbos' grandaughter

And Ms. Brown later that same day at her CD debut at LA Music Factory:

with husband Kerry on the drums who was also in Mr. Ferbos' Second Line (see above pic):

 POST LMF: 

Donald Lewis, Dan, Detroit Brooks & Friend, Diane, Lips & PhotoBombers

Buffa's BackRoom with Davis Rogan & Co.: 

Charlie Kohlmeyer (played with The Trips) on drums!!!

The Campbells with Barkeep Lauren

& with "The Real D.J. Davis:" 

When I remarked to Davis that I didn't remember he was so tall, he quipped, "I'm just standing up straight."

White Linen Night on Julia Street: 

Dave Clements at Will Smith's opening at Jean Bragg

Later, at Peche:

Yours Truly, Glen & Sharilynn Campbell

I had the smoked salmon dip-yum!

Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church, 8/3/14:

afterwards, outside the Church: 

Cinnamon Black & Al "Carnival Time" Johnson

stiltwalkers on Rampart Street

Zulu on bikes

The Campbells on Coliseum:

Sharilyn, Glen & M.

Spiffy's bud, Spoffy cried too

Will be looking for you in October!

The Creole Queen riverboat ride, August 9, 2014:

The Crescent City Connection bridge linking N.O. with Gretna & beyond

"You are so beautiful"

Domino refinery--largest in nation

New Orleans Skyline with tugboat

The Chalmette Battlefield:

the former plantation house

Dirty Linen Night--Art Walk on Royal Street:

Sara Dearie's Delights!

From La Madama Bazarre's spot:

La Sirena

Amzie & Amzie

Always like to say hello to Elvis' Balcony on Royal Street:

 In the movie "King Creole" he sang "Craaaw--feesh"--great movie, check it out some time

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Awards--Ashe Cultural Center, 8/17/14:

From The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame blog:

"Co-founded in 1998 by Dr. Roslyn J. Smith and Cherice Harrison-Nelson through the spirit of Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior, the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame works year-round to create community among, honor, and educate about the individuals and groups who create and uphold the arts and culture of the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans. Annually in August, we dedicate a week to celebration of our achievements and the unity of the Nation. Our work is supported by grants and private donations.

Cherice Harrison-Nelson
Curator

The release of the white doves in honor of those gone before us.

Saw Lolet, Tricia Boutte's Mom, lookin' good!

The Pharmacy Museum on Royal Street, 8/23/14:

The plaque outside the door:

And in the window: 

All sorts of "old-timey" bottles, instruments and information are crowded on the shelves:

Rejuvenol Tonic

And Bobette thought Effervescence was a state of mind!

I always knew this:

But I didn't know all of these:

The Roosevelt Hotel Staycation, 8/24/14:

The Blessed Couple 

The Blessed Pool

Not Just Another Pretty Face

Madcap Dash for Museum Madness--Aug. 30 & 31, 2014:

Slave quarters where Frances had her office and bedroom--this looking from back of main house across courtyard on a rainy day

her bedroom--she died in this bed

 her meditation room (pre-Katrina, roof was open) she meditated one hour/day

her desk had a nice view of the courtyard

she employed six typists at a time to keep up with her output--she would be working on a few books at a time.  In various phases (research, outline, edit, etc.)

She wrote Dinner at Antoine's (the 1948 Bestseller!), The Chess Player and Blue Camellia, among others, while living here.  I wish I had discovered her books when I was in my Nancy Drew phase, because they are a bit on the "corny" side, even for me.  But I must say, she was admirably prolific and did a great deal of research on her subject matter.  I just read Dinner, but will look into her non-fiction writings.

The Insectarium:

Bunny Matthews' "Roach's History of New Orleans" 

Yeah, You Rite!

Couldn' have an insect museum without a discussion of Yellow Fever:

A great deal of New Orleans population perished before they figured out that mosquitoes caused the devastating epidemics.

As Karma would have it, the origin of the mosquito was the ships from Africa that carried over the slaves.

Of course if they hadn't, we wouldn't have all of this great music:

 Dave Brown's Blue Eagle @ Felicity & Saratoga--WOW!

And over at the Dew Drop Inn:

Bourbon Street's Hard Rock Cafe posters

And check out Louis Armstrong's Christmas Card--What a Card!!!