More Fun and Extra Frolic !!!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Halloween in New Orleans--spooky yet frivolous!

Decorations at Place St. Charles office building--I asked the security guard if it was OK if I took a pic & he quips, "The 1st 100 years of marriage are the hardest!"

French Quarter decorations

My Favorite Pirate

Attempted to attend Mollie's on the Market's Jim Monaghan's Annual Halloween Parade, but the gigantic crowd and loud frat-rat music-atmosphere made us glad we stopped off at the original VoodooFest, held on Dumaine in front of Voodoo Authentica. 

This year, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes was playing accordion, singing and telling tales.  He was joined by a Marie Laveau-ish character and Andrew, to explain one of the Voodoo legends/folktales:

Headed to Frenchmen Street to spy some costumes, saw Phil R. Up (see pic of his trousers to the right) & His Gang of Merriments outside of d.b.a.:

The hordes hadn't made it out yet, but we caught some funnies at d.b.a., where we made a pit stop for Blood Lite (Framboise-hahaha) and an Abita Root Beer:

Rode home in the dark on our bikes in Spooky, windy, tree-rustling, shadows-waving, weather, hearing trick-or-treating kiddles in the distant, all past the Garden District mansions where lots of spirits reside.  A Perfect "Howl-O-Ween!" (thanks, Beans!)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Voodoo on the Bayou, The Pitot House, Bayou St. John N'Hood FUNdraiser

Lips & The Trips prior to taking the stage:  Mark Fowler, myself & Creature

I was glad to see this Festival returning to its home-town feel: not an overly-crowded-frenzy like how everything else fun has evolved here in town. 

Dottie & Trent

Art behind & in front of the restaurants serving up deelipshus stuff

skull/snake logo in 3-D

Yours Truly with Past & Present Prez Michael & Greg (on TV w/each!)

Malcolm Burns

Sally & Michael Cohen

The Riddler (Hilton) with Sandra & pal

Johnny B & Corey came as themselves

Kathy Sebastian regalled us with tales of her date with Dr. John, and sitting with Fats Domino & Dave Bartholomew at The Big Beat movie last week!

Thanks to Rocky & Meg for it all! 

Friday, October 24, 2014

Happy Birthday, Laurie!

Meg knocked herself out and made squash soup with brandy-whip cream and crabmeat, and Kevin bought her a cake.  I ate, drank & was merry! (see pix to the right)

Also, a big Happy Birthday to Leigh!  50 years and looking forward to 50 more!  We met on top of a pyramid in Tikal!  One of the all-time best meeting stories!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Didn't realize the movie, Big Charity was going to be so popular, but I am glad folks were interested--it was a story that needs to be told!  We had not bought an advance ticket, but got in on the lottery system when Hilton and the Judge gave us their nos. 24 & 25.  Got to sit in the balcony which was originally reserved for Charity Hospital workers only.

This moving documentary about the rise and fall of Charity Hospital, America's oldest hospital (started in 1736 by nuns), explains the mystery of why they never reopened this wonderful institution: the powers-that-be needed Federal funds to realize their dream of a new facility and if Charity had opened again, there would be no replacement money for their future plans of building a state-of-the-art, modern site.

Criminal also how they tore down people's homes that had come back and rebuilt.  I cried most of this movie.

I used to go to Charity as I had no insurance and I know of the excellent care we were given there.  The healthcare providers there had extreme pride and joy in their assistance to those less fortunate, and the LSU director was on-camera explaining that the term "Charity" is an embarassment and will not be used any more...

Specific instances of lives lost due to the closed doors of Charity and no doubt countless others as a result of someone deciding that the end justifies the means.

Monday, October 20, 2014

The New Orleans Film Festival is screening some great films and I will have to clone myself for sure.  Saw We Won't Bow Down tonight at The Joy Theatre about the Mardi Gras Indians.  I can look at my stills all day that I have taken, but to see them dancing, chanting and singing on the big screen is the best!

Beautiful images, especially at the end, and good information for those who don't know about the tradition. 

Really enjoyed this and I gave it a "5."

Hadn't been in the Joy Theatre since it was re-done and it's alright!  The original bannister is intact.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Picked up the Campbells at their groov-you-lip-shus new spot on Elysians Field that they found on the 'net...down the road from where Stella & Stanley lived and where Micholopoulas' studio cranks out New Orleans Rum...

They went on a Magazine Street stroll, but found their mecca at The Rum House!

Came over for Michael's Yumbo (what I call his superb Gumbo) and we got to hang for a bit until it was off to the airport AGAIN!  Wish these two would move here, they love this town so much and they fit right in.  Love them!  Thanks again for a great visit, you two!  Bless you and come back soon!!!  xoxo

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Got to give a big hug to two of my favorite people of all time, Glen and Sharilyn Campbell, in for the weekend from Seattle!  They had planned on the Blues & BBQ Fest, but got involved in other items, like the Black Men of Labor Annual 2nd Line Parade -- where I met them on Rampart Street as the members were leaving Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club.  Great stuff with one of my faves, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes! 

Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes dancing up a storm

Caught Walter "Wolfman" Washington at the aforementioned Blues & BBQ Fest held at Lafayette Square (this Fest has grown too big for it, People--change location to Duncan Plaza or Armstrong Park, please!)  An artist was painting the scene on stage as he was playing.  Ran into Ty Hutchins who remembered from Houstron, playing at Dannie E's Guitar Bar, now living out in Calcasieu Parish.  Thanks for saying hello!  (see pix to the right).

Tried five restaurants before we secured a spot at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse in the Quarter and enjoyed a sumptuous meal served by three "silly" waiters and as is their usual, was treated by The Campbellsl!!!!

Hung at the Davenport Lounge and cha-cha-cha-ed to Jeremy Davenport and his fabulous band! 

Early Halloweeners intrigued Glen:

Such a Night!  Thank you guys so much!!!!

My Hero & Heroine

Friday, October 17, 2014

New Orleans Film Festival debuted Mark & Pat's nephew Ben Cannon's documentary, Big Bad Art at the Contemporary Arts Center.  Great flick followed by a great reception!  Ben comped us which made it even better!  Nice!

Got to meet the folks involved, including the star, Andrew, come from New York, and his parents, come from California.

Big Bad Art follows Andrew's efforts in Brooklyn to pull off a gargantuan art project and all the foibles & escapades ensuing involved in building a house inside an art gallery, then having a "House Party" during which the house guests destroy the house.

A short before it, Chase, followed a middle-aged hipster returning home from vacation being threatened by a stalker.  Got to meet the director, star, writer and producer, Michael Yusko who also owns the newly opened cellardoor on Lafayette.

Realized I was too drunk on free lager to meet up with incoming Seattleians, Glen and Sharilyn, who invited me to join them at G.W. Fins, one of my fave restaurants!  Argh!

Friday, October 10, 2014

Had a great gig at the Fairgrinds Coffeehouse: did it one week early so we could attend Mark & Pat's nephew Ben Cannon's movie debut on the 17th.  Beauty!

Neighbors Diane and Steve made it for us with their percussive assistance. 

Gearing up for our "Voodoo on the Bayou" show on the 25th!  Love you, Mark & Creature--The Trips, wherewithout I would be a folk singer and not a very good one at that!  xoxox 

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Attended the Big Chief "Bo" Dollis Tribute at the Lyons Center, down the street from my house on Louisiana Avenue.  They wanted to have it while he is still with us, but you know that the funeral is going to have about 50 times more people than showed up this evening.  City Council awarded him and he got special tributes from his family and friends.  He deserves it! 

Salute by all The M.G. Indian Queens

They fed us!  Vee Jay (Vanessa) did an outstanding job and one of the servers was Baby Doll Cinnamon Black!  Nice!

Did not stay for the entire program as I wanted to see George Schmidt's 21 new etchings showing at his gallery for for the Art for Art's Sake evening.  In honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Preservation Resource Center he created some beautiful pieces all selling at a low price.  He is phenomenal and so is this new work.  PRC's Exec Director Patty Gay is his better half and greeted me in the courtyard which I had never peeped into before. 

Even spied some Newcomb pottery at Jean Bragg's Gallery down the street.  Great night! 

Friday, October 3, 2014

The French Quarter Wedding Chapel held their Grand Re-reopening this afternoon.  Rev. Tony was celebrating a number of items and Rev. Michael is still getting baptized.  Great place for a vow renewal or a brand new start!

That evening, tour-guided the Newlyweds to The Kerry Irish Pub, then on to the U.S. Mint for a really great musical program (engineered by bassist Andrew Wolf!) a Danny Barker Tribute with his former musical "students" put together by Detroit Brooks.  An All-Star line-up, a stellar performance--a real feel-good night--just like Danny Barker would have liked--with testimonials of what/how Mr. Barker did for them to get them and others started in their musical careers.  Good thing, too--Lucien Barbarin and a line-up of fellas just too good to be true! 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Aunt Sally's hosted a New Orleans Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Alliance at their "new" (since August 2013) St. Charles store.  Always great to see Pat McDonald Fowler in her element, treating us with not only their delicious pralines:

but also wine and hors d'oeuvres extraordinaire.  Thank you, Pat!  Glad your grandparents started it all!

Met up with the Honeymooners, Mr. & Mrs. Bucky, at the historic Napoleon House for some Pimm's items--yum! 

Then on to see/hear Jeremy Davenport at the Davenport Lounge, Ritz-Carlton.  They had their first dance! Tres romantique!  

Next, Uptown to Le Bon Temps Rouler to catch Li'l Freddie King.  Turns out he is Lightnin' Hopkins' 2nd cousin.  Found out because I told him he reminded me of him.  Then he hipped me to how he was talking to LH at the Jazz Fest one year and Lightnin' explained how he was LFK's Dad's cousin, making them 2nd cousins.  LFK was right glad as he admired Lightnin'.  Right nice fellow, good player, great dresser--was gracious and posed for pix with us.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The Fabulous Jann Darsie got us in to The Good Night Show--a monthly, local variety show at at the Healing Center's Cafe Istanbul.  Saw a lot of folks I knew and we were thoroughly entertained!  Thanks, Jann!

Art at The Healing Center

Visiting Houston Honeymooners, (friends of The Weasels) met up with us at the show:

Also ran into Lady Di, Kathy Sebastian and Gail Gillespie (see pic to the right) 

Monday, September 29, 2014

Attended a fundraiser at Mid-City's Rock'n'Bowl featuring everyone's favorite, Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers!  Great stuff and he posed with me for a photograph:

Saturday, September 27, 2014

The Historic New Orleans Collection screened the 1989 movie "Blaze" with Paul Newman as Louisiana Governor Earl Long who falls for Burlesque Dancer Blaze Starr--meeting at the Sho-Bar on Bourbon Street!  Classic!!!!

Had a rehearsal with The Trips, Mark Fowler and The Creature--saw neighbor Rod Hodges, The Iguanas guitar player.  I always feel like it's a good omen seeing successful musicians about-town: saw Joe Cabral last time. 

Me & The Trips are feeling good right now as we were asked back to play Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association's Voodoo on the Bayou for the 7th year in a row!  Fun Halloween Party on the banks of Bayou St. John!  Voodoo like Marie Laveau used to!

That night, volunteered for the Vive Le Vieux Carre Gala--the Vieux Carre Property Owners & Residents Association's annual fundraiser at the lovely and historical Ursulines Convent (oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley!)

Nancy Ferraro & Yours Truly woman-ing the check-in table

I love this building and the great thing about these events is being able to linger over the sights at these sites:

door latch

transom above the front door

See photos to the right

Halloween, 10/31/14:

Spider Lady at my credit union

Costume Contest at my building:

Animated, talking Wicked Witch of the West with Spooky Marcia & Rob H. as "Hello Dali"

Chris dressed as a nun--enter to win contest in male or female category???:



Original Voodoo Fest, 10/31/14, on Dumaine:

Amzie Adams & Yours Truly!

M. & Amzie

I am partial to dancing in the street!

Phil's glorious bottom half:

Phil's Trousers

Voodoo on the Bayou, 10/25/14:

Pat McDonald Fowler's skull/snake logo--behind the stage with the Pitot House on the left, as seen from the sidewalk, Moss Street

Besides the happiness surrounding playing our 7th year at this Soiree, I was thrilled to see Buttons & Paul Hughes there:

They hadn't changed a bit since I first met them in 1983 from The Gipsons--our first trip to New Orleans--Mardi Gras at their cool French Quarter pad--such gracious & robust hosts/hostess always treating us!

Also, Leigh McGowen travelled from Jenerette--still celebrating his 50th BeeDay, didn't look a day over 32 when we first met on top of a pyramid in Guatemala!!! 

Leigh blessing the bread!

Barkeeps Ray & Lorenzo blessing the bevs

Claude (pictured) & Ed blessed us with their sound system

Pat's logos and Walter "Wolfman" Washington's band blessing the crowd

Bassist Jack Cruz in groovy Skelie outfit

Trent & Warren in fog machine!

silent auction items

Linda as Queen of Hearts

Laurie's Beeday Lunch, 10/24/14:

New Orleans Film Festival, The Joy Theatre, 10/21/14:

Big Charity

Those involved with the making of and appearing in, the film convened afterwards to discuss.

New Orleans Film Festival, The Joy Theatre, 10/20/14:

We Won't Bow Down 

Before the show, they gathered out front, then paraded into the theatre:

Lunch with The Campbells at El Hacienda, 10/19/14:

Sharilyn, Glen & M.

Saturday, 10/18/14:

Black Men of Labor 2nd Line Parade picture banner of the Club members out front of Sweet Lorraine's

BMOL on Rampart Street

Blues & BBQ Festival, Lafayette Square:

Walter "Wolfman" Washington w/Jack Cruz on bass  Artist depicting scene of Walter playing

Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse with the Campbells, 10/18/14:

refreshing adult bevs

Glen was wearing his Blue Dog pin so we had to get pic w/George Rodrigue'sYum! The garlic-encrusted fish knocked it out of El BallPark

Decorated pumpkin in Ritz-Carlton Lobby

Sharilyn & Glen Campbell



New Orleans Film Festival, Contemporary Art Center, 10/17/14:

Big Bad Art by Ben Cannon

Opening short: Chase by Michael Yuski

Ben Cannon & his Mom before the film

The words projected on Ben's forehead look like lipstick kisses!

The Reception--I got folks to sign my poster!

Bo Dollis arriving with Jo "Cool" Davis

Grand ReOpening of French Quarter Wedding Chapel, 10/3/14:

Rev. Tony & Rev. Michael

Danny Barker Tribute at the U.S. Mint

Thursday, 10/2/14:

At Aunt Sally's--photo of Pat's grandparents, who started Aunt Sally's

Jeremy Davenport & band, Davenport Lounge

Mr. & Mrs. Bucky's 1st Dance

Li'l Freddie King & Yours Truly between sets at Le Bon Temps Rouler

Good Night Show, October 1, 2014:

Interviewing a guest

Musical guest Tank & The Bangas

The Sobols, once of Mid-City, now of Sonoma, friends with Trips Guitarist, Mark Fowler, recognized me from Checkpoint's:

posing with Super Honey

Gail Gillespie--offices there! 

Kermit Ruffins, Mid-City's Rock'n'Bowl, 9/29/14: Diablo with Vince Vance statue

VOODOO ON THE BAYOU [poster close-up]:

I had to take a pic of the new spooky writing--"Wolfman" and "Lips & The Trips" on Pat McDonald and Mark Fowler's lovely poster--FSJNA adopted her past poster with the skull/snakes as the logo!!!  Get your tix online at fsjna.org TODAY!

Trips Guitarist, Mark Fowler & Drummer, Creature out back where you can pick fruit off the trees!!!

VCPORA'S "Vive Le Vieux Carre":

Desserts by Dickie Brennan's--yum!

Cocktails by Cafe Amelie--righteous!  Danny & Nancy

Volunteers by Wayne & Terry DeLeo

Music by Sugar Bear & Friends

& History by The Ursulines nuns: 

The bottom of the staircase