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. X (1/1/2015-2/16/15)

January 6, 2015

King's Day means the First Day of Carnival!

Also, Rev. Michael had the distinct honor of presiding over Mark and Pat Fowler's Vow Renewal on this, their 19th Wedding Anniversary. A small & cozy group joined them in All That Love on top of the bridge over Bayou St. John near The Pitot House (see pic to the right). Sally poured out champagne for a toast to the lovely couple (can you feel the LOVE???)

Headed to Buffa's for Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's appearance and performance. Davis Rogan and band (Charlie Kohlmeyer, who has played with The Trips on drums, and Jimbo Walsh who has played with Trips Guitarist Mark Fowler, on the bass) blazed through The Real D. J. Davis' hits before Al arrived--Al's voice was strong and he looked great in his Red Beans and Rice jacket.

Doug McCash made a video of snippets of the R'n'B songs Al did, then at the end, is a shot of me standing next to Al and I say, "It's Carnival Time!" [pretty cool, huh?]

Check it out on "nola.com"

Thanks, Johnny Bee for joining us and for letting me know about the video! Great inaugurating the Season with you and Lauren !!!

Rev. M., Lauren & Johnny Bee

January 8, 2015

Was the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, but I went to Chickie Wah Wah's to see and hear an ole Idol of mine from Texas, Mr. Joe Ely. Hadn't seen him in almost 20 years, and it was just him and another guitarist, Jeff Plackenhorn, for a one and one-half hour intimate set: used to see a full-blown band for a few sets at The Satellite Lounge, but did not miss that! Really great stuff--played a bunch of my faves, especially, "Me & Billy the Kid" which I found out from his introduction that he wrote after a disappointing visit to the Billy The Kid Museum in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. "For the hour and a half drive to Clovis, I re-wrote history."

My camera didn’t take any great shots, but Ken captured Me & “Billy the Kid” who graciously posed with me after the show.

He ran the gamut of his extensive catalog including “For Your Love,” “Row of Dominoes,” “All Just to Get to You,” and “Pay the Alligator,” all while “hippin’” us to their origins. Dug the new ones, (to me) "City of Sin" and "Highway is my Home."

WHILE TUNING:“True story--Segovia & Les Paul shared the stage and Les Paul tuned his guitar a bunch during his set and afterwards, a guy comes up and says to him, "You know Segovia only tuned up once" to which Les Paul answered, "I guess that Segovia doesn’t give a shit,” to let us know that he does and that's why he is tuning!

Another great story involved a small town Saturday night was going down to the dry cleaners and trying on other people's clothes that were there to be cleaned! To introduce the song, "Tonight, I'm Going Downtown."

He even had a story about giggin' here in New Orleans when he was in a band at 15-16 years old--they rented mo-peds and ended up in jail after following a ramp up along side the Mississippi River and riding around on a boat that was docked alongside. This to intro "Up on the Ridge."

Since it was Elvis' birthday, for an encore they did, "That's Alright, Mama" and of course, THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER AND THE PARTY NEVER ENDS.

Thank you, Sean, Dale & John for bringing another Texas Great to The SwampLands.

Almost went to Baton Rouge to see him over the weekend!

January 9, 2015

Had a pair of Gray Line Ghost Tour tix that were about to expire so we spent a cold evening cruising around looking for Spirits: started out at the former O'Flaherty's Pub which I had no idea was haunted (mistress thrown off the balcony and into a well); a former hospital (where many children perished) & which we could only reach into the windows from the parking lot, but I got a distinctive hair-standing-up-on my-back feeling; the Bourbon Orleans Hotel (which I had heard before was haunted) and was the site of The Quadroon Balls and Giselle is still dancing there back in the far right corner (the tour guide was scared of that room and she didn't seem scared of much); Muriel's Restaurant which now sets a place for the ghosts; and then I saw the Battle of New Orleans re-enactors parading around Jackson Square and left the tour!

There were a few hundred, I think--all in early 1800s garb--mostly military, but also "street folks"--saw ole pal K.C. Joe all dolled up, runnin' with The Chickasaws.

What a time to not have my camera! Was really cool to see them--made me feel like I was visiting from the past after that, riding home on my bike...

January 10, 2015

And speaking of The Battle of New Orleans, the Friends of the Cabildo sponsored a members preview of the Louisiana State Museum's "From Dirty Shirts to Buccaneers, the Battle of New Orleans in American Culture" Exhibit at The Cabildo with music, food & vino.

Loved seeing the jacket worn by General Jackson himself at the Battle, on loan from the Smithsonian (Thanks, Camy!)

From the New Orleans Advocate

as well as other memorabilia of the time and place.

And don't forget: there's The Song! Headphones to hear two versions!

January 16, 2015

VCPORA Open House on Esplanade Avenue

Volunteered for the monthly Vieux Carre Property Owners and Residents Association Open House at Lynn's place. I bartended out in the courtyard alongside Cafe Amelie's delicious Prosecco concontion--with homemade ginger and freshly squeezed blood orange juice! Niiice!

The place has some outstanding features:

including our hostess who was the mostess, allowing us to tromp around in her cozy French Quarter apt.

Met some new folks and got to catch up with Nancy & husband Frank, back from a Christmas Holiday with relatives in Mexico.

January 17, 2015

Recording, Secret Studio

Mark, Creature and I met Darris to lay down some trax for some wax, i.e. record. This particularly grueling and informative bit of humiliation is wearing on the nerves and I do not know how people put out alblum after alblum!

I wanted to call in my part

As it turns out, the space was once Creature and his cohorts' studio, headed up by Dave Sharp a dozen or so years ago. When they rented it, they had put in a/c, kitchen, bathroom, had a bbq pit out on the roof, et cetera! The world just keeps getting smaller!

We recorded some songs I wrote almost 20 years ago that have been in there rattling around and are finally getting out!

Will keep y'all posted! As always, thanks for tuning in!

January 20, 2015

Lost an icon today as Big Chief Bo Dollis, Sr. of the Wild Magnolias took his light into another room in our Father's Great House of Light. 71 years young, thanks for all the music and showmanship you shared. Our prayers to you and your Family and Loved Ones left behind.

January 22, 2015

Offbeat Awards, Generations Hall

Had a particularly on-beat time at the Annual Offbeat Awards (20th this year! My first time was '96 when I moved here! When the booze was free at the House of Blues--I know, get over it!) held once again at Generations Hall.

Arrived a bit early as I was coming from the office so I stopped in at The Corporation across the street and met up with Michael Burns, old friend of Offbeat Magazine's creator and publisher, Jan Ramsey, who told me some good tales about the good old days (I know, get over it!)(please see all pix to the right)

Saw Gary Hodges first thing, there to receive The Iguanas award, along with Joe Cabral's parents, Mary & Joe,

Joe & Mary Cabral with Gary Hodges

visiting from Omaha. Turns out Joe knows where my Dad was born in Schuyler!

Gary looked so distinguished I called him a Senator, but I meant it in a good way! Living across the street from Trips Guitarist Mark Fowler and brother to Rod, (co-founding Iguana on tour up in the cold Northeast), had to keep it in the family--besides he is a particularly nutty guy with whom I like to hang out.

Tracey's (on Magazine) served up some good corn & crab bisque, and Whole Foods gave us crab beignets with crunchy cabbage. I liked the remoulade sauce and she told me to come back for a container because they would never give it all out!

Stella Artois was one of the sponsors so I bellied up to the bar. Ran into the particularly lovely, talented and fun-to-be-around, Jane Harvey Brown (excellent singer who knows Michael Burns!) there, sipping bubbly with her hub, Drummer Kerry Brown.

Ran into Al "Carnival Time" Johnson and the night turned into a big Carnival Time. The beloved and fun-loving artist who created the Mardi Gras anthem, "It's Carnival Time" was the best person to hang with at one of these events as he knows (and is loved by) everyone! Photo Op Galore! Met his friends, Andrew & Grace (paying homage to recently passed-on Bo Dollis with her braids and headband).

Al and Cinnamon Black rode atop a convertible in the Jazz Fest Parade last year, so I caught them again on film. Then there was Bill DeTurke, his lovely wife, Aimee, and all the OZ guys & gals!

Queen of Phunny Phorty Phellas the Owl-Lama, Miss Pat Jolly, was on hand: she took home the Heart Award for all she has done in the way of supporting musicians through her photography, promotion and All That Love.

Big Freedia was up for an award, but did not claim the reserved table, so we took a load off with some particularly pleasant folks from out of town.

I always remind Rockin' Doopsie Jr. that we have the same vocal coach, (the great Debbie Beinhorn--even though I haven't seen her in a long while!)--he's such a great player and performer--he's UP, UP, UP!!!

I got Al to go in the Photo Booth with me--that was FUN, FUN, FUN! The year before last Michael and I made it into the mag for funniest fauxtoes.

Thanks, Jan, for a great party and hard to tear myself away from all that Xmoozin' and Boozin'!!! Love you, Music Community!!!!

January 24, 2015

"By Invitation Only"

Emily Snedeker's account of her experiences with her family, close friends and the old-line Carnival krewes was shown at the Main Library, sponsored by Prospect.3. Good viewing and good eye-opening. At least they didn't descend from the KKK...

January 29, 2015

Neal Auction Preview

Yes, there will be sparkling wine and Carnival Bulletins. Love to get up close and personal with memorabilia. Met Vera afterwards for oysters at Casamento's. Yes, there will be Restoration Ale.

This is the 'hood in which I first met New Orleans. The Gipsons were living above what is now Mona's (then, a Mexican restaurant where we saw the Head-Rads, but didn't know who they were!) when we came for Mardi Gras, 1983. The street has changed a bit and the Popeye's is soon to be a burrito place! What's the world coming to?????!!!!!

January 30, 2015

M. & I started out on the River for "The HideOut Reunion" sponsored by Leila, former head of it all. I was not a hider-out at the Hide-Out, but M. was and I knew the overlapping Checkpoint Charlie's folks, including (see all pix to the right)

They got a late start as Leila was late to her own fete, so we could not second-line with them to Spitfire as we had tickets to the Bo Dollis, Sr. Musical Tribute (R.I.P. January 20, 2015) at the Historic Carver Theatre.

Quite a bit of entertainment out front as the singing, tambourines, drums and dancing in Big Chief's honor continued from the Visitation held that day.

Bo Dollis, Jr. accompanied by the Wild Magnolias, the 101 Runners and numerous sit-ins, including James Andrews, Rockin' Doopsie and Shimar Allen, all entertained the crowd celebrating the life of The Legend.

Queen Rita exclaimed that her heart was broken, but that she was relieved he was now at peace.

January 31, 2015

Funeral for Big Chief Bo Dollis, Sr.

Xavier Convocation Center

Beautiful ceremony with tributes poetic, musical and heartfelt. Three dozen Mardi Gras Indians were the Honor Guard. Deacon John sang while the crowd gathered outside for the 2nd Line. I observed the coffin being placed in the hearse from the 2nd floor:

and the family paying their last respects to a man who helped change masking Indian almost single-handedly. I was glad that Queen Rita had organized the "Tribute to the Legend" last October 4th so I could actually pay my respects in person to him.

God Bless him and His Family and Loved Ones. Stopped by the Lyons Center for the repast, and caught up with Photog and Gal-About-Town, Pat Jolly. She took my pic with the cardboard Big Chief!

Krewe du Vieux Parade followed by Krewdelusional

Last year had a problem with the crowds so went to the beginning and saw Dottie & Trent in Architect Alley. All dressed up in 40 Shades of Gray and fired up along with fellow paraders Jamie & Larry, got some good fauxtoes (phorthcoming).

When the Parade stalled, went to the Krewe of Mama Roux float and dropped Pat McDonald Fowlers name to which I was offered a slew of go-cups emblazoned with their logo, but only took one to which I poured my delicious Grapefruit Beer. When I went to throw my bottle in the dumpster across the street, saw "Hippie" Bob who pointed out Naylor & Jenny Stone all dolled up as some sort of healthcare providers, handing out pills and such! Got more pix before returning to my bike rack where an impolite twenty-something had thrown away their beer can inside my plastic go-cup filled with my no-longer-delicious Abita Grapefruit Beer. How r-r-rude. Sure killed my Buzz, but I wasn't going to let that bug me now that I had secured a good spot and was seeing my pals...

The Parade was good, but I wish I had been with My Honey, who had to go to the office and work in order to keep me in the style to which he has accustomed me. Such Irony! Think I had one too many delicious Abita Grapefruit Beers because it took me a while to realize that no one else was on the street but me! I was delusioned by The Delusional Parade Route I had spied on the internet and had to move down a block and a half to catch the Parade! Found a good spot at the beginning and saw Trixie Minx as the Grand Marshaless.

Like the Dr. Seuss sub-krewe the best, I think. Very clever and more organized and eco-friendly than the earlier Parade.

Had been invited to Paul & Kim's (ran into Paul at Big Chief's 2nd Line earlier) since the new route includes their front yard on Tchoupitoulas so stopped off on the way home to say howdy. Miss their rooftop platform, but it was good to see them, their cute little scotty dogs, and their African Grey Parrot (saw one earlier at the Uptown oil change place on Tchoup). Wasn't as drunk as those around me so decided to head home to warmth before the Parade came up. Glad I did.

February 1, 2015

Jefferson City Buzzards Dry Run

Weather was super and so was seeing "Jaguar" George (who bestowed upon me another glass bead necklace, pink this year!), his wife Jackie, friend Steve, former patron of the Tricou House, John and Cleaver's Dad (where was Cleaver?!!!)

Rev. M. had his new camera and was taking some great shots. Since we were standing still and it was sunny, I didn't do so bad myself:

Stopped off at the Proteus/Chaos Den to say hi to M.'s friend Lisa. She seemed very calm in the face of the impending deadline.

Passed by Grit's on the way home and caught a glimpse of the new Boss of the Phunny Phorty Phellas, artist D. Johnson, now under his alias as the Glorious John-Sen!

February 3, 2015

Met visiting ole chum from the UM Daze, Jeff Eaton, at Luke for Happy Hour with his wife, Bonnie,

and In-Laws Ron and Maryhelen.

Good to see he is still as nice as ever and that Life's Twists & Turns did not jade him. His wife is sweet as can be and enjoyed some $.75/each raw oysters and some bubbly to welcome them to New Orleans!

February 4, 2015

New Orleans and the Spanish World Concert, St. Louis Cathedral

Stunning performances by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and guests artists including my favorite, pianist, Abdiel Vazquez, from Mexico.

Congratulated Mollie Pate on her good work and was disappointed that she did not remember me from the Margaritaville's Storyville Lounge days with her ex-, Eric Miller. But came away uplifted, nonetheless by their brillant work!

February 5, 2015

Big Chief Juan Pardo and the 101 Drummers

Ogden Museum of Art After-Hours

This special event cost only $10 and Jeff Eaton and his Entourage joined Vera Mills and me for a great Mardi Gras Indian performance and interview by Comanche Hunter Big Chief Juan Pardo.

Also! A King Cake Competition! I only tried 3 of the 15 and definitely did not go for any of the meat-items! Vera said she was going to try all--

I was partial to P.J.'s version:

Abita Restoration Ale was at the bar and was less expensive if you were a member (I am not but it still tasted good). Turned the DC-ites on to it.

Enjoyed it immensely and was sorry I did not have time to browse some art while there. Did buy a first-time M.G. Indian Poster with Big Chief Pardo's son featured staring down the Skull & Bones Gang with a spear.

Thank you, Libra, for this show!

Didn't want to say good-bye to Jeff & Bonnie, so we went around the corner to the Circle Bar for a nightcap and listened to a good trad jazz band! With an accordion and acrobatics!

February 6, 2015

Mardi Gras Fun

Met Jeff & Bonnie Eaton at the Krewe of Cork Parade on Royal Street

and ended up seeing it three more times as it went into orbit down Bourbon Street et al. Saw Donna & Tony Ritter and Johnny Angel, but there weren't as many of my pals as in the past parading.

Bonnie, Jeff & Donna

But nonetheless some very kooky karacters! Loved this klown:

And Goofy Grape:

Walked around the corner to Antoine's and spied the set up in The Rex Room for a special occasion the next day (Former Queens Luncheon perhaps?)

Then met them in front of the Fresh Market to catch the first Uptown night parades of the Season, Oshun and Cleopatra.

Jeff picked up a six of Purple Haze because Bonnie liked it from the night before so I was in Heaven: pH, pals & parades in front of a place to pee.

Caught a cool necklace off of the last float (that's good luck!).

February 7, 2015

More Mardi Gras Fun--

But Bonnie & Jeff weren't having any of it, as B.'s foot was bothering her so they stayed away from parades. Was pretty beat myself, but made it out to the Louisiana Music Factory

to see Big Chief Juan Pardo at his CD Release. Hung with Barry & Co. a bit and got my CD signed! Big Chief promised to give me a shout-out at his show at Tip's tonight! Wow!

Met up with J. at the Lost Love Lounge and was introduced to the owner:

The bartendress was having a hard time and made me not want to go back there, but they had Abita Grapefruit Beer which made up for her surliness and neglect.

The 'Tite Rex Parade cruised right by there and I saw neighbor Claudia and her miniscule float. This is a sweet parade, in reaction to the Super Krewes and they utilize recycled throws and mini-items. Didn't get any great photographs. Liked the novelty and creativity, but not enamored with the Parade. Was too something for me--intellectually maybe. I didn't "get" some of the floats...

Texted my new downstairs neighbor Fred who was at his cousin's balcony for the Chewbacchus Parade. Didn't like paying $12.00 for a six-pack at the little grocery store on Frenchmen Street where a crazy guy in back of me in a long snakey line kept hollering obscenities at me. Fortunately, the lady in front of me traded places to protect me and I got out of there quickly.

Since someone was filiming the Parade on the balcony we were not allowed to get close to the edge and I was not used to being so far away from parade action. Don't know if I would have liked it better being closer in, but it just seemed like a bunch of nerds dressing up for a comic-con convention.

Did like the Dr. Who contention however as Tom Baker was my idol back in the 80s.

Later, went on down to Tipitina's to see Juan Pardo performing with the 101 Runners. Loved it!!!! And he gave me a shout-out in a rhyme (with hips). Thank you, Big Chief!!!!

Used to always celebrate M.G. with a show at Tip's so this brought back some good memories and solidified my bond with The Good Past.

"Every year at Carnival Time, we make a new suit!"

February 8, 2015

Went parading with ex-downstairs neighbor, Vera Mills and caught up with now-neighbor Kendall and her Kin. Spent a lovely day with them and the three afternoon parades, Carrollton, King Arthur and Allah, although I didn't make it to the end as I drank some of that delicioso Abita Grapefruit Beer.

Vera displaying our Ambrosia

Finally caught up with ole pals Shannon Anderson and Holly Riley, visiting here from Texas with friend, Kelsey!

So great to see them and hang a bit--at the Femme Fatale Parade in front of their hotel! I had been trying to hook up with them for days! (Visiting for a Halloween Convention of all things! Shannon is a real-life clown!)

Hadn't seen S. since she moved to Fredricksburg with her entourage of items from The old Fun Shoppe at the Galleria (where Holly worked when she was in High School!)

Holly used to accompany me on those Bank Mexican border town overnight jaunts: boarding the bus at 12 midnight, we would ride for six hours to a border town, shop and drink til 6:00 p.m., then board the bus, bleary-eyed, but happy from tequila and vino (yes, a glass of wine with a shot of tequila at the bottom can do your Soul some real good!) Got some great deals on blankets, too!

They were brimming with energy, but I had had a full weekend of Mardi Gras fun, so was ready to go home, unfortunately.

And unfortunately, found out that a drunk woman had creamed my back fender !while El FurryMobile was parked safely for the Mardi Gras Season (Yeah, that's what we say: "OK, I've got my car parked and am not driving up through Ash Wednesday." Fortunately, my good neighbor, Augie, The Wonderful, ran after her and snapped a pic of her license plate. Not before she scraped another neighbor's car...

I had to laugh, however, when Linda Slater (from Houston) asked on FuzzyBook how I am possibly going to get that Beans Barton & The Bi-Ped bumper sticker

put back on my fixed bumper??!

And Hubie, too, (Thank you for friends!) posted a giant thumbs-down cartoon with "DISLIKE" IN GIANT LETTERS! That was worth the Price of Admission!

February 11, 2015

The downtown office building where I work had a King Cake Party with four different kinds of cake: praline, strawberry cream cheese, plain & cream cheese:

I went for the deluxe models, the praline was pretty tasty--here's Marcia, our lovely hostess:

That evening, the Druids took the streets for the beginning of the Final Furry of Parades. Also riding was the "newcomer female parade" Nyx (who throw purses not shoes).

Had some big fun with Vera Mills and M. whence we caught some purses, plus my friends in Druids threw me a giant polar bear! Save the Polar Bears!!!!

February 12, 2015

Night Parades

Was bummed that Vera got stuck on the other side of the Line of Demarcation for tonight's Parade line-up of Babylon, Chaos & Muses (a marathon!) She managed to have fun without me over there on Magazine and Napoleon.

I ran into some folks so that was fun for me. Forgot to get in touch with the Muses folks I know in order to catch a shoe from a float, but knew someone in Chaos, Float No. 4, who wouldn't stop throwing stuff at me and wished I'd had some back-up! Thanks, Bill!

Recognized Madman actor Bryan Batt who graciously posed for a selfie with me. Thank you!

Yours Truly and Fellow-Reveler, actor Bryan Batt

February 13, 2015

Hermes, D'Etat & Morpheus Parades

Went to St. Charles Avenue with new downstairs neighbors, Michael & Fred, and former downstairs neighbor, Vera Mills, for a fine night of Marathon Parading.

Bryan, Lips & Brother Batt

Saw Bryan Batt again and his brother said teasingly, "Are you impersonating my brother again?" Kevin S. had told me about Mr. Batt who started the Jos. A. Bank's clothes stores here so it was good to meet him. Turns out Michael's father was in textiles...

Love the Hermes floats--didn't get any good shots of them. It's an Henri Schindler Special.

Vera

Michael & Fred

Vera & Michael

February 14, 2015

Valentine's Day, Springtime & Parades

Missed the Iris Parade because I was nursing a hangover from hanging out last night with the Neighbors, past and present.

Took a bike ride down Magazine Street to La Boulangerie because I wanted to treat my Honey to a V-Day gallet de roi.

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Saw a bunch of tulip trees (saucer magnolias) along the way, a flowering dogwood (I think) by the book store, and the Tux Parade (see pix to the right).

Took a trip down to Chickie Wah Wah's to see Johnny J & The Hit Men for a 2:00 p.m. performance. Dale himself was working the door and ole pal Seanie (a la Checkpoint Charlie's) was bartending:

Had a few Purple Hazes (thanks, Sean!) and headed out to Dottie & Trent's for the Endymion Parade Party--where I was introduced to my future boss, Jim Taylor, back in 1983 by The Gipsons!

Nice having a bicycle to get out of the crowds. I remember coming in early--walking from Claiborne and then waiting for the crowds to clear afterwards--it's much worse now. Would never attempt a car in that mess!

I was surprised at how mellow the Parade was. Didn't see much of it, but no-one was bunched up and shoving. The floats are impressive--this is a 3,000-rider krewe! SUPER KREWE, DOLL!

February 15, 2015

Thoth Parade & Parties!

Once again, "moving slowly" so did not hit the a.m. parades of Okeanos and Mid-City. Opted for meeting Vera with husband Sam visiting from Jacksonville, FL for the 11:00 Thoth Bash at next-door neighbor's, Dr. Troy's gorgeous home.

Love the spaciousness and light and Dr. T's gracious hospitality.

Kudos to his fab cheese selections which he says he buys at nearby Fresh Market. I brought along a Framboise, perfect for outdoor sipping. M. came out and Kendall with her Mom, so it was good to visit in such a luxurious setting.

Was impressed with the citrus on his back porch which was both flowering and fruiting:

Had to leave as I was on a mission to catch up to my former boss riding on Thoth with his cohorts, so I high-tailed it down Prytania and caught up with Float No. 9 wherein I was ceremoniously handed a green hat with a Thoth baublehead & a groovy St. Patrick's vest (see pix to the right). Alright and thanks, Mr. Dude!!!! A nice group of folks on the neutral ground helped me get G.'s attention and didn't even require any beads in payment!

Next stop: Jane Harvey Brown

and husband Kerry's festivities where I ran into Bill de Turke (still celebrating his beeday) and lovely wife Amie, Warren Woods & Bubbles, and Michael Burns (who once told me that ever since he told Jane that he started singing Dark Town Strutters' Ball at age 3 in Church, that she dedicates that song to him). Turns out that was the first song she sang!

Great music and great goings-on: Famed Lawrence Cotton's birthday and Jane had money pinned to her as well--later in the month, she said & I tried to pin on my debit card as I didn't have any cash...

That evening, the Bacchus Parade was so long that I left in the middle of it, ate dinner, watched Colombo and returned to it !!!

Baccha-Whoppa--The steamed whale

and riding the tail of the whale

February 16, 2015

Lundi Gras

Went to work so I could sober up (Thanks, Buttons!) Left for Erica's Juice Party, running into the Mayor of the French Quarter, Amzie Adams:

Saved the day at Erica's with BEETS! Saw Brandon & Ashley there, admiring the flora & fauna.

Made for Port & Royal to meet up with my fave parade partners, Vera & Sam at the start of The Red Beans and Rice Parade. I especially like this Parade due to its Grand Marshall, The Big Daddy of 'Em All, the wonderful, the awe-inspiring, the Iconic Al "Carnival Time" Johnson!

Grand Marshall Al & his sis (visiting from Houston)

Founder, "The Bean Dad"

Founder visiting with Mardi Gras Indian Queens

Saw this Parade for the first time last year (Darelle accompanying Al) and it has grown exponentially. Clever costumes and friendly folks. Turns out Queen Allison is a woman with whom I shared a mutual friend back in 2000! She & the King were dolled up:

King & Queen Allison posing w/Uncle Lionel outside Stop #2, The Candlelight Lounge

The King had Paul Prudhomme and I cannot explain it now, but laughed about it at the time:

Some costumes like his were more elaborate and complex like Dianne's:

A group costumed with The Wizard of Oz Theme and I caught the Wicked Witch:

Saw Margie Perez as Dorothy, but did not get a snapshot of her. Needed a clone to get all the great shots.

Some "painted' their clothes with colorful beans:

"All Eyes on Beans" coat

and some dressed as Muses...

Their last stop was the Backstreet Cultural Museum, but I needed to catch the Proteus Parade and due to impending rain, it was starting up early!

PROTEUS & ORPHEUS PARADES:

Viewing these parades at The Avenue Pub has been a tradition for me and I saw an ole bartendress from the ole days there, but it's now a bit fixed up for my standards! Ha!

Love both of these parades and anted to hook up with Vera & Sam so made it on down to Superior Seafood at Napoleon where the parades make the turn. Got some good shots.

Finally hooked up with the Mills and feasted on raw oysters at El Oyster Bar inside. Really enjoy being with them and glad we were able to carve out some time to spend. When we left the building a giant, very cold rain had come on (which we did not know being all cozy and cuddly drunk inside) so was glad I had my second-line parasol to help me on my bike ride home. Brrr!

January 6, 2015:

Rev. Michael officiated Mark & Pat's Vow Renewals over Bayou St. John

Buffa's King's Day Party:

Davis Rogan

Al mounting the stage

Met a groovy chick, Jessica who took pic of me & Jimbo:

January 8, 2014:

Joe Ely

Jeff Plackenhorn

Me & Billy The Kid!

January 10, 2015:

From the Exhibitions and Events Guide:

Victory attributed to assistance

January 16, 2015:

My corner of the World

January 17, 2015:

Lips & The Trips (Mark Fowler & Creature)

Darris at the Board

Trips Guitarist the Magical Mystical Mark Fowler

Trips Drummer, The Crazed Creat

January 22, 2015:

Lips & Michael Burns at The Corporation, photo by Michael The Barkeep

Lips & Gary Hodges

Gary, Lips, Jane, Kerry & Michael B. in the back

Al & Grace

Al & "Baby Doll" Cinnamon Black

Al & Aimee L. DeTurke

Al & Pat

Al, Rockin' Doopsie Jr. & Yours Truly

Speaking of upbeat, Shimar Allen took home an award!

As we were leaving, ran into Deacon John, just arriving. He's always sassy and in good form. Here with Entertainment Attorney, Ashyle Keaton, me and The Man of The Night, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson:

Up-Close & Personal with Marc Stone

January 30, 2015:

Goldie & Hubie

Camille & M.

Glen & Diane Masters--most stable of all--wed by Coco Robichaux, and now with toddler, Harry

Big Chief Bo Dollis, Sr.'s Musical Tribute:

Big Chief Bo Dollis, Sr.'s Funeral:

2nd Line:

Fi-Yi-Yi

Saw Sam out there

Jefferson City Buzzards 2/1/15:

John & Jackie

Phunny Phorty Phellas:

The Famed Photog & Jolly Lama

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

St. Louis Cathedral, 2/4/15

Big Chief Juan Pardo at the Ogden, 2/5/15:

The Eatons accompanied me to The Circle Bar

Krewe of Cork Parade, 2/6/15

The Eatons attended the Krewe of Cork Parade where they lived up to their name--

His hat up close--

Antoine's Restaurant's Rex Room:

Cleopatra Parade, 2/6/15:

First Night Parade of the Season! Another Krazy Klown!

Big Chief Juan Pardo's Record Release at Louisiana Music Factory, 2/7/15:

Big Chief Juan Pardo

'Tite Rex Parade, 2/7/15:

The Theme: "L'Enfant Terrible," and the U.S.A. certainly does qualify

Brass bands

"The Brass"

2/8/15, afternoon parades:

Vera Mills

King Arthur's gryphon

Vera's back with the King

Vera's friend, VeraMore

The FurryMobile Incident:

OUCH!

She pushed me two car lengths into a telephone pole

Night Parades, 02/11/15:

Michael & Vera

Nyx Parade Float-hubba hubba

Vera caught these shades off the Elvis-themed float. Righteous!

Night Parades, 02/12/15

Ran into Brandon and Ashley:

Mischief, definitely! Mayhem? Maybe.

2/13/15 Parades:

Krewe d'Etat:

The Dictator float stalled in front of us and the generous Page besieged us with trinkets.

We wisely walked down the line of the parade and found my former boss, Chad S., on the Title Float & he bestowed upon us a Napoleon baublehead and several stuffed dictator dolls:

If we had waited until they were rolling past us we would have missed the bounty because of the noise and the crowd.

Morpheus Parade:

Get it? Blood Type!

2/14/15, Springtime!

Flowers are Nature-in-Love

Tux Parade--Aqua Man

Endymion:

Jameson & Dottie

Trent & The Hills

I had forgotten that Jameson and Arthur Hardy's son, Jason, were roommates in college--great meeting Jason for the first time. Love both of these guyses and their Dads!