September 22, 2017 

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida:

Excited to find out that our most recent favorite spot in Florida had an artifical reef that you don't have to take a boat to--I got severe sea-sickness in Key Largo when we spent about 45 minutes romping the Ocean waves to John Pennecamp State Park.

Michael bought me a flotation vest, but I was still apprehensive about my swimming skills.  Truthfully?  I am scared to take a shower, but Michael has surfed with a passion most of his life.

We missed our flight due to my negligence--I didn't leave us enough time and the long-term parking lot said they were full, but after a diligent search, they announced they were full!  We parked in a satellite spot and the lines were long.  It was disappointing, but they got us on a later flight.  Was this am omen? We got to enjoy our happy meal at Taverna, our new favorite Greek restaurant and shopped at Whole Foods for our adventure. 

It rained on into the morning and I suggested kayaking as an alternate sport to snorkeling since it may continue.  Michael was halfway to The Bahamas when I unsuccessully, due to a small wave, coud not lauch.  Got Regis to help, and as he handed me the paddle (much larger than the Bayou St. John kayak) I knew I was out of my league, heard Michael yell, "Paddle!" and I froze as I was tossed by a wave that circled me to my right, through the wet sand.  As I was turning like a turle with the kayak, I thought, "I signed the waiver."  Fortunately, since the sand was wet, I did not break my neck. I did suffer a cut (that required six stitches) and severe bruising to my left leg, or as I like to say: lacerations, contusions & abrasions! 

Never had to take an ambulance ride or go to the E.R. (for myself) or get stitches--everyone was really great & nice and $5,000 later, I was stuck hobbling around for my vacation. Grateful to be alive, albeit in pain, facing my mortality and I realized I should have gone with my first instinct of going to a museum that morning.   Too bad I was trying to hang out with an Extreme Sportsperson!

October 16, 2017

Got a bit of cool air last night and had to get up to close aperture to keep the air out instead of in...woke up to 69 degrees.  Quite a difference from our upper 80's.  The Saints got a big win--high-scoring game of 52-38 against the Detroit Lions here at the Mercedes-Benz StuporDome.  Guess it was a cold day in Heck.  Hahaha!

Started a new day-job back in January and I like it.  My Boss appreciates me and is super-super-nice which is a big contrast from my last job...Started playing at Checkpoint Chuck's again, where I got my musical start here in La Ville de Croissant back in 1995.  Ah, back in DAT DAY! 

Where Purple Haze ("Ph") flowed freely from the tap of Abita (now it's in bottles with a scary Voodoo Dude on the label!)  Where Michael "Doc" Densley threw a ciggie butt through the hole in the stage floor, causing a pyrotechnic force to be unleashed, which complemented "Fast" Eddie's light/steam/smoke effects quite nicely.  Eddie had our stage pitcher of Ph ready to put out the flames and we said NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Safety wasn't always first at Checkpoint's where the Creatures of Habit, Coco Robichaux, Irene Sage's "Irene and the Mikes," T-Bone Stone, Dylan James, Boo LaCrosse, Jeremy Lyons, and that band that encouraged everyone to get naked, and they did, Morning 40 Fed, held court.  It was Big Fun and I delved in.  Played there once/month for a year, travelling from Houston with Mitch & Carolyn accompanied by p.a. & stuff, and then moved to New Orleans September 1996.  Didn't actually turn out like I planned, but I found my Super-Honey--

and some swell guys which whom to play music, making dough at a law office, and enjoying all of the rollicking Sights & Sounds.  

Our friend and former neighbor KP, just bought the house we have lived in for 12-1/2 years and is planning some long overdue remodelling, so not only do we not have to move, but we are getting some updates!  Life is good, even if I did injure myself on vacation.  I am uplifted in Joyous Thanksgiving of Healing! All is Well.  More later...

October 31, 2017

VoodooFest (the original)

Voodoo Authentica held their Annual (the original) VoodooFest on Dumaine.  Once again, our hero, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, performed. 

Royce Osborn's Memorial Service

The George & Joyce Wendt performing facility on Rampart

I mostly knew Mr. Osborne by reputation. We met him at the "Black Mardi Gras Extravaganza" panel a few years ago, put on by musician and professor, Dr. Michael White at Xavier Universitand and he was unusually nice.  During the evening, Mr. Osborne related his inauguration and participation in the Skull & Bones Gang, a Treme neighborhood group to help kids focus on staying in school and staying off of drugs by SCARING THEM on Mardi Gras morning.  He was trained by the orignator, Mr. Al of the Backstreet Cultural Museum, across from St. Augustine Church.  Following the tributes, musical and otherwise, and a film of his Central American tour, (where he shared music and traditions), the Skull & Bones Gang led a Second-Line down Rampart Street.

Andrew Heralding

Hubie Vigrieux

"Lady Di" Edwards

"The Deac":



Tom McDermott:

A good, beloved soul, R.I.P. Royce Osborne.

November 1, 2017

Day of the Dead, Lacombe, Louisiana: The Gipsons turned me on to the Creole custom still observed across Lake Pontchartrain of communing with those gone before us, and we still attend every year:

As we walk amidst the memorials of those gone before us, we experience the peace, beauty and wonder while the Veil is lifted.  We can honor our own Ancestors as well.  



I was excited because last year we rediscovered the missing graveyard that I had lost track of, but someone somehow had us follow them: there is an off-its-hinges gate, a long walk through a field with three giant trees, a lone house and a tucked-away spot special and fantastic, the Jewel of the Toussaint Lumineres.

November 11, 2017

Lips & The Trips, Checkpoint Charlie's

Lips 

Guitarist Mark B. Fowler

Drummer Matthew El D'Orazio

Had a big time with visiting dignitaries: Karen & Steve Marsh, Neighbors Jann & George, Dr. Troy & Keith, Edie & Erin, and of course My Super Honey!!!  Love our Proprietress the mighty and wonderful Claudia Boyle. 

December 24, 2017

Lips & The Trips, Mahogany Jazz Hall

Drummer Sticky "T" & Lips

January 6, 2018

Epiphany / King's Day / My Mother's Birthday

Today starts the Carnival Season and you would know it with the Spirit that the Bywater Bakery (where else--in the Bywater!) cooked up (literally!!!)

We picked up The King of Carnival himself, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, to play for Owner Alton Osborne's "Piano Summit & King Cake Extravaganza." The place was packed with Hungry Revelers when we arrived about 12:15 at 2634 Dauphine with a line out the door to order their scrumptious deelights.  "The Real D.J. Davis" Rogan was at the piano pounding out and crooning some real New Orleans "stuff."  Adelle "Adella The Storytella" Gautier was arriving at the same time and she and Al are old pals.  I had enjoyed her performances on several occassions and met her from her fellow Thespian, Donald Edward Lewis.  She was there with her friend, Adrian, and we had a blast singing along and cutting up.  Rev. Michael snapped some great shots of us and I will have to figure out how to clip them in here.

I had the smoked salmon and strawberry King Cake (they had eight varieties and all very good!) with a real Ginger Ale.  Great place--I am glad Alton seems to be prospering.  Al played a couple of knock-out tunes (as usual) and of course, we all got up and danced--No, everyone recorded it with their cell phones!!!  He had his headress on and we had brought his cape, but Adelle just put it on him when he was in the middle of his signature tune, "It's Carnival Time."

As it was my first stab at being Al's Roadie, Security had to be called on several occasions, but all was well and we were psyched up for the Mardi Gras Merriment.

Which continued that night for the Pfunny Pforty Pfellas.  Beauty start to the Season!

January 25, 2018

The Offbeat Awards at Generations Hall

Saw a bunch of folks I know--I am not all the way IN with the IN CROWD, but I know some really nice, cool musicians and musician-related folks so it was Old Home Week, slightly.  I missed the effervescence of Ms. Jane Harvey Brown, but her hub, Kerry, was there, to carry on.  Ran into my Record Producer, Gary Edwards, Sound of New Orleans, whom I keep trying to get to re-put-out SONO #1058 since all of the copies went down in the Fed Flood of '05.  Looked long and hard for Al "Carnival Time" Johnson (several sightings were reported), but never saw him.  The first person I ran into was Famed-Photog Pat Jolly, waiting in line with us!  We ran into each other almost at the same spot seven or eight times that evening and I got my eight hugs a day dose from her alone!  Thanks, Jolly-Lama!

The most fun was when M. & I got in the photo booth!  Thanks, Honey! 

January 27, 2018

Krewe du Vieux Parade / Krewe Delusional Parade 

Crashed Bubba's Party again a la Gil T. Plaisir (Thanks, Gil! Thanks, Bubba!) The rain kept G. away, but we were fortunate to meet Dee and Dino, as well as run into Mr. & Mrs. Gentilly Jr., one of my Idols.  We saw him & Pat last year, and he was actually packing my same brewski--Abita Grapefruit with Honey, Honey.  Bubba was playing one of his OZ tapes that he had received for his beeday--nice stuff (Thanks, Bob!)

The parade was the usual nuttiness; I didn't see as many people as in the past, but Neighbor Jann danced me around dizzily (or more dizzy, I should say) and her fellow Underwearian, Jim, bestowed a handmade throw of a plastic baby from a King Cake painted red and glued to a bottle cap, glued to those toxic Chinese beads.  Nice! (Thanks, Jann & Jim).

I have noticed that people are kissing me more often.  I guess when your name is Lips, you should expect, and revel, therein.

February 2, 2018

Krewe of Cork Parade

My kind Boss let me off of work early to attend the Annual drunken sots walking down Royal Street, emerging from their Luncheon at The Court of Two Sisters.  They are usually late and I am usually early, so I finally got to The Court to meet up with Sean & Susan (in town for the weekend from Houstron for Grandaughter Jordan's gymnastic competition, even though she unfortunately broke her ankle, but is still here cheering on her comrades), just as the Parade ended.  Doh! 

I did however, walk through the middle of the Parade, snapping photos and I got a new Krewe necklace from Robert & Carl--I usually see more friends in this Parade, but didn't.  Did see Nancy & Freddy Staehle, Geraldine Wycoff, and Gentilly Jr. (again!!!???) pushing one of the carts loaded with goodies, however.

We got a beer at Molly's on Toulouse (sold by Jim Monaghan's son) and waited at the corner of Bourbon & Toulouse to actually watch the Parade go by.  Unfortunately, the Revelers had revelled a little too much and I don't think they knew they were in a Parade anymore.  

When left to my own devices, I snapped some pix of inside the hotel now residing on the site of the French Opera House across the street and realized I had to walk home as Mardi Gras traffic consumed the Earth.  Riding my bike from now on...

March 3, 2018

Lips & The Trips, Mahogany Jazz Hall

Drummer Matthew El D'Orazio, Guitarist Mark B. Fowler & Lips

April 1, 2018

Garden District Home of Lips & Rev. Diablo

Pixie the Cat loves my shoes

Friday, April 27, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival-Day #1

Once again, my generous Boss allowed me to leave early so I could go to Big Chief Donald Harrison, Jr.'s fine and fabulous performance at the Congo Square Stage, prior to reporting to my volunteer slot at the WWOZ Brass Pass Tent.  My job duties were cleaning, clicking and greeting! Clicked in 244 passengers: "ALL ABOARD" (to quote Kermit Ruffins).

Got to greet my friends from Seattle, The Campbells (Glen & Sharilyn), arrived with the "B Team"--Bill & Marcy, Blake & Joe, and someone I had never met--(he had been in the first N.O. Boys Trip pre-Lips, 21 years ago! 

Also saw ole pal, Jewels! (from Australia) who had her fiance, Bill, in tow!  WOW!  Far out!  

My "supervisor" was Tommy, whom I met from one of the nicest people I know, Ms. Darelle, whom I met from Johnny J. back when he was in Lips & The Trips, 2001-2003, on Bourbon Street! He used to live in Houstron before I moved there and said that he worked at this odd cafe near my last home in the Montrose, The Hobbit Hole (yes, they sold Gandolf Sandwiches, etc.) Psychedelic!

The WWOZ Brass Pass Tent is a total "Love Fest" -- hugs all around during my 4pm-7pm shift, from Marys (OZ Volunteer Director Extraordinnaire), Jorge (who impressed me so much that night at the Fund Dirve talking about the "Community of OZ"), Nita (fantab drummer with, among others, Some Like It Hot! whose Birthday-time it was), Shaggy (who was promoting his new Crawfish Festival), and a very special hug from Diana and Mike--they offered up their WWOZ book, "That Sounds Good," for my autograph! Wow! My Mom would be proud (whose butter cookie recipe is in that book)!  WOOHOO! 

I never had the occasion to even, ever peek inside this most secret and sacred spots.  Always sideways-glancing at the friendly respite from the heat; now that I have seen Mecca, it's pretty cool: the broadcast booth adds to the buzz; fresh fruit buffet with watermelon!, telephone charging station, restrooms, tables to sit and visit. Worth the price of admission!  

Oh, yes, The Music! 

I fell in love with Big Chief Donald Harrison, Jr. when he was a regular on HBO's The Treme show.  After I met Jason from Snug Harbor at the Gemini Party (from Lady "Di"), I had the good fortune to get me & The Rev in free to Big Chief's Snug Harbor show on my BeeDay! Wow! Front row! Man! Then he played a Christmas benefit at his church in the Treme with Davell Crawford.  I got to shake his wife's hand and tell her, "Behind every good man..." and of course, shake his.  Wow!  He continued to never fail to deliver at French Quarter Fest, et al and then today: so much fun, happy energy and great talent, blowing saxophone, singing, dancing: has Bill Summers with him, all great players in his band: brought out a bunch of Mardi Gras Indians from his tribe, a Second-Line dancer, and his wife to sing, play and dance along.  LOVE HIM! 

This was the perfect Blast-Off for me, Day One, My First Show, Jazz Fest 2018! 

ALELUIAJAH!

Also caught Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band--still at it, still goin' strong! 

As it turns out Jake Shimabukuro, Blake's (see above) friend from college in Hawaii, turned in a stellar performance at the Fais Do Do stage, and was interviewed as well.  Heard raves about him, and he played with Jimmy Buffet on the big stage!

The Cultural Exchange Pavillion this year is "NOLA 300," celebrating New Orleans music, which is a bit egocentric, but it is our TRI-["don't tri, deux"] CENTENNIAL! 

We are still at it, still goin' strong!  As Kod Creole and the Creole Dance Ensemble demonstrated.

​​P.S.  Big Chief Donald Harrison will be playing at "Swingin' at The Prime Example," 1909 N. Broad Street, (a most-excellent club), Sunday, May 6, TWO SHOWS: 9:00 & 11:00 p.m.

Rocky, my boss 2004-2017, used to hire Lips & The Trips for his first Friday of Jazz Fest Crawfish Boil every year, but quit two years ago when the locust hoardes turned into unknown people.  When I left the Grounds to see the Blue Bayou CampbellOdians, I rode by and saw he & his lovely wife, Meg, welcoming a couple into their house and I yelled something funny about not having us play at his party.  Love those two!

Scored some brewskies at Canseco's and hung out for a bit the CampbellOdians at their very groovy new JazzFest Pad until they had to go to their front row Preservation Hall show.  WOW! WHAT A TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

Saturday, April 28, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival-Day#2

My bike ride took almost an hour from The Garden District to The Fairgrounds and I had to arrive at 10:00 a.m. to check in for my volunteer shift with La Divina Gelateria (now known as Francofonte Catering!) 

I sampled every one of the flavors (except for the Creme Brulee & Bourbon Pecan) in order to ensure that our patrons were getting only top-notch flavor!  And they are!  (Sigh)  Chocolate Azteca is my favorite: cinnamon and cayenne add a little bite that doesn't hurt.  The flavor of the day, Pineapple Mint, was quite refreshing, as was the Strawberry and the Lemon Sorbetto.  I had never tried the Cookies'n'Creme or the regular Milk Chocolate, and enjoyed them both immensely.  Had to sample a few more than once.  YUMMM! 

Our "boss," Carmello, and co-owner of the "new" Francofonte (name of the city in Sicily where his grandfather hails from) Catering, topped off the perfect Jazz Fest Breakfast with a shot of Espresso for all.  Nice! 

Started out my first full day of Jazz Festing with, what else? The Mardi Gras Indians at The Jazz & Heritage Stage.  Had to dance along with the Comanche Hunters and the pleased crowd. 

Saw Dottie & Trent having a softshell crab po-boy as I walked to find the Jazz Funeral that was going on for Fats Domino and ended at the unveiling of his ancestor likeness, done by Terry Marks (met him--nice fella!)  Ran into another artist, Eric Hartman, who knew Allen Toussaint back in dat day (mid-70s when he worked at the filling station) and was asked to roadie for him on his tour with the James Gang: college exams precluded his joining in the fun--but it didn't stop him from becoming a great artist, witnessing the card he gave me with a New Orleans neutral ground streetcar scene.

Al "Lil Fats" Jackson played on a keyboard out there, to the adoration of Fats' fans as he sounds so much like him!  He sang "The Fat Man," "Blueberry Hill," and when Fats' oldest grandaughter, Angele Green, thanked the crowd, she regaled us to: "Ok, as my grandfather used to say, let's 'Shake, Rattle & Roll.'" And he played that, too, and we all did.    

Was trying to meet up with My Honey before my 1:00 p.m. shift, but that didn't happen as I did not adhere to the schedule previously outlined.  Doh!

My shift was busy-- I "expedited" which is delivering the correct order to the correct satisfied customer! There were plenty, I tell you what!  What a great job making people happy!  

The Fais Do Do Stage is right by our booth so I got to hear Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience who began at 2:55p.m., then I arrived stage-front at 3:30, after my shift!  I love him!  Such a great talent and happy entertainer!  Showed off his Grammy!  Nice!  He deserves it and more!  First got wind of him in 1986 at Fitzgerald's in Houston where he used to play regularly--that flipped us out when he would run barefoot up in the balcony with his scratchy-board player right behind him.  Got to open up for him when I was in the band, Dog's Curfew, and he claimed to have actually remembered that when I spoke to him a few years ago (when he played Lafayette Square!) WOW!  He made me cry with his Charles Neville tribute song and made me laugh with his antics.  HE IS THE BOMB, PEOPLES!  

As is Bonnie Raitt, of course.  The crowd was thick at the Acura Stage and all I could do was walk past while she sang one of my favorites, (and the one I'd hoped she'd sing): John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery."  Back in 1976, while living in the D.C.-area, I took a trip to Galax, VA's "Stompin' '76" which was a hoot, I must say, with Bonnie Raitt, David Bromberg and somebody else really good, playing into the night, pouring rain, lots of wine and what-not.  Camped out, panel truck, etc etc.  On Sunday morning, I saw her getting into the helicopter to get her off the mountainside--as a sweet, unjaded-by-the-music-biz gal, she chirped, "See ya in Church!"  Warmed my heart, I must say. I was late to work that Monday morning, but it was worth it.  Besides, Larry didn't care--what a great boss!

Had never seen Louisiana's own Lucinda Williams, and M. wanted to see her.  She was sitting in with Charles Lloyd & The Marvels, and we sat outside for a bit.  That was nice as we got to see Ruthie & The Foot passing by.  Rocky said he saw me when I sat inside for a bit, but he didn't holler out to me...why? Such decorum!

Ended the night with The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson at the Blues Tent.  Loved it!  Hadn't seen them in many moons--since the olden days--Jimmie Vaughan!  Around 1990, when my beau-at-the-time's band opened up for them at an outdoor festival on the banks of the Bayou in Houston, I met Kim Wilson.  When I told him my name, he said with enthusiasm: "That's a good name for you!" I about flipped--WOW! 

His performance registered high on the cool scale and he played a 15-minute harp solo.  I did feel bad I had dragged M. there, who had been into punk about the time that I was loving Texas r-n-r, r-n-b, in the late 70s, up through the present.   

Sunday, April 29, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival--Day #3

Volunteering for Francofonte Catering again so got to save seats in the front of the Blues Tent so I could be up close and personal when Hometown Homey, Carolyn Wonderland takes the stage for her 1st gig with John Mayall, as his new guitarslinger! 

Saw a fellow who knew me from when I was in Beans Barton & The Bi-Peds, Houston, Tx, Mr. Fred Marks!  Apparently, there are people that get in earlier than 10:30 a.m when I thought I was going to get in the front row.  Got 4th row, center, which was A-OK and made friends with a guy who knew I would arrive later, saved my seat until my announced 3:30 arrival.  THANK YOU!

Began Sunday with Brother Tyrone & The Mindbenders.  Had seen and enjoyed him in the past, and he was great, as usal!  Had to leave early to see my ole pal, Ralph Gipson (who used to play at the Festival when there were 10 people in front of the stage back in 1984, my first JF, no joke!) was playing saxophone with Cynthia Girtley, who was paying tribute to Mahalia Jackson.  DOUBLE-WOW! Rendered me speechless and howling in adoration at the Cultural Pavillion as spirits were raised.

Missed my Honey again as he arrived late, but stole a smooch before I started my very busy shift at the gelateria.  They have a nice, little grassy area by their tent to hang out with friends and a private, clean porto-.  BEAUTY, EH!

Buzzed over to catch a searing set by Tab Benoit (hadn't seen him in years--he's been practising!) And waited with baited breath for the Wonderment of Carolyn Wonderland, with John Mayall.  My sister had all of his records and I of course, wore them out.  He fostered a bunch of great guitar players and CW is THE BEST! hee hee--but I am not biased!  Carolyn used to waitress at Blythe Spirits where I played back in 1986 (with Beans Barton) and then starting in 1987 with me own band, Lips & The Trips.  She was a little wisp of thing, bursting on the scene, coming up fast and passing everyone up--WOW!  Still knocking me out and still such a nice person.  GOD BLESS HER!

Took Glen to see her at the Rock'n'Bowl.  So happy she is doing well.  She told Shelly that I was one of her early musical influences--glad she did just the opposite (hahaha!) Love her muchly--she is a great and powerful talent--proud to know her!

Proud to know Glen, who bought her a double shot of Marker's Mark.  THANKS, BUDDY!  LOVE ME SOME CAROLYN WONDERLAND!  POST-SHOW, ROCK'N'BOWL, 4/29/18

                                                                       --Photo & Maker's Mark by Glen Campbell

May 3, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival--Weekend #2

The Marathon continues.  Fortunately, I have a day job so I can rest up today, but unfortunately, I missed Trips' Guitarist, Mark Fowler play with J. Monque'd Blues Band at The Blues Tent!  Proud and pleased as punch, Ladies & Gentlemen!  Since he and I have such bad "stage fright" that we have been unable to record anything these past 10 years or so--not that we haven't made an attempt, THANK YOU, MATT EL D'ORAZIO!!!  So we haven't had a CD to submit to throw our hats in the ring to Mr. Davis...maybe this year!!!

May 4, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival--Weekend #2 (cont'd.) 

My nice boss let me off early to attend and honor my commitment to WWOZ-FM Radio station to woman the OZ Brass Pass Tent along with fellow volunteers.  Dave was again my "supervisor" and I got to click & greet again!  YAY!  Got to see My Idol, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes & The Louisiana Sunspots--burnin' bright out there!!! Woo Hoo, but it was hot!  Tried to dance in front of the stage, but melted in the shade with My Super Honey, there on the Campbells' most generous gift of a Brass Pass!  YAY, CAMPBELLS!

May 5, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival--Weekend #2 (cont'd.)

Wanted to see Our Pal, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, so I camped out at The Blues Tent in Row #4.  Was glad I did because Charmaine Neville NEVER DISAPPOINTS!  She is a true Entertainer, a great singer and performer: love love love her version of "I Put a Spell on You" replete with a tale of Voodoo for her "future ex-husband."  I used to see her father, Charles Neville play saxophone with her and he passed away recently; she honored him sweetly and graciously.  

The two bands I had never seen before, Major Handy & The Louisiana Blues Band and Lurie Bell and His Chicago Blues Band were both good, too, but we were psyched to see our Pal Al--he brought the crowd to its feet with the all-time, feel-good song, "It's Carnival Time."  Had to leave for my shift right after that, so I missed The Frogman and Wanda Rouzan, but the kids were hollerin' for their gelato so I had to make sure I was ready for it!  It was busy, busy, busy, but there is a good comraderie and teamwork with Katrina & Carmello's troupes that I do enjoy even though I was going to melt again.  And then, Allain, our "Supervisor" asked me to do a gig for his NOLA Gold Rugby Team party--wow, what an honor!  AND Charmaine Neville and her son, Damien, came to have some gelato!!!  Fortunately for us, the Cashier recognized her and TREATED HER!  She's a delight!

He came to the Campbells' Ex-Rugby Players party on Dumaine, at their groovy Air B'n'B spot, near the Fairgrounds.  We had a blast--Mark and I did a duo, sans p.a. and everybody got happy!  Our Life's Complete!  Kelly was there and won the Dance Contest with Neil's wife, Kate! 

Jewels & Bill showed up after I realized I had given them the wrong address--looked for them at the Blues Tent--THEY WERE THERE SEEING DELBERT!  Sat in front of them, enjoyed, relaxed!!!!  Hadn't seen Delbert since a Rockefeller's gig in the mid-90s in Houston (before I moved here).  He was good and did a song we do in Lips & The Trips, which was cool. 

At the Pahtee, we met Glen & Neil's stepsister and her husband: from a secluded spot in Montana--they liked us alot and want to fly us there next year in July!  Best trout-fishing in America at Smith River.  Only allowed a certain number of passes to float it--nice!  They were both nice as can be, too.  Loved hanging with those good people!!!

THANKS FOR KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH US, BEING SUCH GOOD BUDS & SUPPORTING THE BAND, ME AND THE REVSTER! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

May 6, 2018

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival--Weekend #2 (cont'd.)

As the last day of the Fest comes upon us, we are feeling bitter-sweet: exhausted so glad, but sad that The Rush will end!  And what a rush it has been--a true music-lovers' Delight.  Make plans to come one year and immerse yourself in it all.  IT IS A BLAST, PEOPLE!  A LIPS RECOMMENDATION!!!

They saved the best for last:  JOHNNY SANSONE opened The Blues Tent!!! YOWZA! John Fohl is still on guitar and vocals, and Johnny apparently played the night before (not in the loop, drat), but pulled out a BLAST-OFF performance--see him sometime, he tours.  

Did my last tour with the gelateria and that was bitter-sweet, too.  Love those folks & their wonderful product, now only available at The Jazz Fest!!!! 

Dr. Bob blowing a La Davina cone as if blessing the Fest as a Shaman with a conch! THANKS FOR YOUR GOOD MEDICINE and appealing products!

Sat in the shade with me Sweetee, listening to The Iguanas!  (LOVE THEM!) then met Glen & Sharilynn (THEY SAVED US SEATS) at The Gospel Soul of Irma Thomas! So appropriate to end The Fest with her and with them...SIGH

May 18, 2018

Lips & The Trips

Mahogany Jazz Hall Burlesque Bar & Absinthe House

Hadn't played here since December and we got a fill-in date--very psyched for the gig, BUT:

Some guitar players are more apt to get angry when asked to turn down.  As if their guitar prowess was somehow linked to the power of decibels.  I understand the "tone factor" where you get a good tone adjusted to the number on your amp, but I also had been going home with crickets and waking up to white noise after gigs, so when asked to turn down, instead of acquiescing and not wanting to hurt band leader's ears, guitarist decided to quit the band 45 minutes away from the end of the gig.  Hmm.  

He and his new girlfriend were getting to be problematic so it turned out to be a blessing...

May 25, 2018

The Greek Festival

When I first moved to Houston and worked at First City National Bank, my co-workers took us to the Greek Festival every year, and I continued the tradition here in New Orleans on Bayou St. John: since 1999.  One year, with Mitch & Carolyn & JJ, we climbed under the fence and snuck in.  This year, we paid to get in: 

Me & My Super-Honey

Ran into Katrina & Carmello and fellow La Davina (now Francofonte) JF worker!

Their daughter is growing up and super-cute!

June 6, 2018

Lips & The Trips

Mahogany Jazz Burlesque Bar & Absinthe House

Played our first gig with new guitarist Thomas Walker (recommended by Sticky T, from 30x90) and all went well. 

Not to say I didn't panic and freak out when guitarist of 10 years quit at the gig and cut off all communication with me, but I needn't have worried so much as Mr. Walker was a perfect fit and we had a fine debut gig.  Thanks, Sticky T!  Thanks, Mr. Walker!

--Photo by Rev. Diablo

I like it when my Adventures coincide with a gig!  We filled in for vacationing owner, Tony Seville!  Thanks, Tony!

June 9, 2018

Rocky & Co, The MIlan Lounge

Met up w/former Boss & Ole Pal, Rocky Seydel, My Super Honey (pictured), Rocky's wife, Meg, former work colleagues Laurie & Kevin, at the Milan Lounge, around the corner from Laurie & Kevin's new office on St. Charles Ave. Hadn't been there in a while.  M. & I used to drop in Sunday's M.G. Week-End following the post-Unity Church service & parade... hadn't been there in years and the barkeep knew me from Checkpoint Charlie's back in Dat Day! Nice! 

June 14, 2018

Preservation Resource Center's Happy Hour Renovation 

1028 Canal Street



Soon to be a Hostelling International Hotel.



The Gemini Party, At Tony's, The Batture

June 16, 2018

The Visionaires! Been attending this splendid event for many moons since Lady Di commenced inviting me in the early 2000s.  Remember when we were at Tony's at The Batture and the water was up to the porch in the next door neighbors; also when it was so low that Lady Di's sister, Geraldine & I got to do the twist in the sandy beach like in Wakiki!

Always like to see Jimmy Thackery's favorite bartender from the Ole Tip's Dayz, Billy! Where the Nighthawks outdrank The Rads in a Rum Boogie Contest back in Dat Day!

May have to add some photos on both sides here---

Column-Style!

STAY TUNED!!!