This is "What It's All About"

I met several families that had been displaced as result of the storm. Each member of those displaced families that I met defined their resolve to return to mid-city. That return is stronger than before and one family mentioned that Katrina allowed them to opportunity to appreciate New Orleans and mid-city more as a result. Several families moved away as result of the storm and some resettled in Jefferson Parish. Gradually, these families have returned to their family homes and are rebuilding with more zeal for the home than ever. This festival is a celebration of that effort and the love that it's inhabitants have for it. All neighborhoods have their defining character, Mid-City has its definition as well. It is my personal belief that New Orleans will certainly be different from what we knew it to be. That which will never change is the character of the neighborhoods and the love that we have for New Orleans. I am convinced that is the resolve of the homeowners, local merchants and the musical artists of the city that will provide for it's success.

This is what I'm talking about

Now here is another reason many guys are attracted to New Orleans.

Old New Orleans Cajun Iced Tea

This venue has a new flavor that I sampled this past weekend. It is a truly uniquely flavored iced tea and rum mixture that I am quite fond of . It is a blend of local rum (distilled from local sugar cane molasses), sweetened iced tea, lemon and mint sprigs. The lines were long for this treat today and it served the punch all day. Needless to say, this was one of the more profitable venues of the day.

A True Neighborhood Festival

New Orleans is well known for the festivals that are a major part of what is to offer in New Orleans. In keeping with the tradition of local flavor, neighborhood festivals will always be my favorite. The neighborhoods are really the defining character of this city. As these images demonstrate, this is truly a neighborhood festival that is family oriented.

Make Way For "Rebirth Brass Band"

This band is the premier brass band of New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina displaced some of the members of this group, however, the sound has not changed as a result. They are still the mark by which other groups strive achieve. Although some of their pervious membership has been relocated, the resolve of their leadership to maintain the sound is the key to the success of the group. They still draw hugh crowds and as one of their hits resounds, "Make Way For The Rebirth". The rebirth of Mid-City New Orleans is well on it's way to success. This band demonstrates the true grit of this neighborhood.

Ingrid Lucia at Bayou Boogaloo 2008

This lady has a very unique vocal style and can perform a wide variety of musical styles. The ability of New Orleans artists to perform in such varied styles of presentation is what defines so many of our local artists. Outstanding performer.

Walter "Wolfman" Washington

This gentleman is on of the greatest R&B artists of our time. He is a local resident of Mid-City and his performances are always a wonderful experience.

Bayou Boogalloo 2008

The Bayou Boogaloo was started three years ago in an effort to revitilize interests and bring people back to Mid-City New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina exacted a heavy toll on this area of New Orleans. There is a strong commitment by the merchants and residents of this area to return the area to a state of vitality. This festival is a celebration of that effort.

Final Act of The Final Day

We were on the track next to the Acura Stage, listening to Carlos Santanna, and relating to the beauty of the moment.

Omawali,Sid and Melvin

Jazz Fest allows me the opportunity to share New Orleans and its culture with my friends. These guys are my friends of many years and there is no better way for friends to intreact than with this festival as a reason.

Day 4, Jazz Fest 2008, 5/1/2008

This area is a benefit of membership. Donations to WWOZ radio provides for seven days of unlimited entry and exit to the festival. This area has refreshments, fruit, clean restrooms, internet access, radio broadcasts, artist interactions, and a general opportunity to relax and return to the festival in a refreshed state. This is an opportunity for individuals that really love New Orleans music and non-commercial radio to promote the cause. This is a wonderful benefit and we really enjoy the opportunity to do so.

Day 3,Jazz Fest 2008, 4/27/2008

This gentleman became a regular at Jazz Fest three years ago. Prior to that, his performances were on the streets in the area of the festival grounds. Now, he is a festival favorite.

Day Two Jazz Fest 2008, 4/26/2008

Carol Fran is a Blues artist that has performed at Jazz Fest for many years. The most interesting note of her performance was a sense of her mortality. She displayed that to the audience today as if it were her last performance. Let us pray that she will be with us longer.

Day Two Jazz Fest 2008, 4/26/2008

Tribute to Earl and Willie Turbinton. These artists performed in honor of these two brothers that passed on recently.

Day Two Jazz Fest 2008, 4/26/2008

Astral Project was formed at Jazz Fest 30 years ago. This group of musicians are so in tune with each other. They feed off each others creative ability and there are no petty differences that enter their relationship as with other performers. This is the main ingrediant enables their years of success.

Ellis Marsalis

This gentleman is the patriarch of an extremely talented group of musicians that happen to be his sons. He is also one of the best musical influences of this city. He has taught many musicians the art of music. He is also very active in the performance arena as well. He has a weekly show at The Snug Harbour Jazz Bistro on Frenchmans St.

Leah Chase

New Orleans has such a wide array of local talent, this festival would succeed without international stars. Leah Chase is one such talent. This lady has a manner of delivering Jazz or Blues art as well anyone in the business. She is from a well known resturant family in New Orleans.

Lady Tambourine

This lady's name is Rosalie Washington. She is a local talent that has drawn national acclaim for her performances.

Our First Stop, The Gospel Tent

The Voices of Distinction was our first talent act of this season. What an inspirational group of ladies, very talented and they can really deliver the force of their message.

Father and Daughter In Front of The Happy House

This image was taken of Santilla (my daughter) and I after leaving Liuzza's on our way into the festival grounds. This is our annual get together each year. It is the most wonderful time of the year in New Orleans.

Festival Lines At The Sauvage Street Entrance To Jazz Fest

Festival fans line up hours prior to the entry of the gates at 11:00 AM daily.

Inside Liuzza's, gettin' down with "The Bloody Mary's". Gotta have this for breakfast prior to going into the festival grounds.

Day One At Jazz Fest

Hanging out at Liuzza's prior to entry to the festival grounds.

The Finish Line

Runners are scored at the end of the run. And oh how great it feels to know this one is over.

Water Station At Mile Three

One of the benefits of road racing is the scheduled water breaks along the way. This one is located at the end of mile three of a four mile race. This part of the race is conducted on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain along the path.

Start of Varsity Sports Shorts Run

The runners begin the Varsity Sports Shorts Run. This is always a high spirited part of the race.

Grandmother and Grandson Prior to Race Start

As previously mentioned, this is a family activity. We travelled with our grandson (Langston) to this race today. My wife (Countess) is posing with Langston before the start of the race.

Mandeville Shorts Run

Physical fitness is highly promoted in Southeast Louisiana. Road racing is a weekend activity that provides for a measure of how well your training is going. It is also a great family activity that everyone can participate in. All you need are shorts and running shoes. In that regard, it doesn't require much money to participate.

On Saturday morning, 7 June 2008 we travelled to Mandeville La for Varsity Sports Shorts Run. Each registered participant was provided a pair of running shorts as a benefit of registration.