The Graveyard: Jazz Fest 2009

The graveyard at Jazz Fest has cutout drawings of individuals that are considered part of the history of Jazz Fest. One of our most recent loses was Snooks Eaglin. This gentleman was a regular at the festival since its beginning. He will certainly be missed, not only as an excellent musician, but, additionally as one of this city's most animated and respected performers of art.

Jazz Fest 2009

As an international festival, this venue attracts fans from a world wide community. The faithful arrive early at the Sauvage Street gate entrance. Some fans are here as early as 4 hours prior to the gate time. It is important for some of these fans to get to their preplanned festival camp sites. This insures them that they will be able to set up early and claim permanent layout for the day. As soon as the gates open, there is a mad dash to favored areas for these fans. Once the fans arrive at their favored areas, they begin to setup chairs, blankets, and flagpoles that give identity to their groups.

Jazz Fest 2009

We have formed a wonderful relationship with one of the families that live on the border of the festival grounds. From here, we can return frequently for a break and previously planned for refreshments throughout the day. We are provided a neighborhood pass that allows us to travel in and out of the controlled areas surrounding the festival grounds.

Jazz Fest 2009

Liuzza's Bar is a favorite gathering place for friends to meet and greet prior to walking over to the festival grounds. They mix some of the best drinks in the city in this bar. There is nothing like a Bloody Mary for breakfast prior to the festival.

Jazz Fest 2009

The artwork on the street, prior to the entrance of The Liuzza Bar and Grill.

Jazz Fest 2009

We spend some days prior to entering the festival walking through the neighborhood and admiring the beautiful gardens on display in the vicinity of the festival. These images of Santilla were taken on the corner of Esplanade Avenue near The Liuzza Bar.

Lundi Gras In Metro Soileau

The horse riders enter the home property. They include revellers from the nearby regions and they provide a dual function. The primary function is control of the route with regard to safety, additionally, the more riders present are definitely a boost in attendance for the complete celebration.

Lundi Gras In Metro Soileau

A major part of this celebration includes feeding the revellers. The procession travels throughout the community and each stop includes and meal for the revellers. Of course, the revellers are the major entertainment during the celebration and they work up a huge appetite. The alcohol also has a need to be fed.

Lundi Gras In Metro Soileau

A major part of the celebration in Soileau includes dancing the Zydeco. In these images Alfred Caesar is dancing with Theresa Ledet and my wife, Countess. The music is provided by a live Cajun band that is local to the area. The instruments they are using include an accordian, fiddle, rubbing board, metal triangle and of course the vocals.

Lundi Gras In Metro Soileau

This is the annual gathering of revelers on Lundi Gras in Soileau, Louisiana. Soileau is our ancestral home. It is the home of my paternal heritage. The first stop of this celebration is the ancestral home of my brother-in-law and his family. The family of brothers organic to this homestead are Valceaux, Alfred, Alfin and Melvin Caesar. Alfred Caesar is married to my sister, Ophelia Victorian. The revellers are gathering about and enjoying the festivities that include a meal, dancing, alcohol, and the chicken run.