Check out other entries on today’s Wordless Wednesday.
Posted by: Charlotte | November 11, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
Posted in Mardi Gras, Photography, Wordless Wednesday | Tags: Costumes, Mardi Gras, Photography, Ruffled skirts, Wordless Wednesday
Posted by: Charlotte | November 7, 2009
Guitar Lightnin’ Lee!
is my newest addiction! These pics are from today’s Mirliton Fest.
I have to tell y’all, I had a hard time sittin’ still when this man and his band were playing. Ok, so I did a little wiggly-woo where I was sitting on the ground – I didn’t want to embarrass my friends tooo much!
**Raised in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans over 60 years ago Lightnin’ had music all around him. After learning from New Orleans blues great, Boogie Bill Webb, Lightnin went to Chicago to find his inspiration Jimmy Reed. When Jimmy Reed wasn’t throwing Lightnin’ out of his house and telling Lightnin’ to go back to New Orleans he was showing Lightnin’ his style of Delta Blues via electrified Chicago.
**After moving back to New Orleans Lightnin’ played with and around such New Orleeans legends as Earl King, Fats Domino, Ernie K-Doe, Little Freddie King, and scores of other brilliant New Orleans musicians. Lightnin’s ears were wide open to the sound around him and he soaked it up like a sponge. For years he listened, learned, and honed his playing and song writting skills in the best of company.
Not only is Lee an awesome musician and singer, he tells some damn good stories too.
If you like R&B you will LOVE Lightenin’ Lee and his band. Go to his website for a listen, then go out and buy his newest CD, Going to Amsterdam ~ I did!
**Text from his website, www.guitarlighteninlee.com
Posted in Festivals, New Orleans, Photography, music | Tags: Guitar Lightenin' Lee, Mirliton Festival, music, New Orleans, Photography, R&B
Posted by: Charlotte | November 5, 2009
Get Dinglerized!
Posted in NoLA Rising | Tags: Art, Dinglerization of America, New Orleans, NoLA Rising
Posted by: Charlotte | November 4, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: Tatts
Posted in New Orleans, Photography, Wordless Wednesday | Tags: New Orleans
Posted by: Charlotte | November 3, 2009
LadyFest New Orleans
LadyFest New Orleans is a non-profit music, spoken word and arts festival organized by local women to showcase, celebrate and encourage activism through the arts for and by New Orleans women. It also serves as a benefit for local organizations that support women.
The festival runs for five days at five different venues. It will begin on Wed., Nov. 4, 6 pm at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, 1313 Esplanade, New Orleans, with a Homily by Deacon Joyce Jackson, the first and only black woman Episcopal deacon in New Orleans. This will be followed by gospel music from Tonia Scott and the Anointed Voices who were the featured choir in “Skeleton Key”. The Queen Clarinet of Louisiana, Doreen Ketchens, will close out the evening with lots of hot music from Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans.
The festival moves to Snug Harbor on Thur., Nov 5 with two shows 8 and 10 pm at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen, featuring Cindy Scott, Leah Chase, Megan Swartz on piano, Cori Waters on drums and Cassandra Falconer on bass.
On Friday, Nov. 6, Sweet Lorraine’s, 1931 St. Claude is the place to be with Charmaine Neville, David & Roselyn, Estelle Compagne on flute, GaBrilla Ballard, Lynn Drury & the Pfister sisters accompanied by Amassa Miller on Piano, Cori Waters on drums and Cassandra Falconer on bass.
Poet Valentine Pierce will be reading from her work also.
Sat, Nov. 7th the show moves to the Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny at St. Claude to enjoy blues with Beth Trepagnier, hear Gina Forsyth, dynamite on guitar or fiddle, and be amazed by Kayne Reznick‘s lusty irreverent folk songs, Lindsay Mendez performing music from her new CD, Olivia Greene bringing a fresh slant to jazz accompanied by Cori, Cassandra and Estelle. Then Some Like It Hot tears up the evening.
Sun., Nov. 8th, LadyFest New Orleans 2009 has its final performance at the Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., from 11 am to 6 pm with 30 X 90, Dixie Rose, Hazel and the Delta Ramblers, Kelcy Mae, Margie Perez, Olga and Troi Bechet with Mimi Geste on Piano, Cori Waters on Drums, Cassandra Falconer on Bass and Estelle Campagne on Flute.
For more info, including some great photos, visit LadyFest New Orleans.org
Posted in Art, Festivals, Women | Tags: Art, culture, LadyFest New Orleans, music, New Orleans, Poetry, Women
Posted by: Charlotte | October 31, 2009
The Curse of the Cat People/Wizard of Oz Mashup
“I wish for a friend.”
Glinda?
Posted in New Orleans, Photography | Tags: Glinda the Good Witch, Halloween, Movies, Photography, The Curse of the Cat People, Wizard of Oz
Posted by: Charlotte | October 30, 2009
Happy Hallowtard
Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, August 2008 ~ “Aint dere no mo!”
Photo’s from my NoLA Street Art Flickr Set.
See more great art/photo’s on the Wordless Wednesday Friday Edition.
Posted in Art, NoLA Street Art, Photography | Tags: Art, Graffiti, Halloween, New Orleans, NewOrleans, Photography, Street Art, Tchoupitoulas Street, Wordless Friday
Posted by: Charlotte | October 28, 2009
A Cautionary Tale
(Photo and verse by moi.)
Frieze
music played….
the sweet thrum of the guitar
the gentle sigh of the violin
the lilting lightness of the flute
but he didn’t listen
encouraging silence to incubate
music played….
the sensual wail of the saxophone
the full stridency of the trumpet
the rhythmic beat of the bass drum
but he didn’t listen
with a vanity that shunned pleasure
in a city pulsing with music
he didn’t listen
and the nightmare that
was his spirit turned
to stone
Posted in New Orleans, Photography, Poetry, music | Tags: music, New Orleans, Photography, Poetry
Posted by: Charlotte | October 26, 2009
210 State Street, NoLA ~ Secret Lab?
On the campus of New Orleans Adolescent Hospital…
One of the abandoned buildings toward the back of the campus.
According to the book “Dr. Mary’s Monkey” this is the site of the secret underground lab where much of Dr. Mary Sherman’s work was conducted and was the site of the cover up of her death. (Autopsy reprort here)
According to the book,
“The 1964 murder of a nationally known cancer researcher sets the stage for this gripping exposé of medical professionals enmeshed in covert government operations over the course of three decades. Following a trail of police records, FBI files, cancer statistics, and medical journals, this revealing book presents evidence of a web of medical secret-keeping that began with the handling of evidence in the JFK assassination and continued apace, sweeping doctors into coverups of cancer outbreaks, contaminated polio vaccine, the arrival of the AIDS virus, and biological weapon research using infected monkeys.”
Sounds fantastical but it is one of the most interesting and arresting books I’ve ever read, written by the son of a doctor with intimate knowledge of the events described. A great Halloween spooky who-dun-it and very scary in it’s implications.
Posted in Books, New Orleans, Photography | Tags: Aids, Books, Dr. Mary's Monkey, JFK Assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald, Photography
Posted by: Charlotte | October 24, 2009
Laveau
(Photo by moi.)
St. Louis Cemetery No.1, New Orleans
Reputed tomb of Marie Laveau (c. 1794-1881) Marie Laveau was the reigning Voodoo priestess of the nineteenth century.
An exerpt from City the Dead: A Journey Through St. Louis Cemetery #1 about the Marie Laveau legend can be found here
.
Interested in the history of VooDoo? Dambala at American Zombie recently wrote an excellent explanation of his religion, Yoruba Cosmology, which is the root of VooDoo. It’s a must read.
Posted by: Charlotte | October 22, 2009
Sky Watch Friday: Sunrise
Sunrise in New Orleans.
Visit Sky Watch Friday for more beautiful sky photos.
Posted in New Orleans, Photography, Skywatch Friday | Tags: Nature, New Orleans, Photography, Sky, Skywatch Friday
Posted by: Charlotte | October 22, 2009
A New Look
On the spur of the moment I’ve decided to change templates to accentuate my photo’s. I’m finding I have less and less time to really write anything on here and more and more I’m just linking and doing photo’s. But, who knows? I might change my mind again. :0 For now, this is it.
Posted in Photography | Tags: New Orleans, Photography
Posted by: Charlotte | October 21, 2009
Sun Ray’s Smoky Mountain Burger
is my newest addiction.
I’ve been working in a friend’s medical clinic the last two weeks or so while her receptionist is on sick leave. Ironically, I worked in her father’s clinic for 8 years back in the ’90’s so it’s been old-hometime and I’m enjoying it immensely. Back then, Sun Ray Grill was a new little cafe’ that opened up across the street from the Meadowcrest Professional Building and we frequented it for lunch fairly often.
Fast forward to 2009 and here I am again working in the same building (so is the circle of life!) getting lunch from Sun Ray which has expanded to three more locations in the city. The first time I ordered I went with the Smoky Mountain Burger because it was highly recommended by my co-workers. And rightly so.
The description on the menu says “Topped with BBQ, melted Jack & Cheddar, bacon and fried onions” but that gives no indication of how incredibly awesome this burger is. The burger isn’t smothered with BBQ sauce (thank goodness) but, instead, just has a smokey BBQ flavor that permeates the meat which is topped with crisp bacon, melty cheese and ~ get this ~ the thinnest of fried onion rings. OMG. It is to die for! On my first bite I felt like doin’ the New Orleans Bounce, it was so good!
I’ve eaten this burger no less than 4 or 5 times in the past month. Hon, if you wanna burger out of this world, go to Sun Ray. And, yes, it beats Bud’s Broilers burgers all up and down the street. I never thought I’d say such a thing but it’s for true. Give it a try ~ you’ll be glad you did.
Sun Ray Grill has 3 locations:
2600 Belle Chase Highway, Gretna, LA 70056
(504) 391-0053, fax (504) 391-7406
1051 Annunciation Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 566-0021, fax (504) 566-0041
619 Pink Street, Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 837-0055, fax (504) 835-2555
Posted in Food, New Orleans, Restaurants | Tags: Food, Hamburgers, New Orleans, Sun Ray Grill
Posted by: Charlotte | October 18, 2009
Saints Got All Da Balls
Posted by: Charlotte | October 16, 2009
Sky Watch Friday
I took this photo of a particularly beautiful sunset from my front yard a couple of months ago. It reminds me of the phrase “fire in the sky”. (That’s a palm frond in the foreground, for you nawthunahs. 
)
See more beautiful sky photo’s at Sky Watch Friday.
Posted in Nature, Photography, Skywatch Friday | Tags: New Orleans, Photography, Sky, Skywatch Friday, Sunset
Posted by: Charlotte | October 13, 2009
All U Evah Need To Know ‘Bout Mirliton Fest
~The Mirliton Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary!~
2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Bywater Neighborhood Association’s Mirliton Festival. Join us on Saturday, November 7 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Markey Park (corner of Piety and Royal streets). Admission is $5 for the general public and $3 for BNA members. Kids 5 years of age and under are free.
This year’s event promises to be the best yet. The diverse and talented musical lineup includes The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, DJ Jubilee, Happy Talk Band, R. Scully Rough 7, Guitar Lightning Lee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Panorama Jazz Band, King Louie One Man Band and Ratty Scurvics.
The festival will also showcase food from some of the neighborhood’s best eateries. Returning this year are The Country Club, Jack Dempsey’s, The Joint, Markey’s Bar, Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods and Karma Kitchen as well as Bacchanal with a great selection of wines. Newcomers include Satsuma Cafe, Café Roux and Frady’s. For those with a sweet tooth, look for gelato from Sucré and gourmet popsicles from Meltdown. As in years past, Abita and Coca-Cola products will also be available.
The festival will also feature an eclectic mix of artists, a children’s activity area, and some great new merchandise including t-shirts, bumper stickers, and temporary Mirliton tattoos. Dr. Bob has designed this year’s limited edition 20th anniversary Mirliton Festival shirt, so be sure to pick one up. See you there!
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- 2009 Mirliton Festival Poster
-
- Postcard
-
- Temp Tattoo
-
- Bywater Tee
-
- Dr. Bob’s Lmtd Edition Tee
For more information, visit our website at www.bywater.org.
Posted in Art, Festivals, music | Tags: Art, Artists, Bywater, Dr. Bob, Festivals, Louisiana Artists, Mirliton Festival, music, New Orleans, New Orleans Artists, NewOrleans
Posted by: Charlotte | October 10, 2009
TribeCon at VooDoo
Experience a day of giving back, a day of learning, and stick around for a celebration of music over Halloween like no other in New Orleans. This year the Voodoo Music Experience is incorporating a one day conference on interactive community building called TribeCon.
Tribecon is offering 25% off the ticket price ~ just use the promo code: NOLABLOGGER at the time of purchase.
Why Attend TribeCon?
Come to TribeCon to learn how to harness the passion of your communities to achieve meaningful offline goals. We have a diverse lineup of panelists spanning industry and endeavor. If you’re in need of convincing (or your boss is), here’s how TribeCon is sure to enhance your professional development:
Marketers: Learn to create a community of brand advocates and create an authentic message that inspires people to care about your product.
Philanthropists: Discover new ways to build momentum for your a cause and leverage support online to achieve amazing offline movements.
Travelers: See how social networking tools bridge geographic divides to unite travel enthusiasts across the world meeting new people every step of the way.
Technologists: Connect with the people behind cutting edge technologies like enhanced reality and online social networks that really work.
Entertainers: Meet musicians connecting directly with their audience and owning the fan relationship to shift the content distribution model for artists.
Media: Gain insight into how citizen journalism and social media are infiltrating and changing traditional news outlets.
Anthropologists: Experience the culture of New Orleans and the traditions that have inspired our many communities throughout history.
Entrepreneurs: Learn from successful start-ups who have built businesses by leveraging authentic community support.
Networkers: Meet passionate people to share stories and successes. Join the Tribe.
Posted in Community Events | Tags: New Orleans, TribeCon, VooDoo Experience
Posted by: Charlotte | October 7, 2009
Good Things Happen When You Least Expect It Or….
now do I have to actually own that I write poetry? Yikes!
I’ve been a dabbler in writing poetry off and on since I was a kid. Recently, on a whim, I was inspired to submit two poems to an online literary ezine and, much to my shock, they were accepted for publication. This is a bit scary for me and I never would have done it without the encouragement of one online friend and the inspiration of another on & offline friend.
Nathan Moore, who blogs on Exhaust Fumes and French Fries, has been a constant and encouraging supporter of my poetry for over a year now. He’s also a Community Director for ReadWritePoem, an online “gathering place for those who love poetry — and for those who suspect that, with a little nurturing, they could grow to love poetry.” But I first came to know Nathan through Three Word Wednesday where he first commented on my work. This is also a wonderful site with weekly prompts to stimulate your writing juices and where I first waded into the unknown waters of online writing, so I want to say a big THANKS to 3WW too.
I also want to give a shout-out to Mark at Poems Before Breakfast for inspiring me to submit. If it weren’t for reading about the ezine on his blog I never would have know about it. Thanks, dawlin’. Ironically, my poems will be in the same February 2010 issue as his on The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. Ummmm, a bit intimidating for me, I must say, because his poetry is seriously da bomb.
So I had to take down two of my photo’s on this blog because they had snippets of one of the poems attached as a lil lagniappe. After publication they’ll be back up.
This is seriously some surreal sh*t to me, ya heard? 
Posted in Poetry | Tags: New Orleans, Poetry
Posted by: Charlotte | October 7, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: Foggy day in New Orleans
Posted in New Orleans, Photography, Wordless Wednesday | Tags: Fog, gardens, New Orleans, Photography, Wordless Wednesday
Posted by: Charlotte | October 2, 2009
Skywatch Friday
Snapped in my ‘hood this afternoon.
Check out other great photo’s on Skywatch Friday.
Posted in Photography, Skywatch Friday | Tags: Nature, New Orleans, Photography, Sky, Skywatch Friday
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