A wedding, a jazz fest, a Cinco de Mayo and a realization

Adam and I headed to New Orleans for a weekend of celebrations. A celebration of love, another celebration of jazz and heritage and yet another of the Mexicans victory over the French.

Friday’s wedding and the reception that followed were nice. (Gave me a chance to figure out what I would or wouldn’t do at my wedding. A little premature since I don’t even have the groom yet.)

Jazz Fest was awesome. It was my first time and I didn’t know what to expect. I knew there were going to be a lot of people, but I was amazed at the amount of people in chairs, on blankets, standing and dancing in every available grassy area. But it was a lot of fun. A lot of good music. A lot of questionable activities going on…but all fun.

Later that night we headed out to try and find some Cinco de Mayo festivities to partake in. Unfortunately, we got a late start and didn’t get into much related to the holiday. Instead we went dancing and Adam did quite an entertaining dance number to a Michael Jackson hit.

Through all of this I was looking around the city trying to imagine it as it was about a year and a half ago after Hurricane Katrina. Many of the houses still stand vacant with a large “X” on or next to the door. FEMA trailers are still spread throughout the city, many next to homes tenants haven’t been able to repair and move back into.

I find, just like I can’t imagine what it must have been like during the hurricane’s aftermath, I also can’t imagine how they’re gong to get it back the way it was or how long it will take.

I used to go to New Orleans a lot when I was younger and the last time I was there was 3 years ago for a family reunion. This trip I could definitely feel a difference. I know it was always a tourist destination but along with the tourists there was a strong presence of the people that were from there and not only created the "New Orleans experience" but lived it.

Those people, true New Orleanians with all their Cajun culture and flair, were noticeably absent this trip.

I know they’re now spread across the U.S. but I hope a future visit can be a type of homecoming celebration after all the culture, eccentricities and natives return to New Orleans.

I know my feelings about this aren’t original and have probably been talked about excessively since the hurricane, but what do ya’ll think?

A taste of Jazz Fest

Sorry we didn't post yesterday. My excuse is that Janelle and I were on our way to New Orleans for a wedding then The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival today.

Janelle will give more thoughts tomorrow, but here are some photos to give a glimpse into the musical experience.



A little girl pumps her fist and sings "I can change" during John Legend's performance of the song of the same name.

Two men dance it up during John Mayer's performance Saturday afternoon. They were among at least dozens sitting within 10 feet of us who were showing off their moves.

I really don't know exactly what these two teens are doing but it looked like a funny picture. Hope you enjoy.

Holy cow! Emmylou's coming to the Revel!

In case you couldn't tell, I'm pumped. I love Emmylou Harris -- an awesome songwriter with a one-of-a-kind voice. To me, she is one of the most exciting creative geniuses around.

And she's coming to Shreveport. There are several inks to her recordings with Stephanie's article today. I admit I didn't start diggin' her until about 2000, but anything I've heard her do is usually a knock out.

I've been lucky enough to catch her twice: once at Jazz Fest and later at a stop in Chicago with Elvis Costello. Both times she was excellent. You have to appreciate someone who has no trouble coming up with her own musical masterpieces but can play a tourmate's songs like they are her own.

Be prepared to be in the presence of greatness. I can't wait!

Surely any hip person has already seen this

But in case you haven't, the New Orleans Jazz Fest line up is out. Well, sort of. They always just put a really difficult-to-read smattering up on the Web site. Lists are a lot easier to read than paragraphs. (Yet I'm writing a paragraph -- but you know what I mean.)

Anyhow, they'll post a more specific schedule as time for the festival gets closer. I for one will be there for at least one weekend.

That's Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz to the right. And, yes, the band will be there. Mr. Duritz and the guys put on a great show there in 2004, when I saw them.

See you there?