I’m hoping that the post-Superbowl glow that everyone in the city has doesn’t end for a while. In fact, I hope we can think positively about New Orleans for at least the next few years. We’ve elected a new mayor by a landslide (“our” candidate, Mitch Landrieu). The significant thing is that the guy is capable of running the city. He’s done a great job of running his office and the Culture, Recreation and Tourism part of the state for the last few years. He’s connected with legislators all around the state, as well as to the White House. I think he’s going to accomplish some great things in the city. Ah, yes, Jan Ramsey, ever the cockeyed optimist!
Mitch Landrieu actually signed a pledge to create and find ongoing funding for a Music and Culture Office. I sincerely hope he lives up to that promise. Music has almost always been shoved to the back burner by every city administration. I noticed, for example, that even though OffBeat endorsed Landrieu, no mention of it’s been made in any of his press. So that’s not particularly a good sign. There was a big “Musicians for Mitch” show at House of Blues on February 3, which hopefully helped his campaign. I think the “Music Swings Votes” mayoral candidates forum probably had more to do with that. But one can never forget that a “really be show” is the thing that will be remembered.
Music also tends to get relegated to the back burner by the “cultural community.” For example, the Arts Council of New Orleans doesn’t seem to even be aware that music is probably the basis of the city’s culture. I’ve never understood the reason for that (wish someone would enlighten me). All the organizations that support music and musicians have sprouted up mostly on their own. I’m not dissing the “cultural community,” but music has never been given top priority—it certainly is more of a contributor to economic development than painting, sculpture, dance, theater, performance art, or literature. Music and food are what create much of the attraction of New Orleans. I simply cannot imagine 400,000 people—such as those who come to the French Quarter or Jazz Fest—who would come into the city to consume the creative arts. They come here to experience the music and food, and then what else we have to offer.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t all work together to strengthen our cultural “brand.” I just think a rebranding of New Orleans should put music at the top of the list. If you disagree, tell me why…let’s talk about it.
