The staff is just now coming down from the high we all get at the Best of The Beat Awards.
All of us work like dogs preparing for the Business Awards and the Party/Music Awards. Really, we do. So it’s totally gratifying to know that we’ve accomplished what we set out to do—honor the musicians and the people who make the music happen behind the scenes—while at the same time throwing a wonderful party that the musicians and the public can both enjoy to the fullest.
George Porter, Jr. and his wife Ara at the Best of the Beat. Photo by Kim Welsh.
We get many kudos from people who have enjoyed the party, but truly, the party isn’t about OffBeat, it’s about the wonderful musicians who perpetuate New Orleans as the hottest music city in the world, and the restaurants and caterers, our liquor and beer sponsors, our production coordinators Libra Lagrone and Sami Slovy, and the venues who so graciously work with us in making the event successful. It’s about giving props to our Lifetime Achievement Award winners, George Porter, Jr., Scott Billington, Mary Howell, and John Rankin.
One of the highlights of my evening was seeing Art and Cyril Neville and their spouses. I don’t get to see Art very much any more, and it was thrilling to chat with him for just a minute and watch him perform in a tribute to George Porter, Jr. with his brother Cyril, Dr. John, Papa Mali, Monk Boudreaux, David Barard, Stanton Moore, Khris Royal, Tracy Griffith, Jeff Albert, Mark Mullins and Brian Graber. What an incredible set!
There are plenty of photos of both events online, but if you weren’t there, you missed the music and food, and a great night. Hope we see you next year?
Best of the Beat Music Awards: Winners
Best of the Beat Music Awards: Photos
