Tbone
Seeing y’all play [Treme Funk: Corey Henry’s Universe, July 2016] in Missoula, Montana, was such a treat. I’ve picked up the Tbone after 50 years and am working on trumpet and harmonica, too. Thanks to inspirations like you and Shorty (who will be playing here in September), NOLA!
—Adam James, Missoula, Montana
Supporting Music
The following letter is in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post “Making A Living Making Music,” asking: “Do you think all music should be free and accessible to the public? Or are you willing to pay something to have your music on demand?”
I believe that if we want something to exist and continue to do what we love, we must support it financially, whether that is a local nonprofit organization, our favorite author, the musicians we enjoy, or even our favorite publications. Specific to music, I pay a subscription fee to a streaming service, but if I listen to something more than a couple of times, I purchase the album from iTunes. I feel that by purchasing the album, I’m helping that artist—albeit in a small way—continue to be able (financially) to create this music that I love. Though I live in an out of the way place, I also get to as many live shows as possible!
—Richard Grogan, West Chesterfield, New Hampshire
Satchmo SummerFest’s Move
These letters are in response to Sam D’Arcangelo’s web post, “Satchmo SummerFest moves to Jackson Square,” and Jan Ramsey’s blog post, “Satchmo, Not in Armstrong Park. Again.”
I’m disappointed in the move. I used to love that I could pop inside the airconditioned U.S. Mint when the heat became oppressive. I understand that they want to grow the fest, but I liked it the way it was.
—Howard J. Turoff, Barryville, New York
Personally, I prefer the festivals located at the Mint or Jackson Square. I love Armstrong Park and get the connection, but for me, logistically I prefer being in the Quarter where it’s easier to do other things between music sets.
—Aaron Mestayer, Lafayette, Louisiana
Louisiana Music on Tour
The following letter is in response to a photo news post of the New Orleans Suspects and Glen David Andrews in Washington D.C.
Glen David and his band stopped by my sleepy little town of Winchester, Virginia to treat us to his funkified magic at a crawfish boil at the best Cajun/Creole restaurant outside of the 504 and 337 area codes: Sweet NOLA’s Southern Food Lounge. It was awesome.
—Jerry Sirbaugh, Winchester, Virginia
Hometown Press
I just wanted to thank you for running Michael Sklar’s obit in the July issue of OffBeat Magazine, and for running the review of my CD in the same issue. It was very special. I had a fourstar review in last month’s DownBeat Magazine, but for me nothing compares to hometown press—to have it in the same issue as your best friend/mentor’s remembrance, precious.
—Keith Stone, New Orleans, Louisiana
Learning Jazz
Thank you [Jan Ramsey] for teaching me about jazz. Through the interview I learned that jazz isn’t always loud and quick.
Now I know a lot about jazz since I interviewed with you. Thank you for giving me the time to talk with you about New Orleans jazz.
It’s pretty cool that you know a lot about jazz. I think jazz is pretty cool. I play superbone and baritone. My favorite instrument is the baritone. I hope I can visit there some day and listen to New Orleans jazz.
—Shajol Kailukiak, Fairbanks, Alaska
OffBeat welcomes letters from its readers—both comments and criticisms. To be considered for publication, all letters must be signed and contain the current address and phone number of the writer. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for length or content deemed objectionable to OffBeat readers. Please send letters to Editor, OffBeat Publications, 421 Frenchmen St., Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70116.
