This is so cool… this month we’re previewing a feature that anyone who’s interested in Louisiana music will appreciate (and I’m presuming if you’re reading this, you’re one of that number!). This month, we present the first of ten installments of the 100 Essential Louisiana CDs (see page 58), that will appear serialized in OffBeat through July 1999. We expect there will be some controversy over our writers’ and editors’ selections, so we want to hear from you, please, on your favorites-should we make it "Deserted Swamp Discs?"
The really great news is if you subscribe (either new or a subscription renewal for at least two years) during the period from October 1, 1998 through July 31, 1999, you’ll be eligible to win all 100 CDs through the courtesy of our sponsor, Virgin Megastore – plus you’re guaranteed to get the OffBeat CD free too. Look on page 21 for a subscription form in this month’s issue.
Some lucky subscribers will also receive a free Pioneer CD car stereo in-dash AM-FM receiver and CD player (see page 13 for details on this contest).
We’re forging ahead with an increased presence on the internet through Cox Interactive Media’s new website which will be known as www.insideneworleans.com. A "music community" including the presence of OffBeat, WWOZ, and Cox’s own Louisiana Jukebox will comprise the main components of the music "channel" portion of the site. Sometime in mid-October, net surfers will be able to experience live chats, music news, "Ask OffBeat," OffBeat’s music listings, on-line record reviews, daily music show "hot picks," live music reviews and much, much more, along with a bridge page to our award-winning web site. Stay tuned to www.offbeat.com and our magazine for more info as it develops.
Tipitina’s has announced the hiring of its new talent buyer, Adam Shipley, replacing Eddie Pearce. Shipley, 34, is originally from Orlando, but says he almost feels like a native since he’s been coming to NOLA since "about 1987-Jazz Fest every year, a few ‘Gras. And once I started getting into booking music [through his Orlando-based Hep Cat Productions], I always brought bands to New Orleans from Florida and vice versa." Shipley has worked as a talent buyer for the House of Blues Orlando and managed the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars from 1995 to 1998. "I got a bit tired of the [House of Blues] corporate stuff," says Shipley, and went back to Hep Cat, a company he founded in 1988 and productions kept open while he was at HOB. Shipley will split his time between New Orleans’ Uptown Tip’s location (he’s in town Tuesday through Saturday) and Orlando. "I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work at Tip’s-so many bands wanna play here!"
Tip’s will host birthday parties this month for Cyril Neville (his fiftieth on October 10 at the FQ location) and for Boozoo Chavis uptown on October 23. Happy Birthday greetings are also in store for Tommy Ridgley on October 30. We understand Tommy has been a bit under the weather lately-send those cards and letters to wish him well, guys.
The Eighth Floor Foundation will institute another Walk of Fame Induction at Tip’s Uptown on Saturday October 24 at 1p.m. Inductees will include WWOZ, Harold Battiste, Jr. and Irma Thomas. The Battiste Brothers will perform, along with The Cajun Spice Girls (?!) in their "hot rubber outfits" (I got this info directly from Tip’s–so you tell me…).
A new music retailer is poised to moved into New Orleans. Blockbuster Music has recently been acquired by Wherehouse, the nation’s second largest music retailer. According to a Blockbuster spokesperson in Los Angeles, the change from Block to Where will take place in Louisiana soon after the first of the year. No real changes in personnel are anticipated at this time, says the company spokesperson.
Borders Books and Music will have opened in Metairie by the time this issue goes to press. The company is very community-oriented and intends to work with local musicians on consignments and will present in-stores on a regular basis. (Hope they don’t have the same problems as Tower and the Louisiana Music Factory). Opening weekend festivities will include performances by Kermit Ruffins, Jason Marsalis, Allen Toussaint and many more.
Congratulations to Joey Anteletta of Key West, FL who won tickets to our Funky Meters subscription ticket giveaway; David Stapleton of New York won the Galactic giveaway; and Timothy Patton of San Antonio and Mike Hart of Shreveport, respectively, who won the Endfest tickets.
Tyler’s Beer Garden is reopening at 3841 Orleans Avenue…proprietor Mike Kiefer hopes to bring back some of the old glory it possessed when it resided on Magazine Street. At press time, Kiefer was still working out political problems in the neighborhood, but expects the club and restaurant to open sometime in mid-October.
Events to watch for in October: Edward Anderson and OffBeat will present a Tribute to Harold Battiste, Jr. (All For One and One For Harold), the founder of All For One (AFO) Records on October 16 at The Red Room. Dr. John and Allen Toussaint are two old friends and collaborators of Harold’s, and both will be there, among many others, to honor him that evening. Please read all about AFO and the wonderful Mr. Battiste, along with a beautiful tribute written by Harold’s labelmate and writer Kalamu ya Salaam in this issue. Thank you Harold, for all you’ve done for New Orleans musicians and music!
OffBeat will also sponsor several other shows this month: Cubanismo at the House of Blues on October 12 (in conjunction with WWOZ); "Swing Nite" every Tuesday at the Rock ‘N’ Bowl; several alternative shows at Tip’s Uptown (see Tip’s calendar); and Cyril Neville’s birthday party. OffBeat’s Annual Fall Funk Fest from October 16-24-featuring George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Iris May Tango, The Li’l Rascals Brass Band, James Andrews, All That, Michael Ray & The Cosmic Krewe, The New World Funk Ensemble and The Original New Birth Brass Band – is underway at Tip’s Uptown as well. Wow, my head’s swimming! Too much music, too little time!
October is Jazz Awareness Month (JAM) in New Orleans and there are events all month to celebrate our unique musical heritage, including the Jazztown Awards (see JAM schedule, this issue). It’s a busy, busy month in New Orleans, but please do not miss the 10 Anniversary New Orleans Film & Video Festival from October 9 through 15. I’m a member of the NOFVS and can truly tell you that if you like movies, you are missing out if you don’t join. Members get at least one (sometimes two or more) free movie screenings a month, plus a lot of other benefits (including a free sub to OffBeat at certain membership levels). You get to see the new movies first before anyone else-and for free! Call 523-3818 for more info on joining and on the festival.
