That got your attention, right?

I don’t really, but my attitudes towards the day have sure changed over the years. Last year really stands out because of two things: Antoinette K-Doe died last year on Mardi Gras Day. The weather last year was just so perfect; everyone in my neighborhood was having a fantastic time. And then I heard that Antoinette had passed away. It was so ironic because she had had a heart attack on Mardi Gras the year before but seemed to have recovered so well. What a terrible shock. Antoinette was a wonderful person: kind, giving, spiritual, witty. I’ll think of her now every time Mardi Gras rolls around.

Last year was also a bit scary in other ways. Joseph and I live just a block-and-a-half from Second and Dryades, the meeting place for many Mardi Gras Indian tribes, particularly the Wild Magnolias. Lots of people from all over the city gather there to drink, party, dance and visit with their neighbors and friends. Last year’s gathering was so cool. I usually see my old friend John Sinclair there; Frenchy, painting up a storm; Bo Dollis, of course; and so many other folks in the arts and music communities. But Second and Dryades is in Central City (my ’hood, y’all!)—which is notorious amongst locals for being one of the most crime-ridden in the city. It’s certainly one of the poorest areas of town, and when there’s poverty, there’s crime.

Anyway, we schlepped down to St. Charles Avenue, spent some time with our friends and family there, and then headed back to Second and Dryades. In the 45 minutes or so we were down at Dryades Street, there was a shooting involving several people at Second and St Charles. We just missed the violence with the St. Charles Avenue crowd because we were safe at Second and Dryades (the so-called “bad neighborhood”)! Just like Antoinette’s death, that little incident will stick with me for a long time.

I’ve wondered for many years if violence might take its toll on New Orleans festivals and celebrations; so far it sure hasn’t. It has been a problem with many of the second-line parades, but it’s never going to stop New Orleanians from celebrating their most beloved holiday: Mardi Gras. Hell, if the Saints can go to the Super Bowl, anything can happen!

If crime trends continue, we need to stop the proliferation of easy access to guns. Of course in order to really stop violence, we need a better police force, superior education and less poverty. More job opportunities and less corruption from government, too. It’s not going to happen overnight. We need a committed populace and effective, honest government to change our city.

By the time you get this magazine, you’ll have about a week to make up your mind who you want to vote for in the upcoming New Orleans mayoral election. I believe the candidate who can work to accomplish all these goals and more—and undoubtedly the candidate who’s done the most for music and culture during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor—is Mitch Landrieu. He’s got my vote.

Go out, have a great, safe Mardi Gras, and be sure to vote on February 6, even though it’s the day before the Super Bowl. We can’t afford to make another mayoral mistake.