NOT JUST ANOTHER CITY
Loved reading “Same As It Ever Was” in the October issue [Mojo Mouth]. I do read newspapers and other papers so I now have read about where many journalists stopped off. I know Ian McNulty came here from Rhode Island and has made his mark on our city.
I hear him talking a lot about food these days.
No, New Orleans will never be just another city. Yes, I do like the Saints, but in my volunteer job at The Historic New Orleans Collection, there’s one room devoted to music. So I can show folks from all over the world how much music has meant and means to this great city.
I never talk about sports, but I do tell them about our music, our architecture, Jazz Fest, food, and much more. For example, yes, Mardi Gras; different writers who have lived and worked here; and there’s a room with some politics. Such an interesting place, such a beautiful place to volunteer, and to keep learning.
Thank you and everyone at OffBeat for reminders of where we came from, and we must keep on going.
—Carolyn Noah Graetz, New Orleans, Louisiana
TOUSSAINT CIRCLE
Let us change the name of the monument at the circle on Saint Charles and Howard Avenues from that of a slave-owning traitor to his oath under God to that of a gentleman, a scholar and a musician who dedicated his whole life to the betterment of the people not only of his city (with his formation of a charity to improve the lives of its citizens) and his country (serving honorably in the military) but of the whole world, with his message of love and peace and that “We Can!” Why can’t we if we want to?
—David Leonard and Roselyn Lionhart, New Orleans, Louisiana
ALLEN TOUSSAINT
With the unexpected passing of Allen Toussaint it strikes me as a long-time Jazz Fest attendee that the stages are overdue to be re- named (or co-named) to recognize the founders and influences who made the festival what it is.
I know with commercial considerations Jazz Fest is not going to cancel contracts with Acura, Southern Comfort, Sheraton, etc.
But how about these ideas:
The Allen Toussaint Stage at Gentilly
The Fats Domino Stage at Acura
The Pete Fountain Stage at Economy Hall
I could go on and on but you get the point. Who could be against honoring these human treasures and what could be a more significant and appropriate salute to the soul and jazz, rock and blues and Americana of all New Orleans music?
—N. Gelfond, Los Angeles, California
HOT AND COOL
For years I hoped to catch Allen at Snug Harbor, or anywhere in New Orleans, whenever we came to visit, but we never lucked out. Imagine my joy when I saw his name on the bill to perform at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival last July. It was freakishly hot, in the upper 100s, yet he was the epitome of cool, and it was one of my very favorite performances. I feel blessed to have had that chance to see him so soon before we lost him.
I can’t remember where I read this comment, but someone posted on how so many people have enjoyed Allen’s music and did not know it. RIP to one of the greatest songwriters ever.
—Mary Raymond, Hillsboro, Oregon
IT HAS SOUL
I never met Allen Toussant, unfortunately. But your point would have been embraced by him, I’ll bet [Mojo Mouth, December 2015]. Life moves on. Enjoy it now. Be nice to people now. Love those around you now. Improve your city now. And all the more protect the music. It changes. It always has and that will continue to be. The changes will incorporate many values, but much of it will be exemplified by living life now. A few years back, I met Les Blank, the late documentary filmmaker, at a film festival. We discussed Always for Pleasure. What made New Orleans so special for him? “It has a soul,” he said. “The history of the town is based on the principle of living life to the fullest. No matter what changes, life, death, celebrations, tragedies, are all taken with maximum intensity.” Embrace it. Then let it go. Zen master Jan. Change is where it’s at, baby.
—Al Dunn, Salisbury, North Carolina
