BASEMENT ZYDECO
In Dan Willging’s Ernest James Zydeco review [March 2013], he says, “no sea level zydeco band would ever sing about being in a basement.” I think my favorite—Terrence Simien sings about Grandma’s basement in “Grandma’s House!”
—Deb Kyle, Souderton, PA
OUTLIVING JAZZ FEST
One of the rare items that used to bother me about Jazz Fest was the knowledge that someday, the festival would be going on as usual, but I would have died and could no longer attend. Now, though, I am 80 and going strong, but with tickets at $60 per day and not even a half-hearted attempt by festival organizers to bring in important new jazz groups from elsewhere in the United States or from overseas, for all practical purposes, Jazz Fest no longer exists for me. I’ve managed to outlive it after all!
—Steve Steinberg, New Orleans, LA
NEW ORLEANS MUSIC OBSESSION
Today I received my first order of the back issue potluck. This will definitely help feed my obsession for New Orleans music.
I appreciate the mixture of older and newer issues, especially the early ones. Seeing so many covers at once is very interesting, giving a great survey of New Orleans music. The Nevilles were on three different covers in this box. It was nice to see some with artists that have passed away, such as Johnny Adams. There are some artists featured in these that I know little or nothing about, and I look forward to learning about them. The CDs are a great bonus.
I also appreciate your inclusion of the October 2002 issue featuring DJ Davis, as I am a big fan of the HBO series Treme. When we were in New Orleans in February 2012, we ran into Steve Zahn at Vaughan’s.
I further appreciate your offer to track what has been sent to me, as that was the only thing holding me back from ordering more of the potlucks.
—Mike Koertje, Louisville, CO
CREEPING ELITISM
This is in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post “Jazz Fest for the Gimped and Otherwise Infirm” wherein she bemoans the loss of handicap viewing to VIPs.—Ed.
Jazz Fest isn’t losing money, regardless of where it puts handicapped fans. The creeping elitism that accompanies pricey access for the privileged few is obnoxious and offensive. This is Jazz Fest, not the luxury suite at Trump Tower. The people in charge seem to keep forgetting that.
As the Festing population inevitably ages, mobility for those with age-related physical challenges will rise accordingly. It’s time to put in place a workable policy that isn’t subject to the annual whims of producers, and doesn’t relegate the handicapped to second class status under the guise of being “VIPs.”
—Max Tout, Kirkland, WA
BRUTALLY HONEST
This is in response to Brett Milano’s blog post “The Film, the Dirt & Other Things: The Cowsills Story on Showtime” wherein he talks about the father, Bud, who was physically violent with the brothers and worse with Susan.—Ed.
Just watched this on demand on Showtime. It will break your heart but finish with some redemption. I don’t recall seeing such a brutally honest film about the lives of a family—in music or otherwise. Highly recommended.
—John Jacobs, Tucson, AZ
HOMER NOT HOUMA
Bobby Rush was born in North Louisiana near Homer in Claiborne Parish, birth name Emmit Ellis Jr. (either 1931 or 1935). [April 2013, Louisiana Music: A Primer: Blues] His father was a circuit preacher and his territory covered Arkansas and Louisiana. The family moved to Pine Bluff when he was a teenager because that was the biggest congregation.
—Keith Abel, Shreveport, LA
We regret the error.—Ed.
JAZZ FEST FROM AFAR
“Stuck in Connecticut for Jazz Fest—thank you AXS TV!”
—John Eaton, Oxford, CT
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