NON-TOURIST NEEDS OFFBEAT

Picked up an issue of OffBeat (May ’93) while in New Orleans for the Jazz Fest. Not only did I fall in love with your enchanting city, but OffBeat gave me insightful info on all the best to see and do while I was there. I pride myself in being a “non-tourist” type of tourist and OffBeat provided me with detailed info on all the hidden treasures New Orleans has to offer. I’m enclosing a money order and would appreciate a copy of your June issue. I’m counting on OffBeat to make my second trip on June 9 as enjoyable as my first.

Erin Conway, Gainesville, FL

HOMESICK FOR NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans was my home for 25 years. I moved away for the past five years to pursue business opportunities. One of my goals is to get back to the city as often as possible. It has been a challenge to get advance information about Jazz Fest, special events and, most important, what’s at the clubs around town. The newspaper only gives you a week’s notice, phone calls consume time and money, friends and family get tired of sending information. Your publication has been the source of planning my last three visits. Please send me a subscription: With each issue I’m sure I will become more homesick for New Orleans.

Ed Netzhammer, San Diego, CA

DOWN ON CONGO SQUARE ARTICLE

Michael Tisserand’s article “Down In Congo Square” (May ’93) is incomplete and misleading in regards to the efforts of hundreds of people who have been working since 1989 to resurrect and beautify Congo Square. Mr. Tisserand incorrectly refers to my efforts in Congo Square as local music jams. In reality, the drumming, held since 1989, every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., is called the Congo Square Percussion Workshop. This free class is sponsored by Percussion Incorporated and has resulted in the resurrection of Congo Square and the formation of the Congo Square Foundation. The Congo Square Foundation has been successful in getting Congo Square listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the Foundation sponsors lectures and produces an annual Congo Square International Festival. In writing about such an important New Orleans landmark, it is imperative that Mr. Tisserand do additional research and include efforts of hundreds of local citizens who are not only preserving important aspects of African-American history but are also making history in terms of protecting Congo Square and creating future uses of the Square as New Orleans moves into the 21st Century.

Luther Gray, President, Congo Square Foundation

We appreciate the scope and significance of your campaign. Unfortunately, the space allotted by me for Mr. Tisserand’s article made it impossible to chronicle in depth the “efforts of hundreds.” He was assigned to write a brief overview of Congo Square to give some perspective to the Congo Square Jazz Fest poster that was on the May issue’s cover. He did that—Ed.

MORE CRITIQUES…

I look forward to your publication as I look forward to Jazz Fest. I congratulate your efforts during the Fest for being the insiders’ hip guide to what’s happening. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!

Peter Price, New Hope, PA

I found the interviews with Aaron Neville and Zachary Richard a bit trivial. Earl King was much better—this reader wants facts, history, anecdotes, not record promo hype about producers, the “sound,” etc. A bit more on the obscure would be great. Otherwise, a very enjoyable read.

Mark Shemet, Peterborough, NH

I’ve been receiving OffBeat for the past three or four months and thoroughly enjoy it. I scan it thoroughly, which gives me an idea of what’s happening in New Orleans and tips me off to various recordings and musicians that might otherwise remain unknown to me. Your feature-length articles are good. For example, I am currently enjoying the elongated interview with Zachary Richard, who I never heard of until your interview with him. The fact that you extend music coverage to include guys like Henry Rollins makes me think that you have your eyes and ears (and mind) open. Keep up the good work.

Blind Lemon Philips, Lexington, VA

Mr. Philips currently works as a solo acoustic guitarist, focusing on blues and the “Stones-Beatles-Clapton-Hendrix-Bowie-Marc Bolan repertoire all performed with that Blind Lemon flair.” Attention local club owners: he’d love to play your venue.—Ed.