NEW ORLEANS MUSIC EXPERT’S SECRET IS EXPOSED
Most people I know think I’m an expert on New Orleans music. I’ve created that illusion largely by having been a subscriber to OffBeat, and before it to the late, great Wavelength, for 10 years or so. OffBeat gets better all the time. I like your new departments—on the club scene, Acadiana, blues, jazz—and your profiles on musicians. Your recent ones on the Iguanas, Evangeline, Dr. John and the Neville Brothers, for example, are some of the most insightful I’ve read. I look forward to your magazine and read every word. Keep up the good work.
Joe Keenan
U.S. Senate Press Gallery
Washington D.C.
P.S. As you see, I’m putting my money where my mouth is and re-subscribing for two years, first class. As I’ve said before, I often visit New Orleans and use your music listings to plan my trips and help others plan theirs.
IN DEFENSE OF SMALL TOWN MUSIC
I would like to take this time to commend you and your staff for putting together such a wonderful publication as OffBeat. I would like to encourage you, along with your staff, to look into the rich legacy of the many small cities that have contributed to the many Louisiana musicians who have performed and are still performing presently. Cities that come to mind are Morgan City, Thibodaux, Donaldsonville, Vacherie, Lutcher, Edgard, Hahnville, etc. These little cities have contributed to the development of Smiley Lewis, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Tommy Ridgley, Guitar Slim, Deacon John and many more within the music industry. I also believe that a venture of this magnitude encourages more OffBeat subscribers and listeners of radio station WWOZ when their communities are included in daily or monthly format. Thank you for allowing me to share an idea. Let’s hope that it is rewarding to both OffBeat magazine and radio station WWOZ.
James Jacobs, Jr.
Director of Bands, St. James High School
St. James, LA
BILLS FAN CHECKS IN
Enclosed is a check for a subscription to OffBeat. I picked up my first copy at the Village Green Bookstore in Buffalo (home of the Bills!). It’s just what I’ve been looking for! I’ve only been to New Orleans twice but I’m coming back soon. What keeps me going in between visits is listening to and reading anything by or about Professor Longhair, the Nevilles, the Meters, Dr. John and the Mardi Gras Indians. If you have back issues featuring articles on any of these artists I would be interested in purchasing them. In addition, if you can tell me how to find out when and where the Mardi Gras Indians are performing, I’d appreciate it. I’m also trying to find out when the French Quarter Festival is and who will be performing. Thank you for your help. I’m looking forward to reading your publication.
Susan Sherman
Snyder, NY
In a nutshell, you need to back-order our July ’92, August ‘92 and February ’93 issues, which chronicle the Nevilles, Dr. John and the Mardi Gras Indians, respectively. You just missed the Indians “Super Sunday Showdown,” which was in March, and the French Quarter Festival, which was in mid-April—Ed.
