WETLANDS
Excellent article on Tab Benoit and the Voice of the Wetlands, in fact, the best I’ve seen—thanks for “getting” it, and helping to tell a story that needs to be spread and re-told. I was fortunate to be at the recording session [John Swenson] so ably described. It was an awesome experience watching that group put together what is truly an overlooked masterpiece, though I am somewhat prejudiced in that opinion.
—Tommy Lyons, Secretary for Voice of the Wetlands, Houma, LA
Thank you to John Swenson for his great article and coverage of Louisiana’s wetlands and one of our nation’s biggest environmental disasters known to very few!
—Elizabeth Goodwin Welborn, Mill Valley, CA
Hats off for a fine cover story on Tab Benoit! Tab is a great ambassador for not only Houma, but all of Louisiana. Hopefully, this story will touch your readership and spark a few fires across the country.
—Kelly Kraemer Gustafson, Houma, LA
MUSICIANS CLINIC
Thank you so much for featuring the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. It means so much to us, but certainly means even more to the musicians and their families who depend on our services. Although times are tough, we are still determined to continue the mission we set over 10 years ago to “keep the music alive.” And with the support of everyone at OffBeat, we have little doubt the New Orleans Musicians Clinic will endure for many years to come.
—Bethany Bultman, Program Director for New Orleans Musicians Clinic, New Orleans, LA
FOUNTAIN & HIRT
I’ve been a subscriber to OffBeat for many years and love/depend on it. Growing up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi with family in New Orleans, we spent a great deal of time there. We still make at least two trips a year for the music, food, culture and the occasional Saints game. As a child, I have great memories of my parents sitting around sipping cocktails and listening to their Pete Fountain and Al Hirt records (which I now have). Now being 44 years old and a lover of their music myself, my question is other than their statues on Bourbon Street, why does it seem like they both are ignored in the context of the musical heritage of the city? I listen to WWOZ every day all day at work and have never heard them mentioned or their music played. I read a great deal from New Orleans and never hear them mentioned. Is there a back-story of why they seem to be ignored? I was fortunate enough to hear Pete Fountain in Bay Saint Louis the summer of Katrina with my mother—one of my greatest memories. I’ll also say that I had the honor of meeting and talking with Irvin Mayfield just a few weeks ago when we were there—another one of my best moments.
—Kevan Kirkpatrick, Tupelo, MS
POTLUCK
I really enjoyed getting the back issues of OffBeat. It was fun to see some of the old stuff that is gone and some of the old stuff that is still around. I love zydeco and enjoy everything about it. Anything about the Rock ’n’ Bowl just sends me. I have had some of the best nights of my life there. I also like to read about the festivals. I am luck enough to have two cousins who are New Orleans natives and I get down there for a visit whenever I can, which can be twice a year or every couple of years. I came down and helped my cousin in Saint Bernard rebuild her house after Katrina. I have subscribed to OffBeat for years, have kept all my copies and am always happy to add to my collection.
—Virginia Windle, Quincy, CA
APPRECIATION
Thank y’all for all the work you do. I had to relocate out of the area nearly seven years ago, and I really appreciate OffBeat and the link it gives me back to New Orleans and Louisiana.
—David Cooper, Romeoville, IL
