Crescent City Connection
I have been an OffBeat subscriber for many, many years. I used to live in New Orleans and in Slidell in the mid-’70s and early ’80s. Worked at the Hale Boggs Federal Building in the CBD—spent many a night out listening to Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Professor Longhair, James Booker, Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. Went to my first Jazz Fest in 1975 or 1976—this year will be my 32nd or 33rd Jazz Fest. The last 23 years in a row. About four years ago I created a radio show here in St. Augustine, Florida called the Crescent City Connection. It is broadcast every Thursday from 3–5 p.m. EST on Flagler College radio 88.5 FM, “Radio with a Reason.” We can also be heard on the world wide web via iHeart radio. My play list is eclectic, from brass bands, Neville Brothers, the Marsalises, Tuba Skinny, Harry Connick, Jr., Doreen Ketchens, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Banu Gibson, Leroy Jones, Don Vappie, Dr. Michael White, Dr. John, Frankie Ford, Astral Project, Jon Cleary, Honey Island Swamp Band, etc. We play them all. We are as eclectic as WWOZ. I would love to get some new listeners. Keep up the good work in publicizing the best music in the world.
—Ralph Collinson, St. Augustine, Florida
Royal Street
The following letter is in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post, “Every Year Royal Street Performers Annoy Retailers. Compromise?” talking about a WWL-TV news story about complaints from businesses on Royal Street with the noise coming from street performers.
I have to say, I’d probably avoid Royal Street if it wasn’t for the street performers. If I wanted to shop I would, street performers or not. I’ve been to New Orleans many times and Royal Street has performers that aren’t in your face like Bourbon Street!
—Dawn Smith, Voorhees, New Jersey
Helen Hill
The following letter is in response to Sam D’Arcangelo’s news post, “New Orleans Filmmaker Helen Hill’s Works Now Available Online” remembering Helen Hill and her murder 10 years ago.
What a nice remembrance of Helen, Sam, thank you. If anyone wants to know more about Helen, I suggest watching The Florestine Collection, which was unfinished at the time of her death and was later finished by her husband Paul, who made it into a tribute to Helen.
—Courtney Egan, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Album
Aw man, breakin’ my heart as I won’t be able to attend [Best of the Beat Awards]. I would love to be there most especially for Johnny [Vidacovich] but I’m recording a new live album here in Lafayette at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Have a great night!
—Sonny Landreth, Lafayette, Louisiana
Detroit Brooks
Could not agree more that Detroit [Brooks] is well deserving of this award [HeartBeat Award]. Great player and very supportive of other musicians, plus one of the nicest people you would ever want to know. Congratulations Detroit!
—John Ewart, Lewes, Delaware
Thank you for the great article and for recognizing Detroit. I truly think that there is no one more deserving of this award.
—Diane Danthony, Northampton, Massachusetts
Hopalong
I agree with OffBeat Magazine this CD [Hopalong Catastrophe: Big Bad Wrong (Four Cats / Radionic Records, reviewed January 2017) is one of the best-kept secrets. I enjoyed the whole album. Each song has its own unique sound and has you really wanting to hear the words. The one I liked the most was “Queen Of Deceit” and “Wink of an Eye” was one of the best ones too.
—Kathleen Lynch, New Orleans, Louisiana
