No tourism no money
These letters are in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post “Not to be a Debbie Downer, But…” lamenting the increase in Covid-19 cases.—Ed.
Your editorial was very well thought-out. Probably a thousand people could have written similar pieces. This is the first summer that I have not worked with Umbria Jazz Festival in over 30 years! Pulling up the Tuba Skinny video reinforced the widespread affect: They were booked for the Summer Umbria Jazz Festival, July 10-19th, along with the Shake ’em Up Jazz Band and Naughty Professor. I had two other groups from the USA booked as well. And I am told that the Winter Umbria Jazz Festival in Orvieto has been cancelled. No tourism, no money. That sounds a bit like New Orleans at this point.
I am considering organizing a New Orleans Umbria Jazz Festival for the winter. It does seem like a lot of work, but Umbria Jazz provided a lot of money into the Katrina relief, (even though the money went through New York) we can all work together. I assume that I can get enough musical groups to participate to supply four venues music for six days/night. A lot of work, but I will plan it as well as I can, and then try to make it work.
—Gary J. Edwards, Edwards Music, Sound of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
Thanks for your piece. Hard to see it in writing but it is the truth. You asked—will we be able to adjust for 6-12 months? The only way is if materially impactful unemployment benefits are extended. Otherwise no doubt the industries you mention will collapse.
300,000 people have been collecting $600 a week—Covid-19 unemployment benefits.
So it would cost the state $180 million a week to extend those benefits after this month.
Pretty big price tag, but it’s necessary. If the city can’t bring donors plus sponsors together to shore it up we all will have to reorient completely.
—Alison McConnell, New Orleans, Louisiana
OffBeat’s digital issues
Thanks so much for being undeterred by the pandemic and publishing OffBeat online these past four months— April, May, June, and July, 2020. It’s this same pandemic, and my consequent sheltering in place enabled me to read these issues over a number of hours today. I am deeply moved by the June article on Spencer Bohren and the Write Brothers. John Swenson continues his amazing writing. I am moved as well by Geraldine Wycoff’s May tribute to Ellis Marsalis Jr.; music aside, there is so much to learn from this giant. Jan Ramsey’s May conversation with Ben Jaffe highlights Jaffe’s unwavering commitment to maintain Preservation Hall and address the needs of its musicians during this unprecedented time of crisis and uncertainty. I appreciate the Jeff Hannusch tribute in July to Phil Phillips, whose “Sea of Love” just might be the greatest love song of my lifetime. I count myself most fortunate to have seen Phillips years ago at both Jazz Fest and the Ponderosa Stomp. I also appreciate the July article on Gregg Martinez. I’ve only heard a couple of songs from MacDaddy Mojeaux so far, but I find “Just Be Gone” astounding; an original song from 2020 that seems to have come from the glory days of 1960’s soul. There’s much more as well, all of which can help me maintain some musical and cultural continuity with New Orleans, while awaiting the hopeful resumption of Jazz Fest in 2021.
—Gordon R. Hodas MD, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
