Doreen Ketchens
Very talented! I had the opportunity to have her as a neighbor in the 6th Ward. Her mom had a “Sweet Shop” on St. Phillip St. I’m thrilled that she is being recognized for her awesome talent.
—Cabrinia Demello, Caddo, Louisiana
I have so many beautiful pictures of Doreen and her band. Always thought she has the best seat in the French Quarter. So many awesome memories of Doreen and her band/family playing on Royal Street in front of that fabulous Rouses. Listening to Doreen, with a Rouses chicken salad sandwich, a bag of Zapp’s Creole onion chips and a Barq’s root beer is a long, long tradition. I love you, Ms. Doreen. I do love to watch her perform. Thanks OffBeat mag, finally.
—Connie Akard, Antlers, Oklahoma
Art Neville
Man, the second lines, brass bands, have just barely got done with Jazz Funerals for Dr. John, Dave Bartholomew, and some other wonderful NOLA artists recently lost, and now this. Feels like God is stripping me of one major influence after another. Man, this hurts.
—TJ Wheeler, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
Erica Falls
Erica Falls this a.m. [OnBeat Sessions: Erica Falls, on OffBeat’s YouTube Channel]. WOW, she is a vocalist supreme—I have reviewed for many years and that is a voice I would gladly go to New Orleans to hear—or for that matter anywhere. Thank you to the OffBeat staff.
—Bob Gottlieb, Tucson, Arizona
Weed World Candies
The following letter is in response to Lucy Foreman’s news post “Weed World Candies move from Promo Van to Flagship Store,” announcing the opening of a new store in the French Quarter.—ED.
I enjoyed this article on WW Candies and wanted to provide a quick update on the landscape now that the Louisiana House has amended the industrial hemp bill.
This is a really exciting time for Louisiana and a big “leveling of the playing field” moment. Essentially, Kentucky has taken the opportunity to monetize this industry in a major capacity over the past several years, and we’ve been missing out. Along with the legalization, we’ve seen some really exciting brands launch in town such as New Orleans Oil Co. (www.no-oc.com), that are focused on quality rather than turning a quick buck. So, plenty of new brands are entering the marketplace. Overall, we should welcome the talent migration and investment that comes along with these sea changes.
In the service industry, CBD oil gives chefs and bartenders another ingredient option—creativity and innovation is the lifeblood of the city.
—John Hewitt, New Orleans, Louisiana
Satchmo Summerfest
As a long-time OffBeat reader and a devoted New Orleans music fan, I wanted to share this photo with you. To me, this moment was the highlight of the festival [Satchmo SummerFest]. I am sure Louis Armstrong would love this bridging of cultures and generations through his music. What a wonderful world indeed!
—Randall Nash, Cohasset, Massachusetts
OffBeat welcomes letters from its readers—both comments and criticisms. To be considered for publication, all letters must be signed and contain the current address and phone number of the writer. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for length or content deemed objectionable to OffBeat readers. Please send letters to Editor, OffBeat Publications, 421 Frenchmen St., Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70116.
