BEST OF THE BEAT
Terrance and I want to thank you for your love and commitment to Louisiana music culture and history.
We are both deeply honored and humbled by the recognition we received from OffBeat‘s Best of the Beat Awards 2007, he for Best Accordion and me for my Heartbeat Award.
Furthermore, we want to thank you for placing value on the important contributions our music artists make to the state of Louisiana.
Your unwavering commitment to the whole of Louisiana music was once again demonstrated in your awards this year that honored not only dozens of musicians, but an upstart record label [Valcour], an internationally known festival [Festival International de Louisiane] and a non profit [Louisiana Crossroads].
Much love to all of you from all us here in Lafayette!
—Cynthia and Terrance Simien, Lafayette, LA
AMANDA SHAW
Thank you for the cover article on Amanda Shaw. I was fortunate enough to meet Amanda and her family on Delbert McClinton’s cruise last year. While I generally find teenagers to be frightening creatures, I found Amanda to be intelligent, polite, joyful, humble and grounded. Amanda went out of her way to greet my (then) seven-year-old daughter with an infectious laugh and a sincere smile, treating her like she was the only person in the room. Amanda was genuinely a nice, sweet kid.
Musically, I saw Amanda improving on stage with musicians three times her age and more. She was able to hold her own with Delbert, Jo-El Sonnier, Marcia Ball, and the other musicians on the cruise. Yes, the target audience for her own show is about three decades below my age. However, I think the coming years will demonstrate Amanda’s musical integrity and abilities, as she grows and matures into her formidable talents.
There is an old saying in music that success only changes people who don’t deserve it. I think Amanda is safe on that count.
—Clay S. Conrad, Houston, TX
Just wanted to thank you for the Amanda Shaw profile in your February issue. The article—and, especially the photos—were a great reminder that, whatever your dire message or creative angst, this music stuff can even be fun sometimes.
—Louie Ludwig, New Orleans, LA
IRMA OVERLOOKED?
We’re looking forward to our annual trip first weekend of Jazz Fest this year, but now I have a couple of comments in reading the Best of the Beat awards. With all due respect to Susan Cowsill, who I think the world of, a best New Orleans vocalist that is not Irma Thomas doesn’t work for me and I am sure many others. No slight to the competition, only a feeling that Irma never gets the recognition she deserves, not even at home.
And on the second Susan Cowsill front, the country/folk/roots category used to belong to Kim Carson. I hope she is not being overlooked because she is presently hanging out in Houston (and the world) while her Mid-City home is being rebuilt. She is another local treasure deserving of far great recognition that she receives here. An overlooked star just like Irma.
Thanks for the chance to vent. By the way, the decision to add fiddle/violin as a separate category is a good one. A competition between Theresa and Gina Forsyth would be one to see.
—Joe Holtzman, Chicago, IL
