I started working on the publication that would become OffBeat because I loved music, always have. I played instruments in the school band, and played guitar during the long-ago folk era (Joan Baez was my heroine because of her pure voice and straightforward delivery). Those folkies introduced me to a lot of music I had never heard of, which I grew to love. Irma Thomas’ voice killed me. I used to listen to her on a transistor radio on a local radio station, when commercial radio stations still played local music. I became a Bonnie Raitt fan in college.

Even though I grew up in the metro area—we lived in “da parish”—I never got to experience the Preservation Hall Band live, as did locals like Tom Sancton, who wrote about his experiences so eloquently in Song for My Fathers. So I really had a lot to discover musically.

It’s been quite a journey and along the way, I’ve learned so much about New Orleans, Louisiana, and the heritage and culture of our people. I feel privileged to have been able to serve the music community over these 20 years or so.

No, I’m not quitting yet!

What I’m driving at is that many people have inspired me over the years to pursue the dream of helping to improve the lot for local musicians and artists.

I was inspired this morning by the inauguration of a new president who intends, according to his speeches, to inspire hope rather than to engender fear. Fear has been our government’s mantra of the last eight years or so. The message of hope inspires. I can relate because as a business owner, you’ve got to have hope, even when things are not so good in the economy. As an entrepreneur, you cannot be afraid to change, to take risks and to maybe screw up a bit. If you fall, you get back up and keep truckin’. But you first have to hope for the best, and work hard and smart to do what needs to be done. That goes for creative people, too.

So it is with a lot of people who carry on an illustrious heritage that is woven into our culture. At this year’s Best of the Beat Awards, we honored Big Chief Bo Dollis of the Wild Magnolias, one of the best known local Mardi Gras Indian tribes. Many of you, I’m sure, are not aware of the commitment and hard work that it takes to continue the traditions of Mardi Gras Indians. These guys come up with unique designs every year. It takes them a full year to sew and to create a one-of-a-kind, literal work of art. They do this every single year. They practice and meet, all to maintain their Mardi Gras traditions. Mardi Gras is a tradition of party before fast, and it’s woven so deeply into our culture that its influence permeates everything: our love of food, drink, costumes, silliness, partying, and our tolerance for the absurd. It’s pretty cool, huh? As I do every year: enjoy Mardi Gras, leave your guns and weapons at home (one day soon I hope I won’t have to say that any more). Be kind and tolerant towards your neighbors, tourists, and the drunks. It’s all for Mardi Gras.