I read every word that’s published in OffBeat’s “Bible.” One theme that recurs is that many musicians were influenced as children to become musicians. If a kid is exposed to music and music history—and is encouraged by teachers and mentors to love listening to all kinds of music and to perform same, you have the makings of a deeply-rooted musical tradition that’s passed on through time.

I have nothing but respect for teachers and educational mentors who inspire kids. Unfortunately, arts education, especially music, is no longer a part of the curriculum in our schools. The emphasis is on STEM—obviously not a bad thing, but without literature, arts, culture and music, we’re producing generations of kids who are starved for the very things that make us empathic, cultured, diverse human beings. In New Orleans and in some areas of Louisiana, our musical heritage is passed down from grandfather to son to grandson to great grandson (or daughters!) in families, churches and bands. That’s the way it’s always been and must continue into the future. But it’s very important to create an entity that creates curriculum and requires that our indigenous music, art and history of same is taught to youngsters throughout their school years, beginning with elementary school, even kindergarten. If we don’t teach our kids, they won’t be aware why we are so musically and culturally special. If future generations don’t know who Allen Toussaint was, or Harold Dejan, or Buddy Bolden, or the Neville Brothers, or Dr. John, or DJ Jubilee, or Master P was (literally, some young people who live here already have forgotten these because they are just too young to remember)—we are in deep trouble. We need to do something right now to ensure that we are steeping our kids in our musical heritage. History and exposure to all kinds of Louisiana culture and music is crucial.

Speaking of history, I became aware of a fantastic photograph that was taken on October 14, 1998, by photographer/documentarian Lawrence Cumbo—at the request of Mac Rebennack—to recreate “A Great Day In New Orleans”,” similar to Art Kane’s 1958 renowned portrait “Great Day in Harlem.”  After months of planning, 63 legendary musicians, spanning three generations, gathered in Armstrong Park to have their photo taken for posterity. Now, 25 years later, Cumbo is embarking on a journey to bring the surviving “greats” and the next generation of musicians together in a new documentary film. Cumbo is making this historic photo available for purchase to help raise money for the documentary. You can visit  GreatDayProject.com for more info or to order a print.