It’s hot. It’s very hot in New Orleans and environs—and we ain’t just talkin’ figuratively, baby. But we aim to lower the temperature a bit in our annual “cool” issue of OffBeat. Herein, ladies and gentlemen readers, we present the essential cool reference: see Eric Bookhardt’s cool guide this month.

Well, as most of you regular readers have figured out, this mag’s got a vested interest in music here in Louisiana…and we know a lot of other folks who do too. Keith Spera’s article on New Orleans’ Movers & Shakers identifies a few of those entrepreneurial souls who are investing their time and energy at making music an integral part of our economy. More newsy than we usually are in this rag, but then again we like to let our readers know who’s really doing something to better things for music in the Big Easy.

We’re sure there will be those who will wonder why they were left out (or even maybe why they were included). Editorially speaking here, OffBeat’s tried to select folks who are on the cutting edge of what’s happening right now in the New Orleans music scene. And then again, space is limited guys. For example, there are some local attorneys and other business types who are working every day to improve the lot of musicians and the overall industry in New Orleans. You know who you are.

Keith Spera’s also written a piece on two of the coolest new bands in the Crescent City. That’s not to say we don’t appreciate the likes of Shot Down in Ecuador, Jr., Force of Habit, the House Levelers, Marva Wright (who has a new album coming out on Tip’s’ label) and other fine young bands. We’ll cover ya’ll soon. Promise.

We would encourage other folks around the state to keep us informed on new and great sounding groups or other artists—both visual and performing—who are outstanding. We’re always willing to listen to the new, untamed and fresh. And after all, this magazine is devoted to all the arts, not just music, though music is our first love. Theater, artwork, video, music, films, photography, festivals…you name it…if it reflects the homegrown cultural flavor of Louisiana, the avant garde – we want to hear about it.

We also encourage our readers to write and give us their opinion on what we can cover in the magazine to make it more interesting, fresh, and—dare we say it?—offbeat.

We’re looking forward to the Neville Brothers’ new album, set for release in mid August or so…also the outcome of Bob Vernon’s plan for Armstrong Park…the Louisiana legislature’s misguided efforts to label recordings as “offensive” (jeez guys, don’t you have better things to do?).

New Orleans’ chanteuse Wanda Rouzan is up in New York at the Village Gate appearing in Vernel Bagneris’ Further Mo’. She’s understudying for Topsy Chapman through mid-July. Check out the La Fete activities this month…it’s the summer festival in New Orleans. And Nunsense at the Toulouse Theatre. It’s a hoot.

OffBeat‘s Louisiana Music Directory will be available by July 15. It’s the most comprehensive guide to the Louisiana and New Orleans music scene anywhere. Call OffBeat (522-5533) for information on how to get a copy, and if you read this before July 5, get in touch to add your band or business to the directory.

Next month hang tight, we’re in for more heat (hopefully not too much more from the Louisiana legislature!). In the meantime, try not to damage the ozone layer too much. Stay inside, read, and use your ceiling fans, kids. We will.