DISTURBING TREND
My name is Sophie Lee and I am a part-time guest vocalist for the New Orleans Jazz Vipers. So while I am not completely objective in considering them one of THE most hard-working and dedicated New Orleans bands, I have been given some insight to the inner workings of what makes this group of musicians so special.
On October 3, 2005 the Vipers performed outside of Angeli’s restaurant. This was the earliest date that many of us were “allowed” back into the city, and after checking on homes, friends, family, etc., the Vipers were on the street playing music for the people who stayed or for those just back—relief workers, some press, etc. I was there, and it was an emotional experience to say the least—lots of hugs some tears and plenty of hope for the future of our city.
Now, it seems as though our city has decided now, a year later, is the time to put 20-plus musicians out of work because of permit issues at Angeli’s. Please help us put a light on this disturbing trend.
The Jazz Vipers, along with many other Frenchmen Street bands are part of the life-blood that keeps this city thriving. I, for one, think they have an interesting story to tell and one that your readers would like to see as well.
—Sophie Lee, New Orleans, LA
MORE GERALDINE
I am a very enthusiastic subscriber to your magazine! I generally read it from cover to cover, including upcoming events and restaurant ads. I generally visit lower Louisiana/New Orleans twice a year and your magazine really aids me in planning my musical forays. I also have been following your editorials as you encourage and support musicians and music lovers alike to keep the faith and pro-actively bring back the music scene. Although I enjoy all of the varied forms of local music, I guess my true loves are contemporary jazz and your unique brass band culture. This brings me to the point of this letter: One of my favorite and most informative columnists is Geraldine Wyckoff. Maybe because I sense that she and I could be close in age, or maybe because she just happens to write about a lot of the jazz that I grew up with, I find her perspective and knowledge awesome. It was largely through her writing that I became a lifetime subscriber. But of late, I haven’t seen her own column with her silly picture that I always looked forward to. I know that Katrina has forced many changes to your community, and I know as Publisher and Editor-In-Chief, you are faced with many difficult decisions, but foremost, you must be concerned about the quality of your “baby.” I would just like to put in my vote for more Geraldine! As an aside, I sympathize with “struggling artists/writers” because I have a fine arts background and my wife is a newspaper travel writer. I close with my wish for your continued growth and success!
—Gordon Yamamoto, Kensington, CA
WONDERFUL CULTURE
I am a drummer who lived in New Orleans for 20 years until 1998, at which time my wife’s new job meant family relocation to Austin, Texas.
I frequently return to the Big Easy for street parades and occasional gigs with local bands, and to visit with my old friend Pat Jolly.
I just want to take a moment to thank you and the staff at OffBeat for helping to restore and preserve the wonderful culture of New Orleans. Keep up the great job!
—Steve Gavigan, Austin TX
Keep up the hard and great work y’all are doing. Just know that those of us not in NOLA truly do appreciate it.
—Kevan Kirkpatrick, Tupelo, MS
Published November 2006, OffBeat Louisiana Music & Culture Magazine, Volume 19, No. 11.
