Follow Your NOLA
The following letter is in response to Sam D’Arcangelo’s web post, “’Follow Your NOLA’ Takes Over a New York City Subway Station,” talking about the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation’s New York marketing campaign.
I’ve traveled to NOLA 20 (?) times. I’m a white guy but I have a way of blending where I travel (usually alone). I’ve even been stopped on the street in the Quarter and asked for directions. But these ads seem really homogenized (white!) to me. Of course there’s no way to convey the urine/beer/crawfish/patchouli smell of the place and/or the way your shoes will stick everywhere you walk! I’m also a 35-year vet of ad copywriting. What seems to be missing is the mascot—the gator mentioned in the ads…
—Tom Sacco, Des Moines, Iowa
Michael James Joseph
I cannot begin to describe the loss to the Joseph family, which I can only claim to be part of by their love and inclusion of myself and so many others in Michael’s world of friends. I am proud and happy to call him brother and now heartbroken for his passing, and for the grief of his parents and family. A great musician and composer, seeker of understanding, knowledge and wisdom, Mikey Joe will be remembered as the kindest, gentlest man amongst us, and exemplified the meaning of “brother” to all who knew him.
—Bob Cleary, New Orleans, Louisiana
For us, he’ll always be just around the next corner—with a sly grin, his bowler hat and his horn, ready to play on. Fair winds, following seas and full tankards, mate!
—John Swallow, New Orleans, Louisiana
Dwindling Resources
I am writing to share some thoughts regarding your [Jan Ramsey] recent editorial [Mojo Mouth] in the August issue entitled “Dwindling Resources.” The majority of my professional “day gig” career has been in areas of media content development and advertising and public relations. My business and the relevance of my skill set have also been reduced significantly by the evolving technologies, and I believe most people on the creative side can say the same. I have been a supporter of and contributor to WWOZ since 1981. The station and its mission was the most powerful incentive in the production of an album of my life’s work—knowing that it would receive some local airplay, regardless of its content or lack of appeal to a more commercial audience. The station provides this incentive to local artists, “anchors” (along with OffBeat) our music scene, and I truly believe is a huge factor in the recent influx of musicians (for better or worse) that we have experienced since Katrina.
The daily Livewire broadcast is tops on my list of recommendations to music enthusiasts coming to the city. I believe WWOZ is missing one of its greatest opportunities to generate financial support that perhaps the new regime there might consider if it does not break the rules for a nonprofit organization. If there were programming during the day (especially on Saturdays, and I know that the current Saturday shows would be very difficult to move or replace) that featured the music of artists appearing at venues the same night, I believe that the venues could be convinced to provide significant and consistent financial support to this effort, and to the continued production of the Livewire music calendar. Just a tune or two—and maybe a short prerecorded interview with the artist that would run to preview that night’s shows. The show hosts are already gracious and generous to have artists make live appearances to promote shows, but these appearances are limited and most often arranged by the artists themselves. I am sure that many of the music venues in town already support the station, but a consistent and ongoing flow of support from them is waiting to be developed.
—Dave Ferrato, New Orleans, Louisiana
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