By the time this issue comes out, we will be right on top of the “Katrina Weekend” and probably hundreds of “celebrations” of New Orleans’ survival and prosperity (despite the flood) will have taken place. The city is tooting its own horn to show how we’ve recovered.

Hopefully, this will be the last big celebration of New Orleans’ almost-demise. In another 10 years, let’s hope global warming, rising seas and declining wetlands won’t have created another Venice.

New Orleans has always been in a precarious geographical position, weather-wise, and the way we live our lives is to be grateful for the present. In fact, come to think of it, maybe that’s why we have a hard time planning for the future. It all could be gone tomorrow—rising tides, and all that.

Which brings me back to something I ponder regularly: what will our musical culture look like 10 years from now? Or 20? OffBeat is known for trying to support and preserve our musical culture, while at the same time exposing our readers to new musicians and aspects of an ever-evolving music scene.

So which kinds of music will still be pumping in 20 years? Funk? Jazz? Will Big Freedia and the bounce community still be twerking 20 years from now? You know, economists and business people are constantly forecasting into the future to ensure their survival. Meeting market and business needs is crucial to staying alive. But what about our music?

What are we doing to make sure that New Orleans and Louisiana indigenous culture stays alive and actually grows? The answer is obviously education, recognition by the business community that music is an important component of the culture and climate for business and work force attraction, and pure old-fashioned promotion and publicity.
We have the opportunity in this community to mold a unique approach to our culture for the future. Why can’t we craft and implement education in music and culture for our children in all schools; it has to be mandatory.
Why don’t we have some coordination of all the existing educational resources that exist vis a vis music? We need a one-stop-shop, published and fostered by the city or some entity (OffBeat, Jazz & Heritage Foundation, School Board)?

Persuading the business community and tourism leaders that music is important is probably harder. With all the attention being paid to music by national and international media, you’d think that within tourism and the CVB, they could possibly find a way to specifically mine this market. I’m hoping that there will be some media insertions on news websites and on broadcast media promoting New Orleans music during the Katrina brouhaha news and “celebratory” events. Might as well toot our real horns.