The weather’s going to be outstanding for this year’s French Quarter Festival, and I hope you’ll have a chance to go…or come, if you’re from outside New Orleans.

If you haven’t been to FQF, it’s an astounding compedium of New Orleans music, food and the unmatched ambience of the Riverfront and the French Quarter. The music is all local and always outstanding, the food is great, the French Quarter is always lovely and fun. I’ve never understood why more locals don’t go to the Vieux Carre. It’s so unique in all the world; it’s beautiful and charming. So the French Quarter Fest truly serves its purpose in getting everyone back to da Quarters. And best of all, it’s free for all. Except for the food and beer and soft drinks. I’d encourage you to patronize the French Quarter Fest “Jazz Brunch” food vendors and to buy your beverages at FQF booths (please don’t bring an ice chest), because it’s this revenue that keeps the French Quarter Fest free. All of FQF’s money to put on the Festival comes from these sources, along with sponsorships, merchandise sales and their annual fundraising gala, the “TGIF” Party, which is tonight on the Steamboat Natchez.

I read Keith Spera’s story and tribute to Alex Chilton in this morning’s paper and what struck me the most about it was that Chilton didn’t have to die. He wouldn’t go to the doctor because he had no health insurance. That’s the case with so many people in New Orleans and throughout the country. It’s especially true for musicians, but luckily we have the heroic efforts of the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, which is one of the best things that’s happened to the music community in New Orleans, ever. The Clinic’s funding has been cut by 90 percent, and it needs your help. Donate To Save The New Orleans Musicians Clinic to learn more.