From the land of the Second Line

Hey Everybody,
Made it out of Paradise somewhat intact. Key West was fun and I'd like to thank the folks at Willie T's: Maureen, Vlad, Sharkey, et. al., for making me feel welcome. It's a great place to play and watch the entire Duval Street scene unfold. You can't miss this open air bar and restaurant if you're strolling down Duval. It's the one with all the dollar bills stapled to every available space. I'm biased but I think it's one of the cooler places to hang on the strip. Thank you all!
I had the luxury of time to work on writing new songs. I came up with a disparate collection of styles and grooves that have me excited to get them finished. And that's the rub........gotta get them finished! I'll keep you posted.

But onward we go.........

Now it's the French Quarter outside my door every morning. I'll be here in New Orleans until the end of the month when a trip back home to Maine is in order. NOLA is the only place you can see a French accordion trio, a steel guitar and theramin duo, a swing band, and a blues-funk band just a few doors down from each other. That's on Frenchman St. in the Marigny part of the Quarter. I was overwhelmed with the breadth of music available in such a small area. And that's just one block in all of New Orleans! The accordion trio was playing at a sushi joint called Yuki. They've got a huge selection of Sake and show old Japanese films high above on the interior brick wall. La Vie En Rose and Tokyo Story (English subtitles) all at the same time!

The oil that still bleeds into the Gulf is on everyone's mind. I'm an outsider here but things seem to be "normal" as far as businesses/restaurants etc., but 'til when? Nobody knows.... The life and rhythm of New Orleans, as with the entire Gulf Coast is intertwined with the future of the wetlands. It's sad how people are once again looking over their shoulders at another imminent disaster. One without the fury of August 29th '05, but a possible aftermath of similar proportion. There will be a huge concert to benefit fishermen and wetlands restoration this Sunday May 16th. Lenny Kravitz, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and other notables will be playing at Mardi Gras World on the river right next to the New Orleans Convention Center. If you're in town, GO!

Sorry to end on a somber note. Time for oysters and beer..........

Thanks for reading........PB