Return to New Orleans

No I didn't arrive in New Orleans by train like Arlo Guthrie sings above. I arrived via interstate 10. New Orleans had gone through out a lot since the last time I visited her charms. Battered by hurricanes and dumped on by oil. My life like the city had gone through a bunch of changes as well, some good and some bad. New Orleans didn't need me, but I needed the Big Easy. I missed the feel of a city, live music, arts, and the company of a good friend.

No the city wasn't the ruin of me. It was a needed fix of live music. The first day I had a fabulous breakfast served by a waiter who could pass for an inspirational speaker. I soaked up the sights of this up town area which was quite different from the French Quarter I visited in the past. I topped my visit off with a great day packed with football and music.  Will blog about that later. However, it was safe to say I found my musical fix to stop my withdrawal.

Happy Birthday New Orleans

New Orleans was founded on May 7, 1718 by the French. I had the privilege of visiting the city 12 years ago, give or take. What can I say I loved the city. I stayed in the French Quarter. I was in town for Jazz Fest, formally known as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Being a music fan it was a musical heaven. Yes part of the fun was hanging out with good friends.However, being turned on to new music at least to my ears was fantastic. I ate local. I loved the courtyards. I loved being able to dart in from the hustle of Bourbon Street to sit in a quiet courtyard. I loved the local market and the hidden gem of a record store.

The music in that city seeps into almost everything I listen too. Being a blues fans, stretching out to jazz, and of course rock. The influence on folk and Jimmy Buffett. I could go on and on. It is all there. The city is not all like this...

but music is everywhere....

I want to go back. I want to go to Jazz Fest again. There are so many famous clubs I want to visit. I want to see how the city is now after Katrina and the oil spill.

Anyway Happy Birthday New Orleans!

Arlo Guthrie

It has probably been about 20 years ago since the last tme I saw Arlo Guthrie in cncert. I had the opportunity to see him Sunday night at the wonderful Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The venue is part of George Mason's Loudoun County campus and it is a intimate, state of the art venue that has amazing sound! The show had Arlo performing alot more songs by his Dad, Woodie, which was to be expected since the tour was celebrating Woodie's 100th Birthday. It was the first time I have seen Arlo Guthrie perform solo without a band. He turned out an incredible set in the intimate venue and you can read my review here. It must be the season for Guthrie, since I was able to review an awesome play about Woody Guthrie called Woody Sez and you can read that review here if you like.It is neat sometimes when cnnections occur between the different things I review.

Here is the video for "Deportee" one of many songs he played Sunday night..

Here he recites a poem...

Check out my review for a few more songs! I will back again with a new post stay tuned!