What a week! Maybe I should have read my horoscope or something, as things have really been looking up for me, musically speaking...
First, the Chris Isaak show was kick ass! Sold out at the House of Blues and the crowd was digging my music. I played by myself and amazingly, I was not really nervous at all. It was strange! I get more nervous thinking back about now than I did the moment of. Anyhow, Chris and his band really loved the show. He said I better return the favor to him and let him open for me, which I laughed at and he was like, "no, I'm serious!". Anyhow, his show was fabulous. I have always been a big fan of his music (which I had on cassettes mind you) so I need to get some itunes stuff now on him. With any luck, we'll pair up again sometime. In the meantime, everyone got Olga lipbalm (always a hit) for the road.
Found out the same day of the show, that I was selected as 1 of 6 finalists for the Telluride Blues & Brews Blues Competition, which means I get to go to Telluride next week! Never thought that would happen, but it did. Lucky for me, my man will be out there too, as he's playing the actual festival. And, I am psyched to see Bruce Hornsby who I have not seen in about 6 years. I met him a long time ago in SF and always enjoyed hearing him play, especially solo. He's truly anointed with musical abilities.
And this monring, I find out that I am a featured artist this month on www.OnlineRock.com Take a moment to check it out!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Opening for Chris Isaak!
Got a call today to come open Chris Isaak's show at the House of Blues in NOLA in September...sheesh, I loooove him!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Olga's Music Video Here At Last
Here is is! The music video for the song "Now Is The Time" drirected by J. Michael McCarthy
Monday, August 07, 2006
Saying Goodbye
These past two weeks have been the most difficult for me, I think in my life. Someone close to me passed, and I had helped organize the funeral with the family...which I was glad to be part of, honored really, that her relatives asked me to do that... Only later, have I been able to grieve. My sadness is great... I miss her so much...
The service was beautiful, on a hot sunny day... Jessie was wearing her white mink fur coat...we laughed at the thought of how hot it was...and that she would be ready for the winter with her coat on. She looked good...I know she would be pleased. She had many flowers. I had suggested we use all colors, every hue possible, because Jessie was a colorful woman. She liked to paint, and her paintings reflected the rainbows in her heart. She had painted a chirstmans tree once, and gave it to me for christmas. It has all kinds of shapes and colors...I can look at it for a long time, and find monkeys and birds, trees and of course, flowers lurking somewhere in there...I told her, I could see them, and she laughed and said, "yeah, yeah theys in there".
B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt were among the ones who had sent flowers. The Rising Star Fife & Drum Corp. played as she was carried to her final resting place... "Glory glory, Hallelujah...since I lay my burden down..." ...and we laid our final flowers on Jessie and said goodbye...
I am so happy she is at peace. I know she is happy and free. I am weeping because I miss her and I won't be able to see or talk to her anymore...but when I close my eyes, I can see her laughing that big ole cackle of hers... I know she will always be there.
The service was beautiful, on a hot sunny day... Jessie was wearing her white mink fur coat...we laughed at the thought of how hot it was...and that she would be ready for the winter with her coat on. She looked good...I know she would be pleased. She had many flowers. I had suggested we use all colors, every hue possible, because Jessie was a colorful woman. She liked to paint, and her paintings reflected the rainbows in her heart. She had painted a chirstmans tree once, and gave it to me for christmas. It has all kinds of shapes and colors...I can look at it for a long time, and find monkeys and birds, trees and of course, flowers lurking somewhere in there...I told her, I could see them, and she laughed and said, "yeah, yeah theys in there".
B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt were among the ones who had sent flowers. The Rising Star Fife & Drum Corp. played as she was carried to her final resting place... "Glory glory, Hallelujah...since I lay my burden down..." ...and we laid our final flowers on Jessie and said goodbye...
I am so happy she is at peace. I know she is happy and free. I am weeping because I miss her and I won't be able to see or talk to her anymore...but when I close my eyes, I can see her laughing that big ole cackle of hers... I know she will always be there.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Jessie Mae Hemphill Funeral Arrangements
Hello everyone
We finally have the arrangements for Jessie made, with a viewing and funeral this weekend, July 29th and 30th in Senatobia MS.
Viewing and Reflections 5-8pm
Sat. July 29
Felix Cauthen Funeral Home
13653 Hwy 4 West
Senatobia MS 38668
662 562 4773
Service for Jessie Mae Hemphill at 2pm
Sun. July 30
Church of Christ
401. West Gilmore St.
Senatobia
There is a real need to raise money to pay for the expense of the funeral, burial, and tombstone. We are in the process of setting up a bank account to accept funds and I will send out another email later today with that information. This information will also be available at www.jmhemphill.org
If you can make a contribution, please email me back with the pledge amount so that we can keep track of where we are.
Jessie Mae is truly blessed to have many friends out there who love her and are fans of her music. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your love and respect for Miss Jessie Mae.
We finally have the arrangements for Jessie made, with a viewing and funeral this weekend, July 29th and 30th in Senatobia MS.
Viewing and Reflections 5-8pm
Sat. July 29
Felix Cauthen Funeral Home
13653 Hwy 4 West
Senatobia MS 38668
662 562 4773
Service for Jessie Mae Hemphill at 2pm
Sun. July 30
Church of Christ
401. West Gilmore St.
Senatobia
There is a real need to raise money to pay for the expense of the funeral, burial, and tombstone. We are in the process of setting up a bank account to accept funds and I will send out another email later today with that information. This information will also be available at www.jmhemphill.org
If you can make a contribution, please email me back with the pledge amount so that we can keep track of where we are.
Jessie Mae is truly blessed to have many friends out there who love her and are fans of her music. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your love and respect for Miss Jessie Mae.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Jessie Mae Hemphill Passes, July 22
Yesterday, I played at the farmers market in Memphis. When I finished, I noticed I had four missed calls form a strange number. When I tried to return the calls, I got the recording that the number was not a working number. It dawned on me that I need to call the hospital. When I did, they told me Jessie was in critical condition and that I could see her but only for the next 20 minutes. I went to the hospital and sat with her for the remainder of visiting time. She was worse than the day before and I new she would not make it through the night. I prayed with her, sang to her and told her how glad I was to have been able to know her and share many a times with her...how much I would miss her, but that I knew she was looking forward to going home...to being with her family again, who she had been missing terribly for so long.
Jessie Mae Hemphill passed away yesterday evening, sometime around 7pm. I am so happy that she is at peace now, but so sad cause I will miss her. She knows as do I, that she will always be with me...with us...in our hearts.
Jessie Mae Hemphill passed away yesterday evening, sometime around 7pm. I am so happy that she is at peace now, but so sad cause I will miss her. She knows as do I, that she will always be with me...with us...in our hearts.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Jessie Mae Hemphill Hospitalized
Jessie Mae was addmited to The Med hospital in Memphis and is in the critical care unit. I went by to see her this morning and she was unconscious and in "guarded" condition. The nurses would not divulge any further information to me about what had happned (as I am not a relative), but, it looked pretty grave to me. I tried to talk to her but she was unrepsonsive. She is hooked up to a bunch of machines and I do fear the worst.
If you are a fan or friend of Jessie Mae, please send her your well wishes and prayers.
The Med Hospital
Critical Care Waiting Room:
Jessie Mae Brooks
877 Jefferson
Memphis, TN 38103
If you are a fan or friend of Jessie Mae, please send her your well wishes and prayers.
The Med Hospital
Critical Care Waiting Room:
Jessie Mae Brooks
877 Jefferson
Memphis, TN 38103
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
North MS Hillcountry Picnic July 3rd
So, we are STILL rather slow around here, after Monday. What was that all about, you ask? Oh, just a little throwdown Kenny Brown and Miss Sarah organzied in Potts Camp, MS that involved a virtual who's who of north MS music and the little scene we got going on up here. First of all, it was HOT AS HELL LITERALLY LIKE I AM NOT KIDDING HOT swealtering heat, oh Lordy. Mix in beer, water, BBQ and gatorade and it's the makings of something serious. I shot film for the first time in 2 years cause I knew most of the folks there, and knew they would not have a problem with my camera in their face taking pictures. I forgot how much I enjoy that! And I got some great, great pics that will definately go down in history for us (now, I need to save up the moolah to print 'em up! well, 5 rolls of black and white is 'spensive).
But anyhow, here's who played (and I know I'm forgetting...)
John Barnett, Lil Joe Ayers, Rev John Wilkins,Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, Bobby Rush, Carey Hudson, Jocco Rushing & the Heatseekers, Robert Belfour, T Model Ford, Burnside Exploration, Cody DIckinson, David Kimbrough, Jimbo Mathus & Knockdown South, Olga, Luther Dickinson,Duwayne Burnside & the Mississippi Mafia Kenny Brown & Hill Country Jam
Fireworks,
Melvin and Cody Burnside provided security, and I learned in the process they were both bounty hunters! Cedric had bought his young kids with him, which was nice to meet them at last. Jim Dees was the emcee for the day/night and Amos and Colter Harvey, Lynn Drury, Necha Dickinson, Amelda Lee, Joey Lauren Adams, John Beifuss, Tom Speed, Bill Steeber and a slew of other characters were in the mix. To tell the truth, this was one of those events where maybe we could've benefitted from "Hello my name is..." tags....NAH!
I ate a bunch of rib tips that were to die for, made by a local father-son team from Bedford, MS. We did miss a few friends who could not attend, but most importantly, the spirit of the late great RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough were definately felt that night. Heck, Mr Belfour hung out till way after late, he was clearly having a ball. Somewhere along the line, I lost the bug spray, so my feet itch from skeet bites...(sigh)...well, the white lightnin' helped make me forget about that, though! Actually, it's probably what made me not feel the bites happening in the first place...
The great thing is, the event will most likely happen again next year. It will most definately be the same line-up with maybe a few additonal MS musicians, but they want it to be a real north MS thing. As Amos said, "Well, it's about time! What took so long??"
But anyhow, here's who played (and I know I'm forgetting...)
John Barnett, Lil Joe Ayers, Rev John Wilkins,Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, Bobby Rush, Carey Hudson, Jocco Rushing & the Heatseekers, Robert Belfour, T Model Ford, Burnside Exploration, Cody DIckinson, David Kimbrough, Jimbo Mathus & Knockdown South, Olga, Luther Dickinson,Duwayne Burnside & the Mississippi Mafia Kenny Brown & Hill Country Jam
Fireworks,
Melvin and Cody Burnside provided security, and I learned in the process they were both bounty hunters! Cedric had bought his young kids with him, which was nice to meet them at last. Jim Dees was the emcee for the day/night and Amos and Colter Harvey, Lynn Drury, Necha Dickinson, Amelda Lee, Joey Lauren Adams, John Beifuss, Tom Speed, Bill Steeber and a slew of other characters were in the mix. To tell the truth, this was one of those events where maybe we could've benefitted from "Hello my name is..." tags....NAH!
I ate a bunch of rib tips that were to die for, made by a local father-son team from Bedford, MS. We did miss a few friends who could not attend, but most importantly, the spirit of the late great RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough were definately felt that night. Heck, Mr Belfour hung out till way after late, he was clearly having a ball. Somewhere along the line, I lost the bug spray, so my feet itch from skeet bites...(sigh)...well, the white lightnin' helped make me forget about that, though! Actually, it's probably what made me not feel the bites happening in the first place...
The great thing is, the event will most likely happen again next year. It will most definately be the same line-up with maybe a few additonal MS musicians, but they want it to be a real north MS thing. As Amos said, "Well, it's about time! What took so long??"
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Sleepless Nights
Another sleepless night...I used to have a radio show by that name when I lived in Boulder, CO. It was freeform eclectic and ran from midnight to 3am. That wasn't all that tough, it was the first shift when I first began DJ-ing, from 3-6am, called Restless Mornings, that was the brutal one. You had to either just stay up until 3, or wake up at 2:30am and roll over to the station. I was fotunate enough that I only lived 2 blocks away, so I could litterally roll into the station from bed in my pajamas. I could not drink coffee though, as my stomach just could not take it that early...so I was really half out of it when I'd do these shows.
That's actually not so bad, cause you find yourself in this zone of sorts...kinda like how I get when I play music. I used to tape redcord about every show I did, which was great to listen to after the fact and try to remember what the hell I played and how I got there. Over the years those shows added up and I probablly Dj-ed over 100 of them. You could play whatever you wanted.
I rememeber one night, it was in the middle of winter. I was doing the Sleepless Nights show (12-3am) and I had just put on a song by Stevie Wonder. Back then, the front door would automatically stay locked until the morning news crew got there, so when you did a shift change, you'd have to open the door for the next person waiting outside. Tehre were actually two doors, one for the office and one for the door leading into the office building, both locked at night. So, here I was, answering the door, and when I answered, no one was there. I had put a book in the door jam so it would not close on me, and I leaned out to see who was there in the parking lot. Mind you, it was about 11 degrees outside (no kidding) so cold as freaking hell frozen over. The next thing I know, the book had fallen away from the doorjam and the door slammed shut! Great, I thought. Locked out, in the cold, my keys, jacket, etc. were all inside and the next DJ who suddenly appeared right then, was locked out from his show as well.
"Well $%*#!," I said, "this CD should last about 45 minutes, and then, I guess that will conclude our broadcast day untitl 6am."
The fellow DJ said, "$#@*^, well, that's happened to me before too. They'll figure out what happened when 6am arrives". And at that he drove me home in the below freezing weather in my pajamas and I had fortunately, left the door to my house unlocked so I could get in.
So on those nights where I can't sleep, I think back to my radio days of late night DJ-ing and wish I could do it again...I mean, what else is there to do at 3am??
That's actually not so bad, cause you find yourself in this zone of sorts...kinda like how I get when I play music. I used to tape redcord about every show I did, which was great to listen to after the fact and try to remember what the hell I played and how I got there. Over the years those shows added up and I probablly Dj-ed over 100 of them. You could play whatever you wanted.
I rememeber one night, it was in the middle of winter. I was doing the Sleepless Nights show (12-3am) and I had just put on a song by Stevie Wonder. Back then, the front door would automatically stay locked until the morning news crew got there, so when you did a shift change, you'd have to open the door for the next person waiting outside. Tehre were actually two doors, one for the office and one for the door leading into the office building, both locked at night. So, here I was, answering the door, and when I answered, no one was there. I had put a book in the door jam so it would not close on me, and I leaned out to see who was there in the parking lot. Mind you, it was about 11 degrees outside (no kidding) so cold as freaking hell frozen over. The next thing I know, the book had fallen away from the doorjam and the door slammed shut! Great, I thought. Locked out, in the cold, my keys, jacket, etc. were all inside and the next DJ who suddenly appeared right then, was locked out from his show as well.
"Well $%*#!," I said, "this CD should last about 45 minutes, and then, I guess that will conclude our broadcast day untitl 6am."
The fellow DJ said, "$#@*^, well, that's happened to me before too. They'll figure out what happened when 6am arrives". And at that he drove me home in the below freezing weather in my pajamas and I had fortunately, left the door to my house unlocked so I could get in.
So on those nights where I can't sleep, I think back to my radio days of late night DJ-ing and wish I could do it again...I mean, what else is there to do at 3am??
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Los Lobos, DJ Logic, Jurassic 5 at Jazzfest show
ahhh...meant to blog a few days again, but I had to get back on track after all those late nights in N.O.
So Friday I was at the fabulous Los Lobos show at H.O.B. If anyone of you has NOT seen them, you are really really missing out on an american institution of music. Vince (David's son) and Jason (Conrad's son) is on the road with them now as techs. It was great to see them cause the last time I saw any of the kids was, sheesh...at least 7 years ago, at least. Everyone is grown up. It's crazy how fast the time went by. It has now been 12 years since I've know Lobos and, wow, still felt like old times though...
...and I got a shout out and a dedicated song..."Not Fade Away" into "Bertha", cause well, I'm married now! A lot's changed in my life since we last caight up in N.O.
During the last tune there were a bunch of folks on stage. I played moraccas and sang some harmonies with Cesar for "Cumbia Raza", in spanish no less! My friend Ashley was with me, and she said she had a blast, especially being on stage and dancing at the end. SO again, I remind everyone to go see that band.
...there is a new album out in September I'm told, and I hear Tchad Blake has been mixing it. Also hear that is has a "Kiko" vibe to it, most likely cause Tchad's at the board. I don't think Tchad's on myspace, but Mitchell Froom is and so is Lobos, so go check out their pages. In he meantime, I think I'll have to scoot of to Dallas in July and see them again for another charge. YAY!
Somthing else that was really of the hook was the J5 show late night (3am). DJ Logic spun a set before hand and it was great catching up with that crew again after so long. And FYI, Logic did a special mix for Jessie Mae Hemphill, called "Porch Logic". He did it a few years back and it's really damn good. He was involved in that recording project we did with her, "Jessie Mae Hemphill & Friends" and told me Saturday, it was one of the best experiences in his life, and how much he appreciated me turning him onto the blues. You may want to check out the song on itunes. otherwise, the album is for sale at www.219records.com and other lil CD places on the internet.
Well, that's all for now. I have to mail 475 packages with Jimbo's new CD in it.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thacker Mountain
Hey y'all
Yesterday, I was in Oxford to play their Thacker Mountain radio show. It is recorded in the Off Square Books, which is, off the square, but not by much! Thacker Mountain had litereary readings form authors and musical guests in between, I was excited to be back on the show, which I have been lucky enough to do every season.
Strangley, and I don't know why, but when ever a tape recorder is involved I get butterflies and worms. You know, live is one thing, casue once it's out there and out of your mouth... it just flies away and dissipates like a bubble once it pops. But when you got a tape recorder rolling...well...it's on tape!! So then you go back and listen to all the warts of the performance and that, my friends, is where my hangup is. Jim Dees ( the host) said that we're always our worst critic and that it's terribly difficlut to go back. Frankly, I probably won't for my own sanity. I know it sounded great as many people told me so, so thank God for that!! But still, as I stood up there singing and playing a couple songs by myself to a quiet room, I had to use every Jedi mind trick in the book that I knew to calm my nerves down. "You were nervous?" Jim said incredulously. "You do this all the time! Well, I couldn't tell a thing!" So I guess, my Jedi mind tricks worked yet again! (these are not the nerves you're looking for...)
Yesterday, I was in Oxford to play their Thacker Mountain radio show. It is recorded in the Off Square Books, which is, off the square, but not by much! Thacker Mountain had litereary readings form authors and musical guests in between, I was excited to be back on the show, which I have been lucky enough to do every season.
Strangley, and I don't know why, but when ever a tape recorder is involved I get butterflies and worms. You know, live is one thing, casue once it's out there and out of your mouth... it just flies away and dissipates like a bubble once it pops. But when you got a tape recorder rolling...well...it's on tape!! So then you go back and listen to all the warts of the performance and that, my friends, is where my hangup is. Jim Dees ( the host) said that we're always our worst critic and that it's terribly difficlut to go back. Frankly, I probably won't for my own sanity. I know it sounded great as many people told me so, so thank God for that!! But still, as I stood up there singing and playing a couple songs by myself to a quiet room, I had to use every Jedi mind trick in the book that I knew to calm my nerves down. "You were nervous?" Jim said incredulously. "You do this all the time! Well, I couldn't tell a thing!" So I guess, my Jedi mind tricks worked yet again! (these are not the nerves you're looking for...)
Anyhow, the highlight for sure was our rockin' rendition of Memphis Minnie's "What's the Matter with the Mill" which I dueted with Duff Dourrogh. Jim Dickinson also got on the piano and yelled "done broke down" in between verses and I could tell the audience was lovin' it. Nothing like a dirty blues song to get blood flow up! uh, no pun intended there.
for your reading pleasure I am going to post the lyrics, This is the version we did on my record:
WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH THE MILL?
by Memphis Minnie
J: Say Miss O
O: What you say Jimbo?
J: Where are you going?
O: I’m going to the mill to have my corn ground
J: Aww, that mill’s broke down
O: How do you know?
J: I went to get my corn ground
O: What’s the matter with the mill?
J: It done broke down
O : Can’t get no grinding, tell me what’s the matter with the mill
Well, I had a little corn, I put it in a sack
Brought it to the mill and come right back
What's the matter with the mill? (It done broke down)
What's the matter with the mill? (It done broke down)
I can't get no grinding
Tell me what's the matter with the mill
Well, people keep a talking all over town
Tell me that the mill had done broke down
What’s the matter with the mill…
(spoken: Ahw, grind it)
Now listen here folks, I don't want no stuff
You can't bring me my meal, bring me the husks1
What's the matter with the mill…
Well, my papa sat and cried, my brother did, too
They both been to the mill, they can't get nothing to do
What's the matter with the mill…
Now listen here folks, I want you to bear this in mind
If you're going to the mill, you're just losing time
What's the matter with the mill…
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Today's the day
I just don't know where the time goes...been trying to figure that out now for the last few years! I guess it's the never ending answer I shall seek for the rest of my days...hmmm...
Anyhow, today is the day my new CD "Now is the Time" is released in and stores near you! Here's a blurb from teh "one-sheet":
Produced by Olga and Jimbo Mathus. Recorded at Delta Recording Service, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Olga’s third album, “Now is the Time”, features performances by Memphis and Oxford, Mississippi’s hot new generation of roots and blues players. The album includes, Jimbo Mathus, Paul Taylor, Jack Yarber, Steve Malcolm, T. Bryan Ledford, Max Williams, Darren Dortin, Will Dawson, Brandon Hughes, and Justin Showah.
We got a lot more news in development, which I will drop a line on soon...in the meantime, find an A/c quick cause we're cooking' down here!!
Anyhow, today is the day my new CD "Now is the Time" is released in and stores near you! Here's a blurb from teh "one-sheet":
Produced by Olga and Jimbo Mathus. Recorded at Delta Recording Service, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Olga’s third album, “Now is the Time”, features performances by Memphis and Oxford, Mississippi’s hot new generation of roots and blues players. The album includes, Jimbo Mathus, Paul Taylor, Jack Yarber, Steve Malcolm, T. Bryan Ledford, Max Williams, Darren Dortin, Will Dawson, Brandon Hughes, and Justin Showah.
We got a lot more news in development, which I will drop a line on soon...in the meantime, find an A/c quick cause we're cooking' down here!!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Radioio.com
Hey Y'all
I'd like to let you know about a free internet radio station that is playing both mine and Jimbo's music quite a bit. It's called radioio.com and you can tune in on your computer at work or home or wherever y'at.
check it out!
I'd like to let you know about a free internet radio station that is playing both mine and Jimbo's music quite a bit. It's called radioio.com and you can tune in on your computer at work or home or wherever y'at.
check it out!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
reConstruction
I've been in New Orleans again this past week, mostly just supervising repairs/construciton on my mom's house. There are workers crawling around in every nook and cranny of this three story home and popping out of doors and stairwells. There is nowhere to hide! Things are going smoothy enough but it seems like everything just takes so much longer to do...
It's been a little depressing as the city is still mostly vacant and dogged out in most of the neighborhoods. It's something especially notcieable at night, cause there are very few lights if any at all, and the waterlogged buildings and homes just look like empty discarded shells of what once housed someone's home or business. It's pretty creepy.
Jazzfest is around the corner and I have no idea who all is planning to come or how it's going to be. On the one hand I am glad to keep things somewhat normal, but on the other, it will be the most abnormal experience for tourists and visitors--heck, everyone really. I am glad that people will be coming and witnessing first hand what a freaking mess it is because it will keep the situation in the forefront of people's minds when they leave to go back home. But at the same time, where are people going to stay? What are they going to do? Most places close at night, there is no street car, no city park, not a whole lot to pick from and do...
See, Mardi Gras is mostly on one street (St. Charles) or in the Quarter. Jazzfest is all over the city...but the city is not there, just one small part of it.
It's been a little depressing as the city is still mostly vacant and dogged out in most of the neighborhoods. It's something especially notcieable at night, cause there are very few lights if any at all, and the waterlogged buildings and homes just look like empty discarded shells of what once housed someone's home or business. It's pretty creepy.
Jazzfest is around the corner and I have no idea who all is planning to come or how it's going to be. On the one hand I am glad to keep things somewhat normal, but on the other, it will be the most abnormal experience for tourists and visitors--heck, everyone really. I am glad that people will be coming and witnessing first hand what a freaking mess it is because it will keep the situation in the forefront of people's minds when they leave to go back home. But at the same time, where are people going to stay? What are they going to do? Most places close at night, there is no street car, no city park, not a whole lot to pick from and do...
See, Mardi Gras is mostly on one street (St. Charles) or in the Quarter. Jazzfest is all over the city...but the city is not there, just one small part of it.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Video Shoot part II
Yes, part II ! Had another inertesting day of shooting...
This time, it was just Mike, Tom, myself and Kasey at work. We had twenty shots to do and unusual weather to say the least! The morning was filled with smoke form a nearby raging fire by the MS river. Bill Talbot (shack proprietor) said there was some uncertain drama behind it all. Basically, it was not a planned fire and they were unsure if it was set to cover somthing else up like...a body? He said there was a car involved and engulfed in flames and several people. You never know down here in the delta especially where arson runs rampant as does deperate measures.
The first and most important shot of the day was the "train shot". Mike had enlisted Reggie, a local locomotive engineer to drive his locomotive through Hopson, of which he usually does anyhow on certain days, but this time he stopped for the camera. At this point in the day it began to rain. Reggie's wife beagn to explain the dangers of hopping the train, and that I might lose my legs if I don't make it up in time. Well, I had a couple bad visions naturally before "action" was called. I wasn't scared to run next to the train and even reach out for it.. But i had a guitar case in hand, dumb shoes (an ongong problem for me it seems...) and rainy weather, so I was a little unnerved about having to hop the train with all the elements at work.
"Action!". I run along with the train, reaching out, running running....then I hurled the guitar case on board grabbed the rails and jumped up. Lo and behold I made it! The wind picked up and my hair blew with the train and rain and we rolled on through Hopson and finished the shot. Well, okay, we had to do it two more times. And I was still nervous each time about making the jump, but it worked out fine and I kept my legs in tact.
We had several other shots to do this day. Funny enough, the fire stopped for a while so we could breathe again and so did the rain. By the time we did the "mailbox" shots, it was sunny! "Sunblock anyone?" I asked. Us fair skinned people you know...
Mike says that he'lll never be able to shoot another blues video as he used up all the images. Let's see...we have sharecropper shacks, trains, train tracks, cotton, a burnt down movie theater on the "other side of the tracks", a commisary, tractor, plow, plantation, graveyard and indian mound all in the video. Yeah, I think that just about cover the subject!
This time, it was just Mike, Tom, myself and Kasey at work. We had twenty shots to do and unusual weather to say the least! The morning was filled with smoke form a nearby raging fire by the MS river. Bill Talbot (shack proprietor) said there was some uncertain drama behind it all. Basically, it was not a planned fire and they were unsure if it was set to cover somthing else up like...a body? He said there was a car involved and engulfed in flames and several people. You never know down here in the delta especially where arson runs rampant as does deperate measures.
The first and most important shot of the day was the "train shot". Mike had enlisted Reggie, a local locomotive engineer to drive his locomotive through Hopson, of which he usually does anyhow on certain days, but this time he stopped for the camera. At this point in the day it began to rain. Reggie's wife beagn to explain the dangers of hopping the train, and that I might lose my legs if I don't make it up in time. Well, I had a couple bad visions naturally before "action" was called. I wasn't scared to run next to the train and even reach out for it.. But i had a guitar case in hand, dumb shoes (an ongong problem for me it seems...) and rainy weather, so I was a little unnerved about having to hop the train with all the elements at work.
"Action!". I run along with the train, reaching out, running running....then I hurled the guitar case on board grabbed the rails and jumped up. Lo and behold I made it! The wind picked up and my hair blew with the train and rain and we rolled on through Hopson and finished the shot. Well, okay, we had to do it two more times. And I was still nervous each time about making the jump, but it worked out fine and I kept my legs in tact.
We had several other shots to do this day. Funny enough, the fire stopped for a while so we could breathe again and so did the rain. By the time we did the "mailbox" shots, it was sunny! "Sunblock anyone?" I asked. Us fair skinned people you know...
Mike says that he'lll never be able to shoot another blues video as he used up all the images. Let's see...we have sharecropper shacks, trains, train tracks, cotton, a burnt down movie theater on the "other side of the tracks", a commisary, tractor, plow, plantation, graveyard and indian mound all in the video. Yeah, I think that just about cover the subject!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Fat Tuesday
Ah, another beautiful day! Actually, the last three days have been warm and sunny....perfect parading days!
Sunday had a staggering 5 parades roll, including two of the biggest, Endymion and Baccus. I was on the route starting at 11am and left after 10pm...almost 12 hours of BBQ's, beer and bloodies, I'd say an incredible feat for most. I also caught 3 bags full of loot (would have had 4 had not one bag gone mysteriously missing).
Last night we had two parades roll and a huge crowd. SInce Sunday litterally kicked my ass, I had to be more of a spectator for Lundi Gras. And lord knows I tried to get my butt up this morning for Zulu..and I missed it again! In addition, I did not have a costume this year...my bad, I know...
...there were some great ones out there though, carousing up and down St. Charles and naturally,many were Katrina influenced. There was a family of three who had created rotten refridgerator hats and many wearing "chocolate city" inspried creations. I REALLy dropped the ball on costuming this year....(sigh)...
Rex was long and beautiful. A little excitement too, as one of the tree limbs knocked the top off one of the floats and stopped the parade for a few minutes. No one was hurt and Rex rolled on. I was happy to get a bunch of Rex cups this year and crown beads and enjoyed most of the parade stnading on top of a root of a giant live oak tree, which heightened my viewing pleasure. Next year I will definately get a ladder! Nothing like being up high in bigs crowds to see and have plastic stuff thrown at you. I still marvel at how many people are delighted by throwing plastic or scrambling for it on the ground...young and old alike... it awakens the inner child!
Well, I am a bit sad it's all over now, but it was a good year and obviously very needed for the spiritual well being for the local denziens. Now the only thing left is....how do I fit all this loot in my car??
Sunday had a staggering 5 parades roll, including two of the biggest, Endymion and Baccus. I was on the route starting at 11am and left after 10pm...almost 12 hours of BBQ's, beer and bloodies, I'd say an incredible feat for most. I also caught 3 bags full of loot (would have had 4 had not one bag gone mysteriously missing).
Last night we had two parades roll and a huge crowd. SInce Sunday litterally kicked my ass, I had to be more of a spectator for Lundi Gras. And lord knows I tried to get my butt up this morning for Zulu..and I missed it again! In addition, I did not have a costume this year...my bad, I know...
...there were some great ones out there though, carousing up and down St. Charles and naturally,many were Katrina influenced. There was a family of three who had created rotten refridgerator hats and many wearing "chocolate city" inspried creations. I REALLy dropped the ball on costuming this year....(sigh)...
Rex was long and beautiful. A little excitement too, as one of the tree limbs knocked the top off one of the floats and stopped the parade for a few minutes. No one was hurt and Rex rolled on. I was happy to get a bunch of Rex cups this year and crown beads and enjoyed most of the parade stnading on top of a root of a giant live oak tree, which heightened my viewing pleasure. Next year I will definately get a ladder! Nothing like being up high in bigs crowds to see and have plastic stuff thrown at you. I still marvel at how many people are delighted by throwing plastic or scrambling for it on the ground...young and old alike... it awakens the inner child!
Well, I am a bit sad it's all over now, but it was a good year and obviously very needed for the spiritual well being for the local denziens. Now the only thing left is....how do I fit all this loot in my car??
Saturday, February 25, 2006
aMUSEment
hey y'all
posting here from amidst the big weekend with some parade news to report...
first of all , Muses was a blast! i attended the ball this year too, and met many a great muses and became one myself! they had parlament play the party, and there were about 100 people on stage, mostly muses i think, still masked and boogie-ing down with george and crew.
as far as the parade goes, it was beautiful and long, 22 floats! great bands and throws to boot. i got a couple of muses barbie dolls, a muses manicure set, a muses baseball, tons of beads, frisbees, blinky beads, lost of shoe beads, etc. etc. did pretty damn good this year...
the rolling krewe of elvi also rolled in their parade, and i put some beads around the neck of one elvis and he gave me a kiss and his scarf! i told jimbo that i though he should join their krewe and go as a rolling elvi next year...he'd be perfect for that!
chaos was also quite beautiful and somehow, i always get a ton of cups from chaos.
last night for hermes and krewe d'etat, they were throwing glass beads! i actually got entire bags full of 'em! it was thrilling to have the glass beads thrown in the mix and they are quite gorgeous. made in india too! then in morpheus, they had one float full of young soap stars, one i recognized immediately from "all my children", he plays adam chandler, jr. anyhow, i ran up to the float and yelled "i love all my children" and he looked down at me, grabbed my hand and gave me some ABC soap beads. hahaha! i can't believe i met a soap star!
anyhow, today i am trying to de-puff my eyes...looks like the sun in peaking out and it's bloody mary time. kick off is at 11am, which i am already late. we got iris, tucks and superkrewe endymion today...and we're bringing my friend's dog to come and play...
that's all for now!
posting here from amidst the big weekend with some parade news to report...
first of all , Muses was a blast! i attended the ball this year too, and met many a great muses and became one myself! they had parlament play the party, and there were about 100 people on stage, mostly muses i think, still masked and boogie-ing down with george and crew.
as far as the parade goes, it was beautiful and long, 22 floats! great bands and throws to boot. i got a couple of muses barbie dolls, a muses manicure set, a muses baseball, tons of beads, frisbees, blinky beads, lost of shoe beads, etc. etc. did pretty damn good this year...
the rolling krewe of elvi also rolled in their parade, and i put some beads around the neck of one elvis and he gave me a kiss and his scarf! i told jimbo that i though he should join their krewe and go as a rolling elvi next year...he'd be perfect for that!
chaos was also quite beautiful and somehow, i always get a ton of cups from chaos.
last night for hermes and krewe d'etat, they were throwing glass beads! i actually got entire bags full of 'em! it was thrilling to have the glass beads thrown in the mix and they are quite gorgeous. made in india too! then in morpheus, they had one float full of young soap stars, one i recognized immediately from "all my children", he plays adam chandler, jr. anyhow, i ran up to the float and yelled "i love all my children" and he looked down at me, grabbed my hand and gave me some ABC soap beads. hahaha! i can't believe i met a soap star!
anyhow, today i am trying to de-puff my eyes...looks like the sun in peaking out and it's bloody mary time. kick off is at 11am, which i am already late. we got iris, tucks and superkrewe endymion today...and we're bringing my friend's dog to come and play...
that's all for now!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The Time Has Come...
...the walrus said, to talk of many things
of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings,
and why the sea is boiling hot and wether pigs have wings!
Off to NOLA for Mardis Gras and to play my monthy gig at Dos Jefe's. This is the time every year, where I crawl out from under my big black cloud of winter muck and get back into life, with the celebration of the coming of spring, and the king!
It's some sort of annual thing I go through, but after Fat Tuesday, life goes on, my spirit picks up and I can start cleaning out the crap in my head left there by the ice and cold...
So, I joined a Krewe this year, the Krewe of Muses, which I have been wanting to do for a while now. I won't be able to ride this year, but i will be at the afterparty, which should rock! For those of you who don't know, Muses is the only all female Krewe that parades at night. They roll tomorrow evening up Napoleon, down St. Charles, over Canal and around Poydras.
Check list:
coozie
beer cooler
beer! (must plan ahead as my usual stop has not reopened yet)
plastic bags (for the beads, naturally)
change of clothes (for the Krewe party, naturally)
positive attitude
of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings,
and why the sea is boiling hot and wether pigs have wings!
Off to NOLA for Mardis Gras and to play my monthy gig at Dos Jefe's. This is the time every year, where I crawl out from under my big black cloud of winter muck and get back into life, with the celebration of the coming of spring, and the king!
It's some sort of annual thing I go through, but after Fat Tuesday, life goes on, my spirit picks up and I can start cleaning out the crap in my head left there by the ice and cold...
So, I joined a Krewe this year, the Krewe of Muses, which I have been wanting to do for a while now. I won't be able to ride this year, but i will be at the afterparty, which should rock! For those of you who don't know, Muses is the only all female Krewe that parades at night. They roll tomorrow evening up Napoleon, down St. Charles, over Canal and around Poydras.
Check list:
coozie
beer cooler
beer! (must plan ahead as my usual stop has not reopened yet)
plastic bags (for the beads, naturally)
change of clothes (for the Krewe party, naturally)
positive attitude
Sunday, February 12, 2006
http://www.myspace.com/olga
Hi y'all
I received some emails regarding hearing sample of my new music. I have not been able to update this site yet, but you can hear 3 complete songs on http://www.myspace.com/olga to whet your audible appetite! Please sign up as a friend whilst there...
Happy valentines Day!
I received some emails regarding hearing sample of my new music. I have not been able to update this site yet, but you can hear 3 complete songs on http://www.myspace.com/olga to whet your audible appetite! Please sign up as a friend whilst there...
Happy valentines Day!
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