Dear Listener,

Summertime and the living is easy, but not at 'OZ! The dog days of July just mean we're back in the kitchen cooking up next season's feasts. We pretty much don't like to talk about them until they're ready to serve, but what the hell -- here's a peek into the oven (remember these dishes are half-baked and may not end up on the table!).

For example, there's a chance next month that your ears will be traveling with us to South Africa, then, in October, we may be able to bring you some amazing New Orleans music from Carnegie Hall. And later that month, we will bring you coverage from the Voodoo Music Experience that may include a multi-stage music event that has never been done before on radio. We're hoping to find sponsors to underwrite all of these ambitious projects.

And speaking of money, this is the time of year we put next season's budget together. Thanks to all of your support we had a really good year and we're energized to see how to do what we already do even better, and how to do all that you tell us we need to do - with what always seems to be too little funding.

While we're in planning mode send me your thoughts on all this. Just e-mail me at 2_cents@wwoz.org! And, thanks for all that you do.

Yours in snow balls and summer squalls,

David Freedman
General Manager

Hot jazz, hot topics and hot friends — it must be Satchmo SummerFest. Taking place annually at the beginning of August, Satchmo SummerFest celebrates New Orleans' most famous musician, Louis Armstrong. We'll be keeping it cool at 'OZ with scheduled performers dropping by the studio.

» Do you know what it means to love Louis?

Phoebe Jacobs passed away in April, but her legacy, just like her long-time friend Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, lives on today. As the former Vice-President of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, she was influential in the creation of Satchmo SummerFest and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp. Come pay your respects to her life's work at the Jazz Camp's culminating concert on Friday, July 20 at 8 p.m.

» More details

Interested in late night healthy eating options in New Orleans?

So are we. The New Orleans Musicians Clinic, Xavier University Health and Wellness Center, Offbeat Magazine and WWOZ are joining forces to create a late night healthy eating guide to help New Orleans musicians, service industry professionals and music fans find delicious and nutritious eating options long after the rest of the city has turned in for the night. Let us know about your favorite late night spots as we start putting together this guide.

» Give us your food for thought

The lineup is out! Check it out to see which of your favorite New Orleans acts (ok, and a couple of awesome out-of-towners) will be performing at this year's Voodoo Music Experience! So come on out to see performances by the likes of Preservation Hall, Bootsy Collins, Marcia Ball and many more.

» See the Voodoo 2012 lineup

WWOZ is deeply saddened by the loss of Uncle Lionel and we're keeping his family and bandmembers in our prayers. Whether you saw him performing with the Treme Brass Band, hat tipped to the side, or strolling through the Quarter, cane in hand, he was always a true gentleman and an ace musician. We have details about the funeral and procession on the site, for folks looking to pay their last respects to Unc.

» The fantastic life of Uncle Lionel

"Musically Speaking" is a series of music-themed movies and documentaries, curated and hosted by DJ Soul Sister taking place on Mondays at Cafe Istanbul. The series kicks off August 6th with award winning "Thunder Soul: The True Story of Conrad Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band" about a struggling high school jazz band turned funk powerhouse in the 1970's that comes back together 35 years later to pay tribute to the now 92-year old "Prof" who changed their lives.

» Check out the listings for more movies

Folks are always asking where to get cool music, sweet 'OZ gear and bumper stickers. Well guess what? Become an 'OZ member and get access to all this great stuff, plus additional benefits! So get some good karma, keep the music playing, and show your 'OZ pride!

» More membership benefits

Ok, so maybe you're thinking, "Hot soup? In this weather?" but here at 'OZ we are thinking "Bastille Day with brandy, croutons and cheese." Even if Bastille Day has come and gone, you can still celebrate New Orleans' Frenchiness with this fantastic dish. This recipe is courtesy of Louisiana Cookin' magazine. If you like the recipe, then check them out!

» See this month's recipe