Wise, a native Australian and show host to a roots radio show, "Off The Record" on 3 RRR-FM in Melbourne, Australia, first ventured to New Orleans back in 1984. After being inspired by two of New Orleans' own music magazines, Wise decided to start his own, Rhythms, which he still manages as a website today. 

 

He returned to New Orleans again in 1991 for Jazz Fest, and met future 'OZ show host of The Rhythm Room, Al Laskey, at the hotel he was staying at. Laskey recommended Wise listen to 'OZ while he was here visiting, and he did. Wise returned to New Orleans again for Jazz Fest in 1995 and has been coming every single year since 1997. He has even produced some episodes of his radio program in New Orleans during Jazz Fest time.

 

So, why so many Brass Passes you ask? Because for the past five years, Wise has organized a trip for some of his radio show listeners to come to New Orleans for Jazz Fest. "I thought it would be a great way to support the station and to give the people on the tour a little extra (a little lagniappe?)," he says.