Dear Listener,
Our hearts are heavy as the Haitian situation unfolds in all its horror. When we in New Orleans see certain scenes from that island, we can't help but think of our own city since we share so much culture and heritage. And of course, all of us who lived through the Federal Flood of '05 respond viscerally to the images of destruction and confusion, death and pain. It's being called "Katrina times 10," but from here it seems more like Katrina times 100.
Closer to home, WWOZ Volunteer Coordinator Maryse Dejean is Haitian, and her mother and family live in Port-au-Prince. WWOZ and all of New Orleans pour forth our hearts, prayers and tangible aid for Maryse's family and all those suffering so mightily in a sister city.
We urge the entire ‘OZ Nation to rise up and contribute to the full extent of your ability. Now is the time, Haiti is the place. On our web site, you'll find a list of many worthy Haiti relief organizations — please help Haiti rebuild however you can.
Yours in making a difference,
David
David Freedman
General Manager
Mardi Gras Is On Its Way
Carnival season officially kicked off on January 6, and our show hosts are prepared with plenty of special shows for the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday (February 16). Stay tuned to our blog and our Mardi Gras page to find out about parade schedules, in-studio visits, Mardi Gras Indian themed shows, Carnival in other parts of the world... and King Cakes, of course. And WWOZ will be broadcasting live from the Uptown New Orleans parade scene!
» Read about special shows on our blog
More Ways to Hear 'OZ in 2010
Last year we brought you a high-quality Web stream, and the positive response was overwhelming. This year, we’re making it easier to listen online with a new streaming music player that loads right in your web browser, so you don’t have to use dedicated software. We’re also getting ready to launch a Facebook app that lets you add the WWOZ web stream directly to your profile. Feel free to send suggestions on how we can improve our site to help@wwoz.org!
» Read more about streaming ‘OZ
Live Broadcast: 'OZ Returns to Treme
On Wednesday, January 20, ‘OZ revisits its old Treme neighborhood for a live broadcast of the Treme Brass Band from the legendary Candlelight Lounge. The concert is part of a series sponsored by the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living at clubs that agree to ban smoking for the evening — making environments healthier for you, the musicians, and service staff. We sure breathed a lot easier at the December Papa Grows Funk smoke-free show at the Maple Leaf!
» Read more about upcoming live broadcasts
» See highlights from the Papa Grows Funk smoke-free show
‘OZ Broadcasts Louisiana Live from the Grammys
WWOZ is teaming up with the Grammy Awards for a live broadcast of “A Night of Louisiana Music” from the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on January 30 at 11pm CST. The event celebrates America's Louisiana-based musical roots and features performances by Louisiana musicians who've been nominated for Grammy awards, including Zachary Richard (pictured), The Magnolia Sisters, Cedric Watson, and C.C. Adcock. Stay tuned for details on which artists we'll be broadcasting.
» Read more about WWOZ at the Grammys
WWOZ Says "I Love You"
We love our listeners like no other radio station on the planet, and our staff, volunteers, and hosts show it every day by giving you the music of New Orleans 'round the clock. We appreciate you, and we couldn't do it without you!
This Valentine's Day, help spread that love around with a WWOZ Brass Pass for your sweetie. We give Brass Passers some love back, too: Part of the cost is tax-deductible. Call us at 504-568-1239 or buy online today... prices will go up soon.
» Give your sweetie a brass pass
» Learn about the benefits of WWOZ Brass Passes
Looking Back at Friends We Lost in 2009
WWOZ honors the fallen heroes of New Orleans music who passed away in 2009, including Eddie Bo, Snooks Eaglin, Juanita Brooks, and Les Paul, as well as non-musicians like Mother-In-Law Lounge owner Antoinette K-Doe and WWOZ volunteer extraordinaire Mike Casey. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.
» Read more about those we lost in 2009
February at the Swamp Shop: Backpack Coolers
WWOZ’s featured product for the month of February at our new and improved Swamp Shop is an ‘OZ backpack cooler. Nothing says “parade preparedness” during Mardi Gras season like a backpack cooler for toting your favorite beverages around and keeping them ice cold. The soft-sided coolers are festival friendly and two handy cupholders are built into the top.
Twitter Contest: Win an 'OZ Flag
As of mid-January WWOZ has just over 1500 Twitter followers. To celebrate, we’re offering new and current followers a chance to win one of four WWOZ flags! All you have to do is follow us on Twitter (@wwoz_neworleans) and “retweet” our contest message, which will appear on our feed on Thursday, January 21.
January Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup
Every year the winter cold seems to take us by surprise. But this year, you can arm yourself against the deep freeze with this delicious recipe for butternut squash soup from Chef Nealy Crawford-Frentz of Lola Restaurant in Covington, LA. If you like the recipe, then check out Louisiana Cookin' magazine. Subscribe with the promotion code wwoz2010, and they'll donate $5 to WWOZ.
» Check out this month's recipe
WWOZ Quick Links
Playlists Online
Are you interested in an artist we played on the air? You can search playlists by song title, band name, CD title or label.
Shop WWOZ
The Swamp Shop is open and chock full of WWOZ gear.
New Orleans Music Calendar
Live music is the life-blood of New Orleans. Check out our online music calendar to find out who's playing where!
Sign Up for the 'OZone
Receive monthly 'OZ highlights and previews in your inbox.