Dear Listener,
August in New Orleans... It's a time when the entire French Quarter-scape seems to melt in the sticky blur of wavy air. Steam rises from the water troughs set out to provide comfort to the sweltering mules hauling tourist-laden carriages—the tourists themselves overcome by the vapors.
I always caution folks from anywhere north of the Mississippi delta planning a visit south of the U.S. border: Pass a couple of weeks in New Orleans first to prevent the heat/humidity bends. This year, that warning isn't necessary; friends as far north as Boston tell me they're having their own tropical weather.
In New Orleans, we dance in the midday sun, going the proverbial mad dogs and Englishmen one better; those hardy enough to attend Satchmo SummerFest in early August can attest to that. I see it as basic training for next year's Jazz Fest. And now, through the modern wonders of the Internet and global warming, you too can begin preparing!
Yours in water troughs and Spanish moss,
David Freedman
General Manager
The Katrina Network: 5 Years After the Storm
As WWOZ struggled to stay on the air in the months following the Federal Flood of 2005, a group of 31 radio stations from around the globe lent a much-needed hand. On the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall in Louisiana, 'OZ salutes this "Katrina Network" of community radio stations for embodying the notion of Guarding the Groove and helping us in our time of need. Also, check out our up-to-date list of Katrina Anniversary events happening in the greater New Orleans area.
»Read more about the Katrina Network and upcoming 5th Anniversary events
Gulf Coast Benefit Events: Updates and Photo Galleries
The BP oil well off the Louisiana coast may be plugged, but the cleanup and recovery process is still going strong. At the Contemporary Arts Center on August 25, the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation will present LA Fête Cultural 2010, benefitting workers at various types of cultural institutions who have been affected by the BP oil disaster. The night begins with a Patron Party featuring the Shannon Powell Trio with Carol Fran, as well as celebrity guests, auctions and great food. The main event is a concert by Tab Benoit's Swampland Jam (pictured), Terrance Simien, Big Sam's Funky Nation and The Stooges Brass Band. WWOZ will be there broadcasting live — stay tuned for details.
Groove with 'OZ at Pontchartrain Vineyards
WWOZ will hold its first ever Groovin' In the Vines fundraiser event at beautiful Pontchartrain Vineyards in St. Tammany Parish on Saturday, September 11, in celebration of our upcoming 30th anniversary. No 'OZ event would be complete without music — Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots will perform their unique blend of zydeco and blues. We'll also have plenty of food available for purchase, and each guest gets a commemorative bottle of wine. We're offering two packages, one with transportation included and one without; you can get tickets online or by calling WWOZ Membership at (504) 568-1239. Come out and celebrate with 'OZ!
Upcoming Live Broadcast: Magnetic Ear @ Blue Nile
On September 8, WWOZ will broadcast Magnetic Ear, led by saxophonist Martin Krusche, live from the Blue Nile to celebrate the release of this eclectic all-star band's third CD. The lineup includes familiar faces from the New Orleans music scene, like baritone saxophonist Daniel Oestereicher (Big Sam's Funky Nation) and trombonist Jeff Albert (founder of Open Ears Music Series). In the meantime, we've got amazing photos from recent live broadcasts at Satchmo SummerFest, d.b.a., and more.
RIP: Fred Anderson, Clyde Kerr, Jr., Abbey Lincoln & Herman Leonard
The musical world recently lost three hugely influential jazz masters: Chicago saxophonist and club owner Fred Anderson (June 24); New Orleans trumpeter and educator Clyde Kerr, Jr. (August 6); and vocalist and actress Abbey Lincoln (August 14). Legendary photographer Herman Leonard, a former New Orleans resident whose iconic images of Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and many more informed the world's imagination about jazz, also passed away on August 14. WWOZ salutes all four of these artists, and our condolences go out to their families, friends, and fans.
Show Host Spotlight: Charles Burchell
WWOZ welcomes show host Charlie B. back after a 7-week absence from his Jazz from the Market show on Mondays from 4-7 p.m. Charlie spins jazz classics by masters like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Chet Baker as well as contemporary music by Robert Glasper, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and many others. His impeccable taste and engaging on-air personality has graced 'OZ's airwaves since 2004, but here's your chance to get to know him a little better.
Magic Moments: Tell Us Your Story
WWOZ wants to hear your most memorable experience from the Crescent City. Your story can be about a local festival, an awesome show, a touching memory about 'OZ, or anything in between! Just send us a story that you are passionate about. We want to capture your moment on video and post it to our website to share with the 'OZ Nation, thanks to support from Coventry Health Care. Your videos will appear alongside those from New Orleans notables like artist Frenchy (pictured). Please send your story as plain text in the body of an email to yourstory@wwoz.org.
August Recipe: Macaroni with Cheddar Velouté and Pulled Pork
This month's recipe — delectable variation on pork mac 'n cheese — comes from Chef Todd Pulsinelli of American Sector in New Orleans. It includes tasty barbeque and cheddar sauces and shows you how to make your own macaroni. If you like the recipe, then check out Louisiana Cookin' magazine. Subscribe with the promotion code wwoz2010, and they'll donate $5 to WWOZ.
WWOZ Quick Links
Playlists Online
Interested in an artist we played on-air? View playlists posted by our show hosts; use the Search tab to search 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!
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