It's The Most Wonderful Time Of My Year

French Quarter Festival is here and, I have to say, it couldn't have come at a better time. My past couple of weeks have been trying, starting with a hellacious bout of food poisoning from a "diner", progressing on to a general funk in which I wanted to sleep 18 hours a day, and finishing off with a "misunderstanding" with our landlord that has since been resolved. Oh, and I turned 41. But, enough of that shit, it's festival time! I've mentioned previously that FQF is my favorite event in New Orleans and this is why......the weather in early April is gorgeous; there is an abundance of food, drink, & music and it's ALL LOCAL; the crowd is made up of diverse, music loving people; the price of admission? FREE! And such a grand time that I tolerate going to the can in a Port-o-Potty. (Always carry an extra roll of TP.) This year, for the first time, the festival has added an extra day as a gift to locals who would rather avoid the weekend crowds, which have grown enormously over the years. I am filled with gratitude for this because I truly enjoyed my day yesterday! Actually, my musical weekend kicked off on Wednesday evening when I found out that The Soul Rebels Brass Band and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews were auspiciously scheduled for the, after work, "Wednesday at the Square" show. The square being Lafayette Square on St. Charles Ave. in the CBD. For those acts I was more than willing to venture across Canal St. I hadn't seen The Soul Rebels in many years and they put on a dynamic, fun show. Troy & Co. were fabulous, as usual, and I don't know how much longer he will be able to play The Square. It soon won't be able to contain the crowd he draws. Called it an early night after the show in order to be up bright and early on Thursday. And.........

My Thursday started out with a massage followed by a pedicure. A lunchtime visit to Lester (boyfriend) at the Gazebo Cafe. Home for a half hour nap, gathered belongings, sunscreen application, made my way to the Mississippi. At this time I'd like to point out that the music is not the only entertainment available at a New Orleans festival......there is also the crowd. You will see quite the array of people. All ages, shapes, sizes, and colors in one place feelin' the groove and doin' their thang. The long skirt wearing, barefoot, twirling, hippie girl; the rhythm lacking, dancing white dude; the 75 year old lady on her "Rascal" bobbin' her head; the guy in the extremely tight seersucker pants with the round "dip" canister stuffed in the back pocket, taking photos....the variety is inspiring. As is the music. There is something for everyone. The first set I saw was Lillian Boutte', diminutive with a roaring voice, backed by a fantastic band with lots of familiar faces. Second set was Los Hombres Calientes, the project of Bill Summers and Irvin Mayfield - dynamic! My first time seeing them and I'm so glad I did. I then wandered a bit to pass by the Brass Band Stage and the One Mind Brass Band was sounding hot. I also realized that I didn't have any festival food. But it was time to end my day of fun. Normal routine (my overflowing clothes hamper) called. So, as I made my way slowly home through the French Quarter I decided that I wasn't going to ruin a perfect day by doing laundry AND cooking. Po' boys from (FQ institution) Verti Marte were in order.

And, just think, I get to do it all again today.