BLUES N'AT

It's time for another geography lesson from Mrs. Black-N-Gold. Question: Where in this country can you find some of the best jazz, dixie land, zydeco and blues music? Why in the heart of New Orleans, LA, of course! New Orleans has a rich musical history to go along with some of the most delicious delicacies in the world. You can take in the sights and sounds that New Orleans has to offer in the French Quarter, on Bourbon Street and at Congo Square while you partake in a po'boy, some gumbo or some cajun entrees. The Big Easy has been home for many legendary performers, most notably, Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, The Meters, The Neville Brothers, and Dr. John. The Crescent City has spawned the New Orleans Blues style as well as Swamp Blues. Significant contributors to these genres include Professor Longhair, Guitar Slim, Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester. While NOLA is famous for their Mardi Gras celebration, there are musical events happening around this city 365 days a year. Two of the more well-known are the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. Don't let the name of the former fool you. There is way more than jazz music to entertain your ears. And the latter provides some the latest and greatest the blues scene has to offer. Some of the happening spots that host live blues music are The Famous Door, Bourbon Street Blues Company, The Spotted Cat, and Chickie Wah Wah. Get your krewe to New Orleans and soak up some of the fine blues music they have to offer. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!