New Orleans Soul
This letter is in response to December 2019 Mojo Mouth “Do We Really Want Shiny and Soulless?” by Jan Ramsey.—ED.
I kept your previous issue of OffBeat handy to share with others because of the lovely tribute you wrote about New Orleans and its soul. It was a beautifully-written piece, and I’ve meant to write you to say how wonderfully you expressed that “something special” quality about New Orleans. My husband was reading during this time the book Who’s Your City, and your article summed up so much of what makes New Orleans so unique!
Now I’ve just read your January note about the Folk Alliance International event at the Sheraton. Here’s wishing you and OffBeat and all of New Orleans a happy and prosperous 2020.
—Mary Sue Roniger, New Orleans, Louisiana
Folk Alliance International
I just wanted to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to attend the FAI Fest [Folk Alliance International] this weekend. This has been the best weekend I have had in maybe my life. I am still processing the events. I saw so many bands, made friends that I hopefully will have for years to come, and got to play a song I wrote in front of real professionals, (a Juno Award nominee, for one) that seemed to like it and were not just being nice to me.
To say I had fun is a gross understatement. This has been what promises to be a life-changing experience. I did not expect it, and am humbled by it.
All I can do is say thank you sincerely.
—Tony Sinn, New Orleans, Louisiana
Mr. Sinn won passes to the Folk Alliance Conference in New Orleans by taking OffBeat’s Weekly Poll. —ED.
Little Queenie
One minor correction: Leigh Harris relocated to Rural Hall, North Carolina, not Greensboro.
Also: With a tip of the hat to Harold Battiste and his arrangements, credit is due to bassist Carole Kaye of the Wrecking Crew who forged that memorable bass riff to “The Beat Goes On.”
—Bil Jenko, Winston Salem, North Carolina
Geoff Douville
This letter is in response to Michael Patrick Welch’s news post “Geoff Douville of Egg Yolk Jubilee Has Died.”—ED.
I didn’t know him personally however many of my friends have learned and laughed a lot with him. Egg Yolk is one of my favorite local bands and I sure hope that they will continue. I’ll for sure be at that Lesseps party.
—Bridgett Hess, Austin, Texas
New Orleans Jazz Market
This letter is in response to OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards moving from Generations Hall to the New Orleans Jazz Market.—ED.
In the New Orleans Jazz Market?—built with stolen library money by Irvin Mayfield and Ronald Markham who have yet to be put in trial. You mean to tell me all is forgotten and there is no other venue to have this event? This magazine devotes too much time being the advocate for the wrong things, striving to stay relevant in the local market and doing nothing to deliver this to the rest of the world. In fact being successful outside of New Orleans is detrimental to this publication.
—Bri Tronfson, Covington, Louisiana
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, which is housed in the New Orleans Jazz Market, is now led by drummer Adonis Rose (our December 2019 cover story). The fine NOJO musicians (who had nothing to do with the Mayfield/Markham debacle) should not be punished. We continue and always have advocated for Louisiana musicians.—ED.
