Louisiana
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King of Chitlin’ Circuit Bobby Rush still groovin’ into his 80s: SXSW 2014
One of the highlights of my time at SXSW 2014 was seeing Mr. Bobby Rush (who was nominated this past year for a 2014 GRAMMY Award in Best Blues Album for “Down In Louisiana”). There is a bit of discrepancy as to his age. He told the audience he was 81, however Wikipedia says 73.… Continue reading
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Keeping the tradition alive in California: The Long Beach Bayou & Blues Festival
This weekend, Saturday June 22nd and, Sunday June 23rd, the Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach transforms into a home away from home for Louisiana natives, as The Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival celebrates its 27th year. The two-day Creole and Cajun celebration feature a non-stop dance floor (including dance instruction), a kids corner… Continue reading
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Louisiana gumbo: Cedric Watson et Bijou Créole
“Louisiana, Louisiana; It’s beauty’s always aglow. Moss covered shade trees; Sway in the cool breeze While lazy bayous flow.” ~ Louisiana state song Cedric Watson Bon jour/Bon soir! Since the Saints won the Superbowl and Mardi Gras is around the corner, I thought I’d throw some musical gumbo in the mix! Music Voyager, a new… Continue reading
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New Orleans: “The music bubbles up from the cracks in the sidewalks.”
There is a phrase that describes the center of the proverbial universe. The “axis mundi” is where all life sprang from; where the sacred and the profane meet; the point at which heaven touches earth. In the history of American music, the axis mundi must be the Crescent City…. This will be my first of… Continue reading
rootnotemusic
is a blog exploring the resiliency of the human spirit thru community, culture & expression (oh & damn good music…).
Recent Posts
- Reclaiming Lakota narratives & sovereignty through graffiti culture
- Multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-winning songwriter Dom Flemons illuminates hidden American history in his music.
- The blues according to Nina Simone: my ode to Queen Nina
- James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 2)
- James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 1)