Capturing the essence of all things ‘New Orleans’

8th February 2016   ·   0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

The 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street (formerly St. Claude Street) is an always lively spot. It’s reminiscent of the Treme neighborhood of old when, in the evening hours, people would sit on their stoops – often with a beer in hand – and chat, joke and mix it up with a little trash talk which in these parts is known as playing the dozens.

The neighborhood is especially active during the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day. It is the time in New Orleans to spruce things up and replace perhaps weary decorations with some new ones. At the Backstreet Cultural Museum (1116 Henriette Delille St.), it’s the time to pressure hose the sidewalks, wash down those chairs – already lining the street a week before the celebration – and enlist some friends, family and neighbors to build sturdy tables for those perhaps less than sturdy revelers who will arrive at the museum’s big, street party on Fat Tuesday.

While many a Mardi Gras Indian chant speak of tales about coming out early on Carnival Day, few keep to that tradition in these modern times. However, the Backstreet starts stirring at dawn with the arrival of the North Side Skull & Bone gang for their annual breakfast at the museum that starts at 6 am and is open to all early risers. Most Black Indian tribes seem to get to Henriette Delille after noon, with many having stopped at Kermit Ruffins’ Mother-In-Law Lounge and are heading to North Claiborne Avenue and Basin Street where Mardi Gras Indians have historically met and gathered. Baby Dolls and revelers are along for the roll. Timing is often difficult on the holiday – are the Indians on their way? Should we leave and come back? Is there time to run into the Quarter and catch the always spectacular St. Ann parade and some of the outrageous happenings in the Vieux Carre? As the Rebirth Brass Band sings and shouts, “Do Whatcha Wanna.”

Irma Thomas Celebrates Her Birthday

It was way back in 1977 that Grammy-winning vocalist Irma Thomas was first referred to – rightfully so – as Soul Queen of New Orleans. One night, a drummer named Wilbert had to take over the duties of presenting the singer from the club’s regular emcee. From the stage, he introduced Thomas, who had already earned a string of hits including “Don’t Mess with My Man,” “It’s Raining” and “Wish Someone Would Care,” with the moniker Soul Queen of New Orleans. It has justifiably stuck with her over her 60-year career. “I was living out of a suitcase during that era,” remembered Thomas, who, for a time, often traveled between her hometown and California.

Thomas, who was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana on February 18, 1941 and grew up in this city, celebrates her 75th birthday at Delgado Community College on February 13, 2016. Always a loyal advocate and supporter of the New Orleans musical and educational community, the locale of the event holds a special meaning for Thomas who, as an adult, graduated from Delgado with a business degree. The concert also stands as a fundraiser for the Irma Thomas Center for W.I.S.E. (Women In Search of Excellence) organization. Its aim is for women to fulfill their academic, personal and professional potential.

Irma Thomas certainly knows about reaching one’s potential as she went from being known as “the singing waitress” sitting in with vocal great Tommy Ridgley’s band to earning a Grammy in 2007 for her album After the Rain.

Happy birthday, Irma and as many fans would say, you are the “Ruler of My Heart.”

Irma Thomas’ birthday celebration on the campus of Delgado Community College begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There is also a Patron Party starting at 7 p.m. with at $100 admission For information, go to www.dcc.edu/irma or call (504) 671-6325.

Time to Chill with Some Fine Jazz

Once, following Italy’s spectacular Umbria Jazz Festival held in the historic, hilltop town of Perugia, it was asked whether music still filled the streets and cave-like, late night clubs when the event was over. The answer, was no, that Perugia pretty much returned to its quieter state.

That is, of course, not true in New Orleans. There is tons of music and tons of fun year round. On Saturday, February 13, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents a free jazz concert at its Center, 1225 N. Rampart St, with The Bridge Trio. This group with drummer Joe Dyson, pianist Conun Pappas and bassist Max Moran, makes for the perfect, post-Mardi Gras way to spend an evening. The trio, the members of which graduated from NOCCA and gained recognition as the rhythm section behind the great saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr., bring a different kind of energy and excitement than the hilarity of Carnival. Theirs is sparked by creative talent, excitement and the aim of producing great music. Check out The Bridge Trio’s latest CD, The Search: Departure.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. For further information, go to www.jazzandheritage.org.

Speaking of Donald Harrison Jr., another one of his proteges, his nephew trumpeter Christian Scott performs with his quintet at Snug Harbor on Saturday, February 13. Scott, who earned a Grammy nomination in 2006 for his album Rewind That, is an explorer of the music as his 2015 album clearly reveals. It’s called Stretch Music, a term that is also a conceptual description of his musical direction. It, in other words, has the flexibility of an elastic band that expands while still being attached to its origin or, musically speaking, its roots.

Showtimes: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

This article originally published in the February 8, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.