We're Jazzed You Were Here for the French Quarter Festival, 2006!

The French Quarter Festival, April 21-23, was a celebration of the New Orleans we love. A celebration of its jazz and of you who love it. A celebration of the city coming back to life after its near-death experience due to the combination of Katrina's hurricane forces and man's failures. A celebration of the miracle that this festival was taking place at all. A celebration that took place while the city was still mourning its huge, overwhelming losses and still struggling to recover.

The FQF was a source toward my healing and I think the city's healing from the recent deep emotional and economical wounds. The healing source came not only from the beautiful old New Orleans jazz I heard, but also from you who came from many countries and this country to be here. You came in spite of our losses and because of your love for this city's spirit and culture and your zeal to support us. You contributed to our physical and spiritual rebirth. I thank you and I celebrate you.

Magnolia Brass Band
On Friday morning, at 10:00, the traditional parade opened the French Quarter Festival with flare and fun! The musicians of many bands played their rhythmic tunes causing many feet to dance the second line down Bourbon Street; other happy faces lined the way to Jackson Square, cheering and clapping as the bands passed. Three sunny, happy, warm/hot days were filled with jazz played on many stages…on Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Jackson Square, Waldenburg Park plus days and nights at Fritzel's.

It was a happy reunion to see and hear two New Orleans musicians, Dr. Michael White and Gregg Stafford on their stage by the River in Waldenburg Park. In Jackson Square 44 New Orleans restaurants set up booths, the “World's Largest Jazz Brunch.” I was very pleased to see throngs of hungry fest goers enjoying the delicious food.
Dr. Michael White

William Smith
I spent most of my time with the international bands on Bourbon Street and in Fritzel's, because I love their old New Orleans jazz. The Kid Bastien Remembered from Toronto! The Happy Pals also from Toronto! Jack McLaughlin from Australia! In those bands were Marcello Bono from Switzerland, Kjeld Brandt from Denmark, Malc Murphy from England and others who traveled from other states and countries to be here. The joyous, harmonious notes from these talented musicians' instruments blended to make my toes tap, hands clap, face beam and heart soar.

Some special moments stand out. I loved the deep rhythmic beat of Kid Dutch's sousaphone. I marveled at Kjeld Brandt's clarinet melodies and his clear, rich notes weaving smoothly among the other instruments. During each performance, Joe van Rossem's beautiful trumpet was such a pleasure to me; never overpowering and blaring. It never hurt my ears (but it did damage Joe's upper lip). Janet Shaw played her saxophone with such a lovely softness and rhythm, while Brian Towers added his trombone with low notes and jazzy beat. A dynamic duo! On Sunday morning, when Jack McLaughlin and Kjeld played their clarinets, I was often moved to tears by their beautiful spirituals. Marcello Bona on piano always captured my attention with his finger-snapping rhythm whether he was taking his jazzy lead or supporting the band. Malc Murphy made the drums sing and dance, never obtrusively, masterfully blending his rhythms with the rest of the band. I was happy to meet a New Orleans musician in the mix, a great banjo player, Ron Simpson. Kid Bastien Remembered was invited to play at the Palm Court Café…a snazzy, jazzy evening with dinner we had! I could tell that these musicians were listening to each other and communicating with their instruments. Amazing to me! In addition, the tune, the key, the tempo… each was decided at the moment, and voila! They made it look and sound so easy.

On Sunday I was strolling from Jackson Square toward Bourbon Street, away from all stages. What should I hear coming from a small shop but jazz! Of course I headed in that direction with zest. Kid Dutch and Patrick with the Happy Pals! A delightful surprise! Those guys were everywhere!

In addition to the musicians, I was always happy to be with Brian and Heather Harris and Pam van Rossem, all from the Toronto area. You three were lovely additions to my days.

During this music-filled three-day festival, I was always aware of Katrina's dismal destruction. It was interwoven among the music and smiles. I saw friends whom I knew lost most or all possessions in the flooding and their houses are gutted...that means empty…no walls, no doors. Many of the New Orleans musicians I saw lost their homes and their instruments. As I delighted in the jazz bands, I became acquainted with several residents who were dealing with the frustrations that have come with rebuilding their homes and their lives. Yet, they were there, enjoying the music and camaraderie. The hotels and restaurants did not have the staff they had before the storm, but they were there serving us with grace. I finally realized on Sunday that the crocked lampposts I had been admiring for several days were not due to the old charm, but to the new Katrina effect. I loved the large sign that was outside Fritzel's, “Rebuilding New Orleans one note at a time;” it was also one more tug at my heart.
I am deeply grateful when I hear that a visitor sees first hand some of the devastated areas. I feel seen, understood and embraced. No TV, no photograph can convey the scope or depth of the destruction. We who live here want you to see in person what we are coping with. Some FQF visitors saw a good sample and were amazed. I took one visitor on my version of a Katrina tour. During the 6 hours, we stopped often, getting out of the car to try to take in the enormity of the losses. Then we saw details of shattered lives. We felt the emptiness. The overwhelming loss. The pain.

Before the tour, my friend said he thought he knew what to expect. He didn't. He was overwhelmed by the devastation, by the miles and miles of it, wondering how we can ever recover. And he saw only a small portion of the empty, damaged city. No matter how many times I see these silent houses and businesses, like tombs, I shake my head in sad disbelief.

On Saturday, the citizens of New Orleans were having our historic primary election to determine our next mayor and other officials. That morning I took time away from the FQF and drove to eastern New Orleans to vote. On my way, I amazed to see flocks of cheering, dedicated people, many more than usual, standing at intersections with signs supporting their candidates. I was moved to tears seeing them…so many, so enthusiastic, so happy, waving to us driving by, holding their posters…standing with Katrina destruction all around them. All over the city this was happening. These spirited voters, with smiles and stamina in the hot sun, presented hope and inspiration to me.

My tears come easily when I see a sign of hope. You who traveled to New Orleans with your zeal and love for New Orleans jazz and this city gave me signs of hope. I thank you for being here. Thank you for your wonderful music and friendship. I know you will return…next year! Thank you for my tears of joy and gratitude.

- Susan Egnew

I lived in New Orleans for 41 years, now living in Metairie.
Having lived amidst so much heart-wrenching destruction since October, when I returned home, my experience of the FQF was inevitably colored by Katrina. Among the many hurdles toward recovery, there are successes, I am happy to say. At the same time, I am still feeling the pain of “missing New Orleans.” Every other resident I know is also. Thank you for being gentle and patient with all of us and for your understanding as you read my FQF account.
I hope this review is not too long; this is the short version!
Those of you who were not here this year, do come visit New Orleans FQF in 2007. Those who were here, I look forward to your return. During your visit, have fun, enjoy the culture and take a Katrina tour!
We in New Orleans will be jazzed you're here!
Kid Bastien Remembered Band
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