Celebrating Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union troops overcame the resistance in Galveston, Texas, and announced the Civil War was over and enslaved people were free. While the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until this day, two and a half years later, over two months after General Lee surrendered, that federal forces that were able to influence and overcome the resistance in Galveston, and enforce President Lincoln’s Executive Order.

Today Juneteenth is a national day of pride that celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. On Juneteenth we acknowledge the African American spirit and pay tribute to the roles and contributions which have enriched our society. And for New Orleans, we have a lot to celebrate!

Mardigramus - One Thing Better

Mardigramus the soothsayer dispenses pointless wisdom and useless observations every Tuesday. Today’s sooth is called “One Thing Better”. Click on the image to view his visionary video.

Happy Birthday, Leo Nocentelli!

Singer songwriter and guitarist Leo Nocentelli was born in New Orleans on June 15, 1946. Best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of The Meters, he wrote the original versions of several funk classics such as "Cissy Strut" and "Hey Pocky A-Way". He has recorded with a variety of notable artists such as Dr. John, Robert Palmer and Etta James. In 2018, Nocentelli received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of The Meters. In a life filled with music and achievement, we are fortunate to celebrate this day with Leo. Happy Birthday!

Photo by: Francisco Daum

Celebrating National Bourbon Day!

Celebrate America’s “Native Spirit” on National Bourbon Day, June 14th! Did you know that all bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon? For a whiskey to classify as bourbon it must be made in the U.S., and it must be between 51 and 79 per cent corn. The other grains used in bourbon include malted barley and either rye or wheat. Bourbon must be aged at least two years in a new, charred American White Oak barrel that may only be used once for bourbon. You are not required to know all this in order to celebrate National Bourbon Day, but now that you do, aren’t you thirsty? Enjoy!

Mardigramus - Obey The Rules

Mardigramus the soothsayer dispenses pointless wisdom and useless observations every Tuesday. Today’s sooth is called “Obey The Rules”. Click on the image to view his visionary video.

Happy Birthday, June Yamagishi!

New Orleans-based Guitarist June Yamagishi was born on June 6, 1953, in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. He is the guitarist for bands Papa Grows Funk and the Wild Magnolias. He has been a major force in the Japanese blues and jazz scene since the early 1970s. In 1995, Yamagishi left his well-established career behind in Japan to live in New Orleans where he still lives today. Since he found his home in the Crescent City, he has played with musicians including Earl King, Henry Butler, Davell Crawford, Marva Wright, George Porter, Jr., among many others in addition to the two groups he is a member of. Today we wish June a very happy birthday!

Photo: Masahiro Sumori