Mardigramus - Don't Touch

Mardigramus the soothsayer dispenses pointless wisdom and useless observations every Tuesday. Today’s sooth is called “Don’t Touch”. Click on the image to view his visionary video.

Celebrating International Women's Day! 3/8

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on the 8th of March every year around the world and is a focal point in the movement for women's rights. Celebrate, march, protest … do whatcha gotta do to promote women’s rights!

British poster for Women's Day March 1974

Happy National Absinthe Day!

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit that was portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen, and was banned in the United States by 1915. However, in reality, studies show that its psychoactive properties were exaggerated, other than that of the alcohol. The 1990’s saw a revival of absinthe, and now there are nearly 200 brands produced in a dozen countries. So, today is National Absinthe Day … what are you waiting for? Bottoms up! You may want to take tomorrow off, though …

Photo by Eric Litton

Happy Birthday, Jason Marsalis!

Jazz and funk drummer and vibraphonist Jason Marsalis was born in New Orleans on March 4, 1977, into the Marsalis family of musical royalty. He is the youngest son of the late pianist and music professor Ellis Marsalis, Jr., and brother to jazz musicians Branford, Wynton and Delfeayo, as well as Ellis Marsalis III and Mboya Kinyatta. Marsalis started playing drums at age three when his parents purchased a toy set of drums. By age six, he had a real drum kit, at seven he sat in with his father’s group, and by nine he was a consistent performer at his father’s engagements. Jason had also taken up violin at age five, but drums and percussion were his primary focus. In 1991, he was accepted to the acclaimed New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts High School (NOCCA), and he continued playing gigs with his father and brothers. In 1995, Marsalis joined the Marcus Roberts Trio, while still attending Loyola University in New Orleans. He made appearances with international jazz luminaries and remained on the New Orleans music scene, working with a diverse cross section of bands. In 1998, he co-founded the Latin-jazz group Los Hombres Calientes, recording two albums with the group, and also producing two albums under his own name. He also produced reissues and current recordings of his father on their self-owned label, ELM Records. Marsalis and his brothers and their father were named NEA Jazz Masters, and he is one of the artists featured in Tradition Is a Temple, a 2013 documentary film about New Orleans. Marsalis continues to grow and develop as both a composer and performer, and all who are fortunate to hear his music and see him perform become loyal fans. Happy Birthday to an amazing musician!

Photo: Infrogmation

Mardigramus - Parade It

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

Happy Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", referring to the practice of indulging and eating rich foods on the last night before the fasting of Lent begins at midnight, when Ash Wednesday begins. In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is about fun and celebration … parades, floats, people-watching, food, drink, music and all forms of entertainment. Mardi Gras revelers wear wild and crazy costumes and/or traditional colors of purple, green, and gold. Many wear beads caught during parades. Families with their kids are everywhere, and both locals and visitors have a fantastic time. Mardi Gras has been called the party New Orleans throws for itself, and invites everybody else to attend!