New Orlean

New Orleans is a fascinating city in many ways. When you walk the French Quarter, you can see the strong Spanish influence in the architecture. It is fun to walk even the backest of streets because you find so many interesting details and court yards.

I often confuse Burbon Street and the drunken revel with the city. Yet when you walk around during the day you begin to sense the incredible diversity of music. On one street two gentlemen were playing blues and amusing the crowd with side conversations. On another a woman was playing piano accompanied by a man on a tuba. Near the church a mariachi band was playing while a woman on stilts danced.

One night I had the pleasure of joining Hans and others from our group to hear them play at Preservation Hall. It costs ten dollars to get in. There are several rows of wooden benches and then standing room only. The room would feel creepy if it were not so hallowed. It was an amazing experience in the midst of the hoopla that is Burbon Street on Saturday night to hear real music played by real people.