Voodoo Music Experience 2008

So I've clearly been hampered by my inability to hold down solid food this week, and I've been busy with my cousin's impending nuptials (eek! tomorrow!), but without further delay, here are a few snaps from Voodoo...for D. and me, Voodoo's line-up this year was like going back to high school, minus the cassette tapes and awkward puberty.


Highlights:
R.E.M. (if you know me, you're not surprised)
Thievery Corporation
Ghostland Observatory
Cowboy Mouth
Old 97's

Great, but man, I'm getting old:
Nine Inch Nails

Mediocre as hell:
Lil' Wayne

A Voodoo Quandary

So D. and I have weekend passes for Voodoo, and are entering Round 2 of out-of-town guests this week with some friends from south Florida up for the music shindig at City Park.

With some dismay I note that the Old 97's, only one of the greatest live bands ever, are scheduled to play somewhere during the second quarter of the FSU-Virginia Tech game.

Even worse, the Cold War Kids and Blind Boys of Alabama are scheduled during the Saints' London game.

WHAT TO DO? WHAT TO DO?

Do I DVR the FSU game and pray that my friends (ahem, Fudge) won't send me texts about the game? Or do I avoid my longstanding crush on Rhett Miller's foxy ways and faithfully cheer on my Noles?

Do I give up on the Saints and assume that this season has become a dismal lost cause due to injuries and hideous playcalling? Or do I eschew the weird musical stylings of "Hang Me Up To Dry"?

There's only one certainty, and that is R.E.M.

Oh yes, you will see me at the R.E.M. show. And it might be a little bit scary, because I'll be the zealot singing along to EVERY. SINGLE. SONG.

(That's how strong my love is, yeaux. No offense meant to Otis.)

In a master stroke of the universe laughing at me...

...two of my favorite musical acts EVER will be playing in New Orleans this weekend:

-Alejandro Escovedo
-Old 97's

D. and I will be in Jacksonville, proudly standing up for our friends Chris and Rebecca, who are getting married after nearly 8 years of dating.

We're thrilled for them...but I told Dave this means we'll be listening to an Old 97's/Escovedo mix on our 8-hour drive. :)

But if you're in town this weekend, do go check them out. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Here's a song we're considering for our wedding ceremony:

Voodoo 2008

So the Voodoo Fest line-up was announced this morning.

Apart from R.E.M., Old 97's, Cold War Kids, Nine Inch Nails and Death Cab for Cutie, I'm very "meh" on the list of acts.

On the one hand, it's like my high school playlist is repeating itself. So huzzah for 1995!

On the other hand...this is a disappointing letdown after the last few line-ups, eh?

Thoughts?

(But D. and I did buy weekend passes! It's R.E.M., people!)

Dance with me...

Heeeeeeeeeeeey, this'll cheer me up.

Behold the Old 97's brand-spanking-new video, "Dance with Me."

The 97's will be playing at the House of Blues in New Orleans the weekend of July 19th. Alas, D. and I will be in Jacksonville for a wedding (which we wouldn't miss, even for a chance to see the cuteness that is Rhett Miller).

So we set a date.

In the midst of watching the draft and dealing with the Jazz Fest traffic, D. and I have set our wedding date!

(Prepare for the nausea to begin.)

Admittedly, some of the giddiness has worn off - I mean, at some point we have to figure out how to pay for this blessed event without mortgaging off our firstborn into indentured servitude.

(Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated.)

It's Jazz Fest Sunday, and it's still raining. D. and I took a walk in the rain this afternoon after I returned from a work event at the Aubudon Tea Room. Best of all, we told Father Pat at OLGC about our engagement, and I'm due to set an appointment with him to go through what we need to do to marry within the church (whether it's OLGC or St. Stephen's).

But hey, the draft went well for the Saints (and even better for the Chiefs, who shamelessly ripped off our warchant before each first round pick), and it's festival season.

Damn, life is good...assuming you're not living in the Seventh Ward this weekend.

Kicking off Friday on a happy note!

French Quarter Fest kicks off today - D. and I plan on spending tomorrow down in the Quarter (in particular, we want to see Soul Rebels Brass Band).

So happy Friday, folks - here's a little Kermit Ruffins to kick off the FQF/Jazz Fest month.

Tift Merritt is coming! Tift Merritt is coming!

Adequate words do not exist to explain my adoration of this woman's talents. "Good Hearted Man" is easily one of my favorite Tift Merritt songs, largely because the emotions she evokes in her lyrics remind me in an utterly nauseating way of how I feel about D.

(Please, go ahead and retch. I'm just feeling schmoopy at present.)

I often trend towards some weird amalgam of 90's indie rock, old timey punk, southern rock and alt-country, and Brit-pop (though there's definitely room for all of that Manx rock from the 80's, like Joy Division, James, Happy Mondays, etc.), but when I listen to the women of alt-country, I'm always struck at the weird combination of fragile femininity and tough emotions the standardbearers (Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Tift Merritt, Caitlin Cary, Kelly Hogan, et al.) seem to possess. North Carolina native Tift Merritt possesses this almost ethereal beauty (with worried eyes and a wide grin), but I have a feeling she could stand toe-to-toe with Ryan Adams and bitch slap him. Of course, Rhett Miller would be on hand to offer up a congratulatory pound.*



Anyhow, why am I rambling on about Miz Merritt?

Well, it appears she is gracing Orleanians with her presence this week. According to the T-P:

Tift Merritt in New Orleans

At Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival: Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Tift Merritt gives a master class on 'The Art and Craft of Songwriting,' Thursday, 3:15 p.m., The Historic New Orleans Collection; admission $25. Also, Merritt joins Nashville, Tenn., writer Jim McCormick and New Orleans' own Paul Sanchez, formerly of Cowboy Mouth, in 'Art of Song,' a discussion of their craft, Friday, 1 p.m., Bourbon Orleans Ballroom; admission included in festival pass ($25 for one day; $60 for full festival). Tickets: Call festival office, (504) 581-1144, or go to Web site http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/.

At The Parish at House of Blues: Tift Merritt appears in concert, with Paul Sanchez, Friday, 8 p.m., 225 Decatur St.; admission $13.50. Tickets: Call Ticketmaster, (504) 522-5555, or go to Web site www.hob.com.

*From Hitbyatrain.com:

Ryan Adams - Amazingly talented, if formerly self-destructive former lead singer of Whiskeytown. Once a nasty drunk who engaged in sporadic feud/mud-slinging with Rhett & Co.; now one half of a mutual admiration society that includes the Old 97’s. Old conventional wisdon: Will defy odds if he lives to see 30. New conventional wisdom: Like Dylan, will be cranking out albums at 60. Unverified but juicy rumor: Was inspiration for and/or target of “Crash On The Barrelhead.”

Jazz Fest 2008, Part II

So yesterday, I coyly referenced this year's Jazz Fest lineup with a photo of newly grizzled Robert Plant.

Today the lineup was officially released, and it is pretty solid (but really, when is it not?).

I've highlighted some of the acts I'm really excited to see:

Friday, April 25

Buckwheat Zydeco, Sheryl Crow, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Burning Spear, Ozomatli with Chali 2na, Lizz Wright, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Terence Simien & Zydeco Experience, Leo Nocentelli's "Rare Gathering" feat. Bernie Worrell, Doug Wimbish & Will Calhoun, Doyle Bramhall with C.C. Adcock & the Louisiana Marquis, Ellis Marsalis, Paul Porter of the Legendary Christianaires, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Barbara Lynn, Theresa Andersson Group, Banu Gibson & New Orleans Hot Jazz, The Iguanas, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Twangorama, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Zydepunks, Vivaz!, Shamarr Allen, Zion Trinity, Otra, Kim Carson, Moov of Martinique, Kustbandet of Sweden, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Leah Chase, Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective, Rosalie "Lady Tambourine" Washington, Jesse McBride, Bonsoir Catin, J. Monque'D Blues Band, Bamboula 2000, Paky Saavedra's Bandido, Jamil Sharif's New Orleans Jazz Professors, Voices of Distinction, Pastor Sean T. Elder & the Mt. Hermon BC Mass Choir, Creole Wild West and Semolian Warriors Mardi Gras Indians, Joe Hall, Rufus "Rip" Wimberly & the Dreamers, Brice Kapel of the Togo, Amina Figarova Group of The Netherlands, Jonno & Bayou Deville, Andrew Hall's Society Brass Band, Real Untouchables Brass Band, June Gardner, Val & Love Alive Fellowship Choir with the Dimensions of Faith, Teatro Alpargata of Argentina, Family Ties and Big Nine SAPCs, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, Smitty Dee's Brass Band, McDonogh #35 Gospel Choir, Gregg Martinez, Keep N it Real and Single Ladies SAPCs...

Saturday, April 26

Dr. John, Billy Joel, Keyshia Cole, O.A.R., The Count Basie Orchestra feat. Patti Austin, Cowboy Mouth, Cupid, James Cotton, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Trinitee 5:7, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, The Imagination Movers, Ponderossa Stomp Revue feat. Tammy Lynn, Archie Bell, Roy Head, and Dennis Binder, Big Jay McNeely, Warren Storm w/ Willie Tee & the Cypress Band, NewBirth Brass Band, Astral Project, Davell Crawford Singers, Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, DJ Bomshell, Eddie Bo, Benjy Davis Project, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Tricia "Teedy" Boutte & Ytre Suløens Jass-Ensemble of Norway, Mahogany Brass Band, Germaine Bazzle, Bobby Lounge, Tribute to George Lewis feat. Dr. Michael White and Tommy Sancton, Tribute to Wilson "Willie Tee" and Earl Turbinton, Big Chief Peppy & the Golden Arrows, Sonny Bourg, Big Blue Marble, PJ Morton Band, Hadley Castille, Jeremy & the Zydeco Hot Boyz, Po' Henry & Tookie, Rockie Charles & the Stax of Love, Carol Fran, 101 Runners, The Original Last Straws, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Berklee College of Music Jazz Ensemble, Nine Times and Single Men SAPCs, The Electrifying Crown Seekers, Golden Comanche and Chief Iron Horse & the Black Seminole Mardi Gras Indians, Xavier Jazz Ensemble, Connie Jones' Crescent City Jazz Band, Kayla Woodson with Louisiana Lightning, NORD Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, First Emmanuel BC Choir, The Worship Squad, Unstoppable Gospel Creators, NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, The RRAAMS Drum and Dance, Lady Jetsetters, Dumaine Gang and Divine Ladies SAPCs, Red White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians...

Sunday, April 27

Irma Thomas, Tim McGraw, Al Green, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson, Delbert McClinton, Del McCoury, Pete Fountain, Byron Cage with Kim Burrell, Voices of the Wetlands Allstars, Jeremy Davenport, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Hot 8 Brass Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Roy Young, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Nicholas Payton, Davell Crawford's New Orleans R & B Orchestra, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone's Harmonica Revue, The Throw Back Jamm feat. Joe Blakk, UNLV, MC T. Tucker, Dolemite, BustDown, and Cheeky Blakk, Rob Wagner and Hamid Drake, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, Tim Laughlin, Jo "Cool" Davis, Mamadou Diabate of Mali, Little Freddie King, Jambalaya, Leroy Jones, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Wilberforce University Choir, Kenny Bill Stinson, Paulette Wright, Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Egg Yolk Jubilee, Midnite Disturbers, David Egan, Lars Edegran's New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Furious Five, Untouchables and Big Steppers SAPCs, UNO Jazz Ensemble, Shades of Praise, Michael Ward, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Carrollton Hunters and Flaming Arrows Mardi Gras Indians, Gregg Stafford's Jazz Hounds, Nineveh BC Choir, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, AsheSon, VisionQuest Chorale feat. Maurette Brown Clark, N'Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Percussion Inc., Patrice Fisher & Arpa feat. Angel Rios of Honduras, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, Olympia Aid, New Look and The First Division SAPCs, Kilts of Many Colours, Percussion Inc., Ninth Ward Navajo and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Colleen Salley...

Thursday, May 1

Randy Newman, Widespread Panic, Tower of Power, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Bettye LaVette, Gene "Duke of Earl" Chandler, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ruby Wilson, Luther Kent & Trickbag, Porter, Batiste, & Stoltz, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, The Lee Boys, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Maurice Brown, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, Creole Zydeco Farmers, Walter Payton & File Gumbo, Music Makers' Relief Foundation's Blues Review featuring Boo Hanks, Macavine Hayes and Eddie Kirkland, Hot Club of New Orleans, Topsy Chapman's Tribute to Dinah Washington, John Ellis feat. Jason Marsalis, New Orleans Rhythm Conspiracy, Philip Manuel's tribute to Nat King Cole, Dukes of Dixieland, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Panorama Jazz Band, Mighty Chariots of Fire, Kerry Grombacher, Codac, Dizzy, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Mark Braud, Joe Torregano, God's House Westbank Cathedral Choir, Billy Iuso & the Restless Natives, The Melody Clouds, TBC Brass Band, Tony Bazley, Heritage School of Music, Small Souljas Brass Band, The Golden Wings, Red Hawk and Geronimo Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Culu Children's Traditional African Dance Company, Charles Jackson & the Jackson Travelers, Bon Temp Roulez and VIP Ladies SAPCs, Olayella Daste, David & Roselyn, Second Mt. Carmel Gospel Choir, Basin Street Sheiks...

Friday, May 2

Art Neville, Stevie Wonder, John Prine, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Richard Thompson, The John Butler Trio, John Hammond, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Marva Wright & the BMWs, Terence Blanchard & the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Papa Grows Funk, Sunpie's Tribute to Clifton Chenier, Zigaboo Modeliste, The Jackson Southernaires, The Lee Boys, Bonerama, The Bad Plus, John Boutte, Soul Rebels, Ingrid Lucia, Coco Robicheaux & Spiritland, Theryl "Houseman" DeClouet, Chubby Carrier, Bluerunners, Wanda Rouzan, Driskill Mountain Boys, Ann Savoy's Sleepless Knights, New Orleans Jazz Vipers feat. Sophie Lee, Stoney B & Grampa Elliot, Gina Forsyth & the Malvinas, Clive Wilson & the New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, New Wave Brass Band, Tuba Woodshed feat. Matt Perrine and Kirk Joseph, Belton Richard & the Musical Aces, Eve's Lucky Planet, Larry Garner with Henry Gray, Ritmo Caribeno, New Orleans Jazz Ramblers, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Kid Simmons' Local International Allstars, Pinettes Brass Band, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, Legacy - the students of Alvin Batiste, Greater Antioch Gospel Choir, New Orleans Mardi Gras Rhythm Indian Section, Ebenezer BC Radio Choir, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Casa Samba, The Smooth Family, Eulenspeigel Puppets of Iowa, Original Big Seven and Original Four SAPCs, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, New Orleans School of Circus Arts and ISL, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Rosedean Choir of South Africa, Scene Boosters and Old N Nu Fellas SAPCs...

Saturday, May 3

Marcia Ball, Jimmy Buffett, Diana Krall, Steel Pulse, The Roots, Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. & the Greater St. Stephens Mass Choir, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Henry Butler, Aaron Neville's Gospel Soul, John Mooney & Bluesiana, the subdudes, Rockin' Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Ruthie Foster, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Charmaine Neville, The Dixie Cups, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, James Andrews, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Lillian Boutte, Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, Stephanie Jordan, War Chief Juan & Young Fire, Pine Leaf Boys, Bionik Brown, Treme Brass Band, New Orleans Blues Serenaders, Spencer Bohren, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Lil' Buck Sinegal feat. Rudy Richard, Feufollet, Pinstripe Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Tribute to Max Roach feat. Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis, and Shannon Powell, Tondrae, Chappy, Danza feat. Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott, Beyond Measure, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Rumba Buena, Rocks of Harmony, Guitar Lightnin' Lee, St. Joseph the Worker Mass Choir, Big Chief Ke Ke & Comanche Hunters and White Cloud Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Leviticus Gospel Singers, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Secondline Jammers, New Generation and Undefeated Divas SAPCs, Trouble Nation and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Hunters, Archdiocese of New Orleans Community Choir, Bester Singers, Donald Lewis, Young Guardians of the Flame, Stephen Foster's Mid City Workshop Alumni Ensemble, Westbank Steppers, Valley of the Silent Men and Pigeon Town Steppers SAPCs, Golden Blade and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians...

Sunday, May 4

The Neville Brothers, Santana, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, The Raconteurs, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, The Radiators, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, The Derek Trucks Band, Keb' Mo', Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Snooks Eaglin, John P. Kee & the New Life Community Choir, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tribute to Mahalia Jackson feat. Irma Thomas, Marva Wright and Rachelle Richard, Vernel Bagneris: Jelly Roll & Me, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Ivan Neville & Dumpstaphunk, DJ Captain Charles, Kenny Neal, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Elysian Fieldz, The New Orleans Bingo Show!, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Jonathan Batiste, Rotary Downs, George French, Chris Ardoin & Nu Step, Guitar Slim Jr., Grupo Fantasma, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Ovi-G & the Froggies, The Revealers, Pfister Sisters, Salvador Santana Band, William Smith's Tribute to Kid Sheik, Eddie Boh Paris aka Chops, SUBR Jazz Ensemble, Chris Clifton, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble, New Orleans Spiritualettes, Zulu Male Ensemble, The Jazz Jam, Tribute to Tuba Fats, Highsteppers Brass Band, Black Eagles, Hardhead Hunters and Apache Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Lady Rollers and CTC Steppers SAPCs, Guyland Leday with Family & Friends Zydeco Band, Young Traditional New Orleans Brass Band, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Wild Apaches, Young Magnolias and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Original Prince of Wales and the Original New Orleans Lady Buckjumpers SAPCs, Tornado Brass Band, Judy Stock, Minister Jai Reed...

Jazz Fest 2008

The lineup is pretty solid.

::mysterious smile::

And the Disney invasion continues.

That's right - Hannah Montana (nee Miley Cyrus, daughter of Infamous Camaro Mullet model Billy Ray Cyrus) will be performing in New Orleans, hideous blonde wig and all.

(Is it me, or does Billy Ray spend more time flat-ironing his coiffure than the average woman would?)

All snark aside, she seems to be a very grounded young lady, and a great role model...more so than, say, good ol' Brit-Brit.

Kicking off Friday on a happy note!

Foo Fighters - "Long Road To Ruin"

Add to My Profile More Videos

Some cheesy Foo Fighters goodness - this band can always be counted on for hilarious videos, if you know what I mean.

And I think that you do. ;)

Kicking off Friday on a happy note!

Leslie Feist can cheer anyone up, I'm fairly sure. Hooray, weekend!

Flashback to 1995: "Uh-oh, it was goooooood living with you, uh-oh..."

WWOZ is on in stereo
A string of flowers haloed around your head Candle light
Ceiling fan
Curtains blow away and back again
Back again
Don't wake me, I think I'm in a dream

Sleeping is easy
I used to lay in bed for hours
I've waited a lifetime now maybe I'll learn

Calling back and forth through heavy air
The barges sound their warnings in the dark
Peace comes like a trusted friend
As it starts to rain again fall away
Fall away
So don't wake me I think, I'm in a dream

Sleeping is easy
I used to lay in bed for hours
I've waited a lifetime now maybe I'll learn
Sleeping is easy
I used to walk the streets for hours
I've waited a lifetime now maybe I'll learn

Let go of your fear, let's grow old together
Find a place along the way
Let's reel through the years
Each makes the other better
But what thoughts can I call allies
When this circle of ribs keeps working on its own?

WWOZ's on in stereo. Well it's on in stereo...

Hooray! I can successfully revisit my awkward, pudgy 16th year of life on Friday at the House of Blues when my beloved Better than Ezra makes their return to the House of Blues on Decatur St. in the Quarter.

Let's rewind to June 1995: "Good" was racing up the charts and I was instantly smitten with Tom, BTE's bassist. Puberty was terribly unkind to me, so I developed an obsession with music that has rendered me a definite audiophile. I had a gigantic cassette and CD collection by the time I moved into my college dorm, including tons of college radio staples like Guided by Voices, Sebadoh, Afghan Whigs, Drivin' n' Cryin', Whiskeytown, the Old 97's and Sonic Youth. Through these bands I discovered the Velvet Underground, Gram Parsons, old Merle Haggard records and the Replacements. Sweet mercy, I'm still an obsessive music fan, much to D.'s chagrin. ;)

Since the mid-90's I've probably seen BTE...hmmm...20-25 times? They played in Pensacola and Tallahassee a fair amount when I was in high school and college.

Their shows never fail to entertain - they're light-hearted and funny, and musically, you can't get much better than three white guys covering "Sexy Motherf***er." You just can't.

On a completely applicable side-note, WWOZ is an actual radio station here in New Orleans, famous for its roots and local music. You can tune in on any given night and hear anything from zydeco to jazz.

Halloween in the Big Easy...

It appears as though THREE major (okay, I'm definitely reaching on the third event) events will overrun the Crescent City over Halloween weekend. Halloween in New Orleans might be only second to Mardi Gras in terms of sheer madness and libertine tendencies. People here take Halloween SERIOUSLY - I mean, this is a nearly three-hundred year-old city, with the dark underbelly of its history inspiring how many ghost and vampire stories?

The most important news is the Hornets are returning to New Orleans. Their 2007-2008 schedule was announced yesterday. I know C.D. will be psyched about this - he's been adamant about calling them the NO Hornets, despite the fact they've been playing in Oklahoma City for two years. Per NOLA.com:

The biggest Halloween party in town will be at the New Orleans Arena.

The Hornets will open their 2007-08 regular season at home against the Sacramento Kings, marking their momentous return to post-Katrina New Orleans. This coming season will be the team's first full season in the Crescent City since 2004-05. The Hornets moved to Oklahoma
City for the two seasons following Hurricane Katrina, playing nine scattered games in New Orleans while the team and city prepared for a permanent reunion.

Opening night on Oct. 31 will be the first of 41 home games, featuring a youthful Hornets team that was in the playoff hunt last season up to the final week.

(Source: http://blog.nola.com/tpsports/2007/08/hornets_release_schedule_open.html)

And then there's VooDoo Fest, which will this year feature performances from the reunited Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco and your humble blogger's much-adored Spoon and Cold War Kids. Check it out:

http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/2007/index.html

Because of more widespread interest, the festival in NOLA's gorgeous City Park has been extended to three days. Here's a random factoid - did you know that City Park is the second largest municipal park in the country, behind New York's Central Park?

D. and I will also begin what we hope will be an annual tradition - a seven deadly sins-themed Halloween party, inspired by two certain Auburn residents. ;)

Which sin would you dress as for Halloween? And don't say "lust." I mean, "Mean Girls" said it best, I realize, by noting that Halloween is an excuse for gals to dress as slutty as possible...but where's the creativity? Where's the fun?

That said, I plan on dressing as Britney Spears - ratty black wig and all (yeah, I'm so NOT shaving my head). I figure she embodies at LEAST 5 of the 7, right? What could be more fun than that? M. is dressing as La Lohan, complete with powdered sugar smeared on someone else's pants and under her nose.

So, folks? What about you?

(P.S. Welcome back to New Orleans, Hornets players and staff. You've been missed. Here's to hoping we show you the same support we've shown the Saints!)