LIPS & THE TRIPS

New Orleans, LA
lipsandthetrips@hotmail.com

Lips' Diary

January 6, 2012...

12th Night, Epiphany, King's Day

Merriment reigned as the Phunny Phorty Phellows took to the street and streetcar (google these guys--they're a gas). We got to start the Mardi Gras season by watching these costumed characters gather, drink champagne, eat King Cake, cut the ribbon to Mardi Gras, board the streetcar and ride out!

The Willow St. streetcar barn is perfectly positioned to score Purple Haze (on tap) beers from Carrollton Station which I did after the streetcar left. Saw Hubie, famous musician & funster w/his gal, Sharon & their neighbor.

The Krewe of O.A.K. was marching w/a brass band so we followed along to the Maple Leaf where we sang and danced & during the song, "When you laugh the world laughs with you..." I melted/merged with my fellow merrymakers andslid happily &deelightedly into theCarnival Season. M. & I ended the evening with oyster stew & an oyster loaf at Casamento's.

Ahhh, the Life!

December 30, 2011...

Played for Linda & Malcolm Burns' 50th wedding anniversary at Terry & Sally's house in Mid-City. OMG! This was the party to end all parties-perfect for the 2011 year-end celebration. Their house had a great dance floor & these folks were hoppin! Even the grandkids were fun--playing percussion with the band--this was the most stellar event I've ever been to, much less played. The Burns' kids and friends are all happy, prosperous fun-loving & friendly. My kinda people!!!

Thank you formaking my New Year so bright, ya'll!

December 23, 2011...

Office holiday luncheon at Mr. B's Bistro where they had $1.50 martooti's Monday-Friday... niice. Our waiter turned out to be my friend Bubbles who was outstanding as was the food. Yum! Thanks, Rocky! Great to hang with y'all!

That night, M. & I took advantage of the Papa Noel rates & took a spot at the Chateau Hotel -- historic building, pool, courtyard & The Three Stooges marathon on Saturday morning. That night, Santa came. Cool yule!

December 18, 2011...

That evening the folks living at the Mouro Castel building in the French Quarter had us play their Christmas party--another courtyard pool gig-- very nice--Santa showed up, too. Told him I was good, but he wasn't having any of it. Beautiful building with some nice people.

They had heard us down the block at Bill & June's anniversary party & wanted to get some of that. Very flattering--we were treated well--thank you, Harris!

Afterwards, made a beeline for Jackson Square for caroling. It was packed & I went for a bev at Tony Seville's cozy Pirate bar in Pirate's Alley, but when I returned it was still packed. Finally squished in, ran into a former neighbor and we really bellowed it out! Lots of good cheer & whatnot.

December 12, 2011...

Coco's 2nd line started in front of the Apple Barrel. Dancing Man504 was the Grand Marshall & Jane Brown helped herd the gigantic crowd.James Andrews led the Treme Brass Band first into Washington Park and then down Royal St. to Decatur. I finally saw Danielle, Coco's wife & she was making sure that Coco went on to the White Light (or however it is described). When we were all filing into the House of Blues I saw Clarke Peters from the Treme show recording it all. When we went into the big room to listen to Coco's band play his songs, I suddenly realized how empty the stage was--Coco was not there.

The Rev. G.O.A.T. Carson introduced the band--Irene Sage tore it upsinging his Walk-with-the-Spirit song--Tremendous voice! He used to always introduce her as Queen Irene--that's for sure.

Mike Hood impressed me with his rendition of Coco's "Cottonmouth."

Love you, Coco! Here & There.

December 11, 2011...

A Garden District Christmas concert was presented at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church around the corner. The fabulous soprano Phyllis Treigle blew out the rafters with Cantique de Noel.

Checkpoint Charlie's hosted a Benefit for Kenny Holliday's widow, Deannaand their daughter who I got to see before I left that night. I used to see Kenny & Coco play Sunday nights at the Dragon's Den & I can imagine that seeing a comrade ail can take a toll on one.

Deanna was the bartendress there at the time & she & Kennymade a great couple.

The Benefit featured art work and musical performances. I came late and saw only the Honey Island Swamp Band and an acoustic number by Mike Darby and Carey B, but I heard there was a stellar line-up. Bless you, Kenny! You and Coco are singingthe "2-for-1 Sake" song as we speak (or read)!

December 10, 2011...

Preservation Resource Center's Holiday Home Tour.

We got to play the Swankienda on Seventh Street, just off St. Charles in the pool area. Fab pad, nice folks, too! The tour allows regular people to see how the other half lives.

We got free tix forplaying and when I toured a pad on Prytania, I got bit by an emu these people had hatched from an egg. Pretty good watch bird if you ask me.

I like seeing the inside of these historic buildings. Some are less-messed with than others, thankfully. A particular courtyard on Camp Street made me take a million pictures. I get a kick out of seeing a hearth from 1844 still alive & well.

December 3, 2011...

Coco Robicheaux' Memorial Service. Please see Coco's own Page. We love & miss you, My Friend, O Great and Wise One!!!

December 1, 2011...

Ellis Marsalas played a "Christmas New Orleans Style" concert at the St. Louis Cathedral! Wow! Ear-popping deliciousness. I saw the jaw drop of the St. Michael statute during the We Three Kings song. This show made for a very cool yule.

November 24, 2011...

Thanksgiving Day @ the Fair Grounds! Gorgeous weather & pretty good luck (not having to stand in long lines for an alco bev). I scored big on a horse that looked lively and one named after my 6th grade crush. Saw a buncha fun folks and took some pix I'll upload soon. (or is it download?)

November 19, 2011...

Diane's birthday party--another courtyard, not by a pool, but a club in the Quarter. Diane's a buggy driver and a real Quarter-ite--had some friends get up & sit in with us. I liked seeing the people across the way watching from their balcony steps. Happiest, Sweetie and thanks for having us!

November 12, 2011...

My friends, June & Bill had us play for their anniversary again: in their French Quarter courtyard by the pool--(formerly the Italian American Hall on Esplanade). Lots of family from out of town diggin the scene--took a carriage ride like five years ago--for their 20th!!! Thanks a bunch! Love you!

November 3, 2011...

We played Ladyfest (promoting female players) at Maison on Frenchmen Street. Hadn't played a club since Mark had health issues three years ago. This place was happening and we played after Sweet Jones, Matt & Melissa's band. Saw my former drummer, James Clark--what a gem of a guy.

Exciting to play a club atmosphere & I hope we get a regular gig in one of these smoke-frees soon.

October 29, 2011...

Our 4th year in a row playing Voodoo on the Bayou Halloween party at the Pitot House. Those nice folks at Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association hired us again! Thanks, Rocky!!! My drummer dressed up as me--what a hoot that guy is, Adrian Piano. Stellar playing by my guitarist, Mark Fowler. Great weather outside.

October 19, 2011...

Thanks in large part to my lawyer bosses, I was able to work a steady job since the Summer and got to attend my nephew's wedding in California.

This was a great trip on many levels, of course, the fact that it was the Bay area, but also my sister, Sherylhad lived out there in "The Day" and I had gone to visit her as a kid.

Her son, Jay got hitched & she & I first met up at the San Remo Hotel in North Beach. I highly recommend this place unless you are squeamish about sharing a bathroom, which are kept immaculately clean. We got a sink in the room which was $10 extra, but since $75.00 was the base rate for 2 single beds, we thought that was alright for S.F. and especially the location. The hotel is an historic building and the clientele is spectacular nice. You'll love it!

Sheryl indulged me by going shopping in Chinatown & Union Square and then we bee-lined it to the Palace Hotel where I took a free tour of the building. You may or may not remember this art-deco Beaux-arts palace as having the Maxfield Parrish painting, "The Pied Piper" in their pub which sports a tasty beer named after. (I found out about this place when I was visiting Johnny several years ago & he took me to lunch here.)

The Nestles or HersheyBunny was tooling Market Street in a pink cadillac and gave us some free milk. Wow!

Took the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf & saw the Mechanical Museum with all these madcap coin-ops from "The Day." Ate a great meal and I wandered up to the SF art school which looked like a monastery with that big old bell tower.

Next morning had cap again & Italian pastry at nearby coffeehouse. Beautiful. Took cruise up to Coit Tower to dig the view then a last trip to the Trader Joe's on the corner before picking up rental car and heading to Livermore, California.

I white-knuckled across that Oakland-Bay Bridge which my grandfather had worked on back in"The Day." (see how many Days there are?)

The wine country is absolutely fab and there is more spots than just Sonoma or Napa. Drinking wine is fun and educational! I went to the Wendt winery in Livermore & learned alot !!!! Whew!

Jay (Sheryl's son) & Jessica had their wedding outside at the Livermore winery. It couldn't have been nicer out there on the lawn watching them. One of Jay's friendsfrom High School in New Hampshire,Joshwas there with his wife & reminded me of the year 2001 when while performing at a Bourbon St. club, he and his brother, who were living in New Orleans, came to party with us! Those were fond memories once I remembered them! (If y'all have any stories, please send them in! And thanks!)

The next day I drove to Yosemite National Park since I couldn't reach my cousin whom I hadn't since since I was 15 years old. What a great place. I stayed just outside the park's boundaries and smelled that great Mountain air. This a definite summer destination to escape from the New Orleans heat.

I spent my last night atmy "Base Buddy's" (our Father's were stationed at several AFB together) pad in Redwood City, where he & his wife Diana, their dog Inky & cat Tinkerbell gave me the royal treatment. (This is the aforementioned gentlemen, Johnny who took me to the Pied Piper pub years before.)

They took me to the nature preserve on the coast and saw the seals swimming and waving to us, all sorts of coral formations & cliffs above. The fog rolled in as a separate entity, not blending in with the air, but with a distinct line. (I've got to get these pix on here...)

The restaurant was stellar with a great view of the surf at Half Moon Bay. Thank you guys so much! Even now, California Dreamin'.

October 5, 2011...

Airplaned it to the Kansas City area to attend my High School reunion! What a blast! First, took a Retreat to Unity Village to dig the scene: Saw double-digit deer sitings while hiking their nature preserve. Nice. Got to visit the Archives & saw my Minister's photo on the wall when she was ordained there in '50.

Then, I stayed at a Sheraton out where dirt roads and farm fields used to be in suburban Overland Park, Kansas. I always laugh when people ask me, "Where'd you learn to drive?" (There was never any traffic out there in Driver's Ed class and I am still not used to traffic.) The traffic was wicked driving from the rental car company and fortunately all they had was one of those huge pick-up trucks which made me feel a bit safer...I got a sweet deal at the Sheraton--I paid the year I was born (minus the 19-).

They let us tool around the old school & I got to reminisce: went to the Little Theater where I had bonded with some "fellow freaks" back in the day. Saw them later that night & we caught up. A lot of the folks I know/have kept up with are still all young at heart and happy and really look great. Saw my 6th grade "crush" who has become quite the Botanist.

Stayed at my 7th grade girlfriend's house & her hub's (high school sweethearts). The summer we graduated HS we drove out to San Francisco to visit my sister--had to take the Greyhound home. Quite the Adventure as we got off the bus at a non-stop & were left behind in rural Wyoming.

Great to see everyone and re-connect.

April 27, 20111...

Slewfoot's Memorial Service. Our friend and fellow musician, Mickey passed away in his home. He had been sick and tired. I think he was just done with it all. I know he's having better times now!

Father Terry at St. Anna's did a fantastic job of organizing and serving at the church on Esplanade that night. We all watched as he poured Slew's ashes into the ground there,followed by the Treme Brass Band SecondLIne Jazz Funeral to the Apple Barrel.

I first metSlewfoot before I moved here. My drummer at the time, Augie Augustine, also played w/The Slewfoot Blues BandSunday nights at Margaritaville's Storyville Tavern, and when we didn't have to hightail it back home to Houston, we would attend his shows there.

Then more recently, he & Cary B.played with me, or I played with them. Either way, talented & dedicated, it was fun being with them. We'll miss you, Mr. Slew!

April 13, 20111...

M. got us a gig at Loyola Univ. Dining Hall during the supper hour (our first Supper Club). The students were great fun to play for and we got to observe their eating habits! Thank you, Heather & Gang!!

April 8, 20111...

French Quarter Fest! Got an e-mail from my ex-next door neighbor in Houston, Jason! He used to be a social worker there (not for me specifically, for thehomeless folks). We shared a back patio whichheld a swimming pool two feet from our sliding glass doors. Pool Parties! One time after a party, we decided to go bowling. Jason had a bowling bag and we took out the ball and filled it with cans of Buds--that's what they sold there at the bowling alley, so we figured we wouldn't be inconspicuous. Riiiight!

He's since moved, married, babied, but is still a stellar partier! We saw Charmaine Neville'sdyn-o-mite show which included several family members (including her son Damian rapping, niiice), then saw the view from Galvez (formerly the Bella Luna).

His wife arrived from Lubbock (that's where they live now) and we met up at mygroovy gig at Barnes & Noble bookstore in Metairie, then went to the French Quarter for some food and more fun. Took the Haunted History Tour--thanks Sydney! w/Rene, my favorite tour guide. Afterwards, took them to a stop at the spot of the Quadroon Balls...supposedly a very haunted hotel...

March 26, 20111...

Tennessee Williams' 100th Birthday Celebration at Le Petit Theatre. This was an astounding event hosted by the fabulous Peggy Scott Laborde. Williams' words spoken by poets, actors & ending up with John Waters was truly an amazing experience. Movie stars Shirley Knight from "Sweet Bird of Youth" and Carroll Baker from "Baby Doll" (among others) read and recited poems, parts from plays, and letters written to and from Williams. The night ended with champagne and cake for one of New Orleans' most celebrated former residents in the courtyard. Thank you, Tennessee Williams Festival and great to see you Earl Perry, the Official Fest Photographer!

March 22, 2011...

The Williams Research Center showed the 1981 Eric Paulsen interview with Tennessee Williamsfor the Festival. Playwright extraordinaire, I wasn't as interested in him until I heard that he (as I), call(ed) New Orleanshis "spiritual home."

The interview took place on a French Quarter balcony and even at this later stage of his lifewasquite charming and I was also struck by his accessibility. Paulsenat the time a young journalism student, told of going to Williams' home to be greeted by a bathrobe-wearing famous writer!

March 20, 2011...

Super Sunday! The Mardi Gras Indians gather and parade the Sunday after St. Joseph's Day. We rode bikes up Washington Avenue to the park andwere in feather heaven! Rev. Goat Carson was blessing the gathering and it seemed to work--great weather & photo opps galore! I ran intomy ex-neighbor and friend, Jen, visiting from San Fran--miss you, My Friend!

March 19, 2011...

St. Joseph's Day--Jesus' Dad is a celebrated Saint here as the Italian population brought over the tradition of setting up altars to honor his continued assistance in human endeavors. Many churches and private homes open up their doors to showoff the bakedbread in the shape of crabs, lobsters & sandals; cakes in the shape of Bibles; candles, cookies, fava beans, etc. I ate a delicious meal at St. Stephen given by the members. Thank you, St. Joe!

March 16, 2011...

I applied to become a New Orleans Tour Guide today. Didn't realize I would be taking a (pee) drug test, but good thing I've been a good girl.

That night went to a "Keeper of the Flame" benefit promoting Harrison's new movie about Mardi Gras Indians starring Albert Doucette among others. The cast was there and we saw a trailer of the movie to be out soon. Looking forward to it. The International House hosted the event and displayed a St. Joseph's alter--lovely. Thanks for the invite, Stacy!

March 12, 2011...

Not enough parades yet! The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Parade marches down Louisiana Avenue one-half block from our house, so we had to go! This thing has really grown since I used to live on the parade route in 1998! Not as many cabbages thrown, and not enough onions. Caught some Irish Spring soap and Moon Pies and my friend Patti handed me a nicely gift-wrapped package that contained a Miller Lite beer! Interesting! Drank some Guiness and felt like a genuis.

March 8, 2011...

Mardi Gras Day! Finally! We went to Johnny B's and hit the St. Anne's Parade as usual. This time we rode bicycles to the Bywater to catch the very beginning and ran into several other neighborhood parades--lots of creative creations roaming the streets on wheels and feet in Hunter S. Thompson merriment. I made it to famous & talented photographer George Long's website--his "Mardi Gras Faves"--I was the first picture he took that day and so he says, "set the mood." We had a lovely day & settled in at home w/champagne. I watched Rex toast Comus on T.V...

March 7, 2011...

Proteus & Orpheus Parades: the last night of festivities before the Big Day. The Old-Line Parade followed by Harry Connick, Jr.'s more modern parade--stunning! Wished I'd seen him, but I saw him on The Colbert Report earlier--he was not going to be in town!

March 6, 2011...

My Friend Robin took me to her former boss & Bon Vivant lawyer's house where he and his wife give a blow-out Thoth party every year. This was a great honor to hang in a beautemous Garden District mansion with fine food & adult bevs. I drank champagne all afternoon while viewing the Thoth, Okeanos & Mid-City parades. Lavish!!! Thank you, Kelleys!!!

March 5, 2011...

My friend from work, Mary Ann hipped us to where she was riding in the Iris Parade and we scored some envied throws! Immediately, the sky opened up and we were in a downpour--it was hilarious & we kept right on catching beads! Yeah!!

That night, Queen Constance took me to the M.O.M.s Ball where the Radiators made theirfinal appearance at this sacred event.

Sacred because of the enormity of the crowd that dresses to the utmost in crazy costumed fashion (and some undressing), and obsessively celebrates.

Held at the giant warehouse of Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, the band and costumes did not disappoint.

We got home early (the next morning).

March 4, 2011...

Babylon, Chaos & the Muses parades last night. We are marching forth up to the Climax of Carnival Season!!!

Tonight Hermes, Krewe d'Etat, Morpheus with somefriends from my early parading days (c.'83): Rae, Michael, & new friends, Christine & Queen Constance!

March 2, 2011...

The Druids parade!!! Hail Ancient Order of Druids!

March 1, 2011...

Hot Tuna came to town at the House of Blues. Charlie Musselwhite was on the bill...what a bunch of pros! Visit Jorma's furpeaceranch.com & go learn some pickin'.

February 28, 2011...

Weekend parades uptown with my guy: Pontchartrain, Sparta, Pygmalion, Carrollton, & King Arthur. Great fun!

February 25, 2011...

The Krewe of Cork paraded from their usual spot in theQuarter. This parade has gotten to be very popular and was quite crowded. The wine this year must have been of a special vintage because the Krewe was especially corked and there were giant gaps between paraders.

This Friday night was also the beginning of night parades for the Mardi Gras Season & we took in Oshun.

February 20, 2011...

Phunny Phorty Phellas' Royalty Proclamation at Frankie & Johnnie's. We got invited because we know Queen Constance!

Got to hang out with the whole gang including founders, Peggy Scott & Erroll Laborde, famous photography George Long, eat great crawfish, down some brews & feed the Buzzards!

The Jefferson City Buzzards arrived in the midst of the Boss & Queen's speeches. The Buzzards have a"practise walk" 2 Sundays before Mardi Gras--they were in drag! Niiice.A meeting of the Royal Courts ensued and more Purple Haze beer-drinking!

Excellent entertainment! Thank you, Queen Constance & your Minions, of which we are just two...

February 19, 2011...

Normal Krewe de Vieux parade madness. Unable to write about this--you must see for yourself!!!

February 18, 2011...

Bill de Turke's Birthday Party @Chickie Wa-Wa's. In attendance wereAmy, his lovely wife; Lydia (a long-time pal of mine) & her hub; Seanie (tending bar!); Pfister Sisters & Paul Sanchez (performing) w/Matt Perrine; and an old pal of mine from Houston, Reese, aka Dr. Grief who informed me he was taking his wife & kiddle to Austin-Town for good-time family vibes. R. & I used to cavort at the Satellite Lounge, Houston,when he worked for Miss Molly back in the day. I would also see him after he "came East"& was guitar-teching for Cowboy Mouth.

See ya in Texas, Dahl !!!!

February 12, 2011...

The CampbellBrothers, Neil & Glen took us to the "My Dahlin' New Orleans HBO's Treme Benefit"for the Musicians' Clinic and we rubbed elbows with the likes of Melissa Leo, Wendell Pierce, Dr. John, Tom McDermott, Matt Perrine, Alex McMurray, and the "real" D.J. Davis. Thanks, Bros.!

January 6, 2011...

The Pfunny Pforty Pfellas inaugurated the Carnival Seasonwith their usual streetcar ride. Our friend Constance was crowned Queen!!!

December 5, 2010...

Loyola University College of Music and Fine Arts put on their yearly "Christmas at Loyola"--at once serene and uplifting. The processional with combined choirs, brass ensemble and organ sounded more like an Angelic forcewith the help ofthat awesome cathedral soundat the Holy Name of Jesus Church.

The Loyola Jazz Band and the Loyola Chamber Orchestra really showedoffon a jazz carol and a classical piece, respectively.

Enjoyed it immensely (enough to miss the end of the Saints game)!

November 19, 2010...

The Beaujolais Nouveau debuted last night. My 5th year being invited by my boss' partner--what a blast!

This year was the best because they not only had the Beaujolais tastings, but they added better wines, a good-priced champagne and heady cocktails. As always, Jean-Luq with Maurice's was on top!

October 17, 2010...

The 5th Annual Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival was held at Lafayette Square. This year Barbara Lynn was playing and I had missed her at the Stomp. They had an outdoor sports bar set up so we could help cheerthe Saints to Victory which we did with Abita Beer!

Barbara Lynn wrote songs and performed beginning in the 1960s. She's still "Got a Good Thing Going" (a song of hers the Rolling Stones recorded) and put on a fantastic show--playing left-handed guitar and singing.

Afterwards, she was interviewed at a new "Oral History Stage" in Gallier Hall, across the street. Her daughter and grandson had brought her over from Beaumont, Texas, and she sounded so sweet and seemed unaffected by her stardom.

I first heard "Lose A Good Thing" from the movie, "Hairspray."The songstuck with me & I began performing it, not realizing 'til years later that it was recorded here in New Orleans by a left-handed guitarist from Texas that I would shake hands with years later. What a thrill.

October 15, 2010...

The Historic New Orleans Collection concluded their "Concerts in the Courtyard" series with Jason Marsalis trio. The music was beyond and the beverages were provided by a local brewing company that I had so many I cannot recall, but the beerwas quite tasty. I will readjust when I remember... Saw my friend Warren Woods who works there.

October 6, 2010...

Dr. John & The Lower 911 played at Lafayette Square for Second Harvest series--for free !!! Outside! When Dr. John got up to play guitar, none other than Allen Toussaint sat in on piano! Wow! Such a night...got to chat w/guitarist John Fohl before the show--what a blast! And Abita beer for sale.

October 2, 2010...

Art for Art's Sake. M. & I stayed uptown this time and did a Magazine Street sweep. We visited with our buds at Potsalot, Cindy & Alex (and their 2 sons); stopped by Mignon's; Mystic Blue Signsand saw Eve & Vince; Simone & Maria at their shop; and ended up at Allain Bush's antique palace. House of Lounge is no longer owned by Edith & Patty, so the vibe was different there. These soirees are great for seeing folks and what they are up to,so take one some time! It'sA Lips Recommendation.

September 30, 2010...

The Historic New Orleans Collectionhosted an opening for their Mignon Faget exhibit"A Life in Art and Design"with artist in attendance. The show was impressive and our hostess was lovely& gracious--a true artist and celebrity. Loved seeing the enfoldment of her career in the many facets of Faget!

September 25, 2010...

This is the end-all of items, Dear Diary! Last night the Ponderosa Stomp held a panel with Ronnie Spector of the Ronettes!She was kooky & cute. Told tales & sang--totally wackily awesome! I got to shake herhand and tell her how much I loved her! Earl Perry, why didn't I ask you to take my picture with her??!!

September 23, 2010...

I thinkGuiness Book of World Records is in town because yesterday, Haydel's Bakery built the World's Largest King Cake (twice around the Superdome); and today Chef John Folse cooked up a mess of mac'n'cheese in a 1797 cast iron skillet: 2,100 pounds of creamy goodness.These events were better than stopping at a roadside Alligator Farm to see a two-headed chicken because they benefitted charity!

September 18, 2010...

Friends of City Park held a fundraiser "Martini Madness" last evening at City Park's pavillion in the Botanical Gardens. Upon sampling the menu,I was calling it "Martooti Gladness": aftera Pink Lemonade Vodka, a Gimlet, a Raspberry Cosmo, a Moscow Mule (with ginger beer), and lastly, a Tropical Breeze (coconut, orange, cranberry--very breezy). Good thing I rode the street car. Whew!

September 16, 2010... Newcomb Art Gallery hosted an opening of Newcomb pottery and hand-woven baskets last night.

If you have never seen a Newcomb piece in person, this is worth it--there aren't alot there, but they are beyond charming--and were decoratedby women who were offered by The Newcomb Pottery Program at the turn of last Century (1898-1910-ish) "a socially acceptable way to earn a little money." Uniquely lovely!

Ran into John Fohl (Dr. John's guitarist) who just returned from on-the-road. Thanks, Shelly, for a great evening!

September 15, 2010 ... Will the Fun never end? Hee hee, attended "A Conversation with Lionel Ferbos" last night at the Williams ResearchCenter in the Quarter. Outrageously good with Jason Berry, moderating, The Royal Sonesta providing food andbevs (hacha!) andMr. Ferbos' daughter in attendance, helping out with information from the past.

I had attended his 99th birthday in July at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe whereMr. Ferbosstill plays: still a great player, too, btw!

His interview was priceless. He's so cute! He's been playing jazz music for 82 years and still practices every day! Back before the day, he delivered groceries on his bike and saw Danny Barker at the Orpheum. He said, "If they can do it, I can do it." It was great to hear about the "olden days" from someone with such good energy. He also gave music lessons for $.25/each back "in the day."

Thank you, Mr. Ferbos, for being such a Treasure!

September 14, 2010 ... Saw Alejandro Escovedo at the Parish last night--really good show-great songwriter lives in Texas now. Used to follow his band The True Believers when I lived in Houston--the guy can still rock! Great band, too.

September 13, 2010... I didn't think it couldget much fatter, but then last Friday night The Recording Academy & The Ponderosa Stomphosted a panel/exhibit on the Unsung Heroes of the New Orleans Studio Scene--with Dave Bartholomew, Harold Batiste, Wardell Querzuege, and Cosimo Matasa. Allen Toussaint, who dubbed the Experience "right as rain" crashed the party & they all came up with some amazing anecdotes that filled in history's gaps & exposed secrets, like that wasn't meant to be fuzz tone, it was just a bad amp!

Everyone paid homage to everyone else & it had to be seen to be believed. These Cats are amazing and I would recommend putting them in your prayers every night so they can live another hundred years and keep the Magic Alive.

Oh! & P.S., Peter Caddoo brought his special blend of NOLA brew (ahhhh!) and the event was catered by Green Goddess on Exchange Alley. Beauty Night all around.

Go see the Exhibit at the Cabildo: you'll find out that Little Richard recorded his big hit "Tutti Frutti" right here in New Orleans!

September 12, 2010 ...

New Orleans Seafood Festival held court at Lafayette Square all weekend. M. & I biked down to see Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers play late Saturday afternoon. Kermit encouraged us to "Party New Orleans Style" whichto memeant slamming beers--whew! And then I was invited up on stage: of course, he invited all the women, butI'm not going to take it personally.We got to swing our stuff to "The Palm Court Strut"--what a blast!!! He's the Best!

September 10, 2010 ... The New Orleans Saints football team hosted the NFL Season Opener at the Superdome last night:The NFL called it The NFL Experience -- with Dave Matthews Band, Taylor Swift and a parade (of sorts). Who cares?! We won! We played good, too! What a Slam Dunk Evening! Lots of accustomed revelry and good vibes! Woo-hoo!

Sept. 5, 2010 ...M. took me to see Deacon John & the Ivorieslast night at Snug Harbor!

"The Deac" is total Aces: singer, entertainer, guitarist, band leader: his band! Ouch! They are ridiculously fantabulous--Sax, trombone, trumpet, drummer, keys & histwo female singers! Wow! One is his niece and the other has been with him for over 20 years.We could have been on Broadway...it was that powerful & great. Oh! His brother, Charles on bass (wow!) and his sister on congas--nice touch. Weenjoyed it immensely.

Thanks, Deac & Co.!

September 3, 2010... Survived the Kat-5 Anniversary weekend.

It started to rain last Friday, and we all started to get a little unnerved...

Friday Night:

Decided I need to catharsize and Darelle was in town--"Come see Al 'Carnival Time' Johnson at the Monteleone Carousel Bar grand piano!"

The Saints wereon T.V.in the back of the room and every time "Our Blessed Boys" "did something," Al broke into his new song to the tune of "It's Carnival Time"---"Who Dat Nation" and we danced around waving barnaps.

Al was great playingall those songs; Jay & Sandra from Parkway had gotten engaged; and we were in the presence of the King of MOMS; as well as photographer and musician-supporter, Pat Jolly.

What a time!

Saturday:

I hadn't seen any of the HBO Series, the Treme and theNew Orleans Museum of Art was showing all 10 episodes all day Saturday and Sunday morning.

I thought I would see the first two, but after the first one, I went to the ticket-giver and said, "I want to see it all!" And I did, except for the last episode, so don't tell me!!!

Sunday morning we skipped Church and saw Episodes 8 & 9, but left without seeing the Season Finale, to attend the Katrina Jazz Funeral.

Outside of the Monteleone Hotel, just steps from the Carousel Bar and Lounge, we all put into a coffin to bury anything from the Storm we wanted to let go of. I saw a woman put in a Ready-Meal...

We all sang Amazing Grace and then second-lined it to the St. Louis Cathedral-Basilica and attended "A Celebration of Hope Then and Now" with multi-denominational prayer and singing service. They even had a Zoroastrian!

The pipe organ and the choir in there is sensational and of course, tears were shed among the thank yous for continued blessings, protection and strength.

I still had my $50 gift certificate from being one of the Windsor Court 140 Characters, so M. & I went to have a couple of cocktails and appetizers.

The crabcake was delicious at the Polo Lounge, and my pomegranate cocktail was the most, but M.'sdouble shot of Petron cost $36.00! He scrambled to get out of there when we saw the bill: "I think they're charging by the minute!"

It was still raining when we drove home, but it turns out "catharsize" comes from the Greek word, "Kathairein" to cleanse. Excellent!

Thank you, Katrina...

August 27, 2010... Went to lunch at Antoine's, a venerable institution since 1840, located in several buildings in the French Quarter.

Thought I might celebrate the survival of some of New Orleans that we all know andlove.

Fortunately, the French Quarter was unharmed during Hurricane Katrina as were other parts of the City.

Includingmy neighborhood, The Garden District.

Following the Storm, which we stayed through, we had hot running water and a working gas stove/oven.

We had drinking water, wine and cards, which we were playing listening tothe battery-poweredAM Radio. Michael did not mind drinking warm beer and since we thought the worst was over, we were just hoping the a/c would come back on soonand we could watch CNN, and also, not have to suffocate sans a/c.

Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come and that unfolded over the next couple of days.

Monday morning it was still blowing, but not like during the night: the Hurricane itself made it seem that we werehurtling through space in our second story apartment.

A giant water oak tree (eight-stories tall) fell on the neighbor's back yard--the wind was blowing such that it should have flattened us watching it in the kitchen: but it almost seemed to know to fall exactly where no-one or no property was harmed.

We were totally terrified and slept fitfully during the night. The words of my Minister, Ruth Ann Elmer, echoed in my thoughts: "God does not want people or property to be destroyed." I also remembered Jesus rebuking the waves and repeatedly stated: "Be Still."

Wewent out on Monday as if we had ended up on another planet.It was a new day and, miraculously, we had lived to see it.

I gardened a bit. We looked around the neighborhood; with all the big trees, there was a lot of debris on the streets. It smelled fresh like a huge forest and looked that way with all the trees toppled on to the street. I was surprised by the number of people that had stayed, and were now walking around the neighborhood.

Everyone was in a bit of a daze, seeing these huge trees fallen (and mostlyin the middle of the street) We hadour mouths agape, looking at the giantsdownon the ground of Louisiana Avenue.

Fortunately, the debris had been burrowed through Monday night for we were to follow this path the next day. But I am ahead of myself.

On the radio, Jefferson Parish President, Aaron Broussard repeatedly apologized the pump stations were manual and since everyone was evacuated, the water was not getting attended to properly.

M. rode his bike down to the Quarter and obtained Bloody Marys (with ice!) at Johnny White's on Bourbon Street.

That poker-hot stifling night, we heard noise on the street which was unnerving. Youth roaming the streets with nothing to do?

We kept praying for air conditioning mostly...the mosquitoes were fierce.

The next day, Tuesday, M. explored down in the Quarter again, early. This time he heard reports of water filling up on Poydras and was alarmed to see it coming up as he came back to "The American Sector."

About 12 noon, we heard on the radio that mandatory evacuation was called (again), the electrical substations were going to be out for a couple of months, martial law was declared, and there was only one way out of the City.

We gave our cat a cigar packed with catnip and packed M.'s van in 32 minutes.

If we had been living on Louisiana Avenue where we moved from two months earlier, we would not have been able to leave the driveway for the tree debris.

After we turned on Tchoupitoulas Street fromJackson Avenue, I was surprised to see the Wal-Mart was"open," but M. informed me that it was not, actually.

I was too frightened tolook at the looters much, but what I sawthem taking were things like dog food and items that they would need knowing that no stores would be open in the near future.

A telephone pole was down on the street; we saw a cop car with two policemen in; I didn't blame them for not doing anything about the looting. There were enough problems.

When we went over the Crescent City Connection and I saw a man walking with a small child on his shoulders, I burst into tears: it was like a third-world country; I had never seen anyone walking on that Bridge before. Later, on T.V. we learned that the Gretna police kept out a large crowd of people on that Bridge at gunpoint because Gretna was "locked down..."

Desperate times, desperate actions...

Even though there weren't that many people on the road, they were all driving like they were on the Italian autostrada--I was scared and crying. Iwas not able to look at I-10 as we came up from Boutte--I-10 towards New Orleans was underwater--it wasfrightening.

My brother and his family took us in in Houston and Susan Kennedy gave us her beautiful apartment for 2-1/2 months.

Even though we were treated like royalty and nothing "that bad" happened to us, we were still basket cases.

To see one's town go down like that in the United States 21st Century is something I don't wish on my worst enemy.

My friend, Diane, kept saying, "look at the silver lining," and the Dalai Lama said, "Let those that died in the Stormgo."

I was very grateful to Sean, Mitch and Carolyn, Kelly, Johnny C.,Guru Atma, Sat Katar & neighbors, Sat Prem,the Weasels, Jeff & Ruth; everyone that gave us shelter, clothing,shoes, jewelry, money, kindness,love!

Pete Little gotLips & The Trips gigs at the Mardi Grad Grill (appropriately enough), and Bob at Dan Electro's hired us.

Gary Clark, Johnny Hessel and I played like we had never parted. We did a gigat the "Fish-Off" on the White Oak Bayou by Jimmy's in the Heights and Pete's birthday party.

Beans Barton declared our "Evacu-Vacation" a success whenhe welcomed us to his show that night.

The most important thing I learned was that people are a lot kinder and more generous than myself.

May I be inspired and illuminated by their selflessness and continue to carry on in an upward spriral fashion the goodness bestowed upon us.

Thank you, World and Beyond!!!

July 23, 2010... M.'s Big Day and The Tales of the Cocktail Celebrationprovided complimentary frozen bevs at the Monteone swimming pool.Martin, Dayna, Logan, Bill & Amy among others attended where we also got free beach towels! Wow!

July 10, 2010... Attended the Bastille Day celebrationat the Mid-City block party outside of Cafe Degas. Saw my awesome guitarist, Mark Fowler there with his lovely wife, Pat, as well as other notable attendees. "Some Like It Hot" played (they are) and my former Houston guitarists, Raphael Bass and Pierre Pichon played their Gypsy Swing Jazz (they are, too).

Earlier, we rode bicycles to the St. Henry 21st Reunion (for actual alumni as well as anyone who can spell H-e-n-r-i (oops). We got caught in the rain but loved being on a neighborhood parking lot listening to J. Monque'd Blues Band (with Charles Moore on bass!)

What a fun city, huh?

Maybe we can stir up the Archidiocese to re-open all of the churches: (we really miss Our Lady of Good Counsel by our abode!)

July 3, 2010... On a personal note, my guy & I attended the birthday party of one of the all-time greats, Mr. Pete Fountain, at the equally lengendary Mid City Lanes Rock-N-Bowl. Pete can really play & his band is perfect. M. gothisL.P. from the 60's signed (graciously) by The Man Himself &made it to a clip on Ch.4news...

May we all be so nice at age 80!!!

June 11, 2010...We played a combo Beeday party/Bye-Bye tosome "Movie Folk" here in New Orleans for the making of "The GreenLantern."

My neighbors, Margaret and Vera, have been living in New Orleans working on a movie project along with a jovial group of folks to whom we entertained in the lovely home of Amanda & Billy, in the Garden District.

Happy Birthday Amanda and Carie!

Loved being with y'all!!!

Lips, Mark & Adrian

If anyone has any photographs to share, please contact us! Or send: lipsandthetrips@hotmail.com

Thanks alot!

The Streetcar getting loaded