[Dixielandjazz] Performing in the Spirit of New Orleans

[Steve barbone]

Many different organizations in Philadelphia are selling green Mardi Gras
Beads (Philadelphia Eagles football team color) with ALL of the proceeds
going to Hurricane relief. Many "corporate suits" now proudly wearing beads
at offices in Philly.

Barbone Street did one "Relief Concert" so far. Sold beads with the proceeds
to go to Hurricane Relief. $1 per string (cost 7 cents). $5 per string
donated by the band if the girls kiss a musician. $10 per string donated by
the band if the girls flash the band. We charged our usual performance fee,
but donated almost 100% of it via bead sales. ;-) VBG.

Male audience got into the swing of it also. Donating for various things.
Raised a lot of money in total because the venue donated all proceeds from
food and drink and admission charge.

We are looking forward to two more "Relief" Concerts so far.

Also having a ball at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City. Sometimes
playing before crowds of young people who come to the House of Blues there
to see bands like "Rat Dog" and "Social Distortion." These so called tenny
boppers may have rings hanging on every protrusion, enormous tattoos over
all visible body parts, multi colored spiked hair etc., BUT.

They beg us to play for them while they wait to get into the showroom. And
they respond to our music. Their favorites include high energy versions of:
"Second Line", "Going to the Mardi Gras", "Bourbon Street Parade", "South
Rampart Street Parade" and "St. Thomas". They laugh, dance, smile and boogie
on down with us. 

My only regret now is that I am a 17 year old kid trapped in a 71 year old
body. Talk about dyslexia. ;-) VBG.

Had to get a sub for myself there this Saturday when B.B. King is
celebrating his 80th. Prior commitment at the Laurels Equestrian event,
every 2nd weekend of September for the past 15 years. This year with
Jonathan Russell again. I'll miss B.B., but enjoy Jonathan more. Plus
looking forward to a future appearance by the Blues Brothers.

Yep, the music business might be tough, but it has many rewards for those
who see and act upon the possibilities.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

P.S. "Don't be stuck in the past but retain the greatness of it.  And live
in the moment, live in the future." - Wallace Roney.