New Orleans - past the French Quarter

Thunderstorms were predicted today. So I tried to plan some indoor activities. Although, I still had to walk to the destinations. In the end, it rained for about 5 minutes, of course at exactly the time I was walking back from one of the destinations. You could actually see where it was raining on one side of the railroad tracks, but not on the other. If I had waited 5 minutes, I would have missed the downpour altogether.

My first stop in the morning was JAMNOLA . JAM stands for Joy, Art, Music. This exhibit was a number of rooms with immersive art created by different local artists. One was interactive and included videos that could be activated by touching crystal shaped sculptures. One looked like a room full of feathers, but none of the materials were actually feathers. It did not take very long to experience, but it was a fun half hour. It reminded me a bit of Factory Obscura in Oklahoma City, but less chaotic.

The hotel staff (Patrick and Alexias) who have the morning shift gave me some great hole-in-the-wall restaurant recommendations. I had brunch at Horn’s . The food was great and the staff friendly and helpful. Sarah gave me a taste of the Bloody Mary before I decided to order it. It was one of the best I have ever had, some secret blend of spices. She came and sat with me during her break, so we got to chat for a few minutes.

This was a quintessential Deep South summer day - hot and muggy. On just about every corner in the Marigny district was a coffee shop or restaurant and folks were languidly sitting at tables and sipping and eating. No one was going anywhere quickly.

In the afternoon I visited Studio Be . This is a warehouse that has evolved into a community art space to give expression to the African American experience. It is filled with large murals and installations. I was struck by the anger and frustration conveyed by most of the pieces. And saddened by the apparent lack of hope or any joy at all.

After a short rest, I went back out to Frenchmen Street to find some music. Frenchmen street is a convenient few short blocks from my hotel. It does have a bit of interesting history in that it was reportedly named after six French men who were executed after leading an uprising after France ceded Louisiana to Spain following its defeat by Great Britain in the Seven Years' War.

Frenchmen Street is the low key more authentic antithesis to Bourbon Street, which has apparently become mostly a place of excess of all kinds. I was recommended to the Spotted Cat Music Club , and it was a great choice. This is a small venue that hosts a succession of bands. The music is classic jazz of various kinds, played at a reasonable volume. The first band, The Jelly Roll Stompers,  was a special treat as a guest member came in to put on a dance performance to the music. I did not get a name or the story on this guy, but he was truly phenomenal. I captured a bit of video - interrupted by people walking around, but still impressive. It might not get posted until tomorrow as it is still uploading. I met a couple from San Francisco and shared a small table with a gentleman visiting from Alaska.

Tomorrow’s activities will also be weather dependent, but I am resigned to just getting wet. Really the only issue is keeping the camera dry.