How excited I was to have a perfect reason to be in New Orleans. One of my most favorite friends John Ellis was playing with his band for the first time at the Snug Harbor. John used lived here some years ago. His personal relationship with the city was the crucial reason why it was important to make the trip. I wanted him to introduce me to the city that he loves. I want to get a better idea, also intellectually as he offers, of what was next for this place.

After getting a rental car from the airport, I went directly to meet up with John. We got to stay at his friend’s place who was out of town. The apartment was in an old brewery in the warehouse district. There was a convenient little adorable coffee shop across the street. I’d been by New Orleans before some 15 or so years ago taking a ground detour heading to Jackson, MS. but I never got a chance to look around. This time I was constantly reminded of the possible burglaries and robberies, another cost from the Katrina catastrophe.

Both of John’s parents were in town from North Carolina. I was excited to meet them. I heard a little bit about them before from John’s childhood references, growing up in a huge tobacco farm. As I expected, they were incredibly nice. His dad was a pastor, and his mother was a teacher. We also met up with John’s friend Judy. I quickly became fans of all of them.

Since my flight was delayed, I missed their gig in Baton Rouge on Friday night. It turned out to be okay,… all things considered. I tagged along John and drove around a little bit, meeting some of his friends. The show at Snug Harbor well attended (if not sold out?) The venue has a bar in the front and a separate room in the back. They played 2 sets…. some people actually danced. I supposed it’s appropriate, since this album is named “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” after all. I love these guys.

John Ellis

New Orleans resident Judy

John Ellis, his parents, and his friend Judy waiting for the best food

John Ellis & Double Wide instruments

John Ellis preparing music

John's right hand

Matt Perrine - New Orleans sousaphonist

Jason Marsalis - New Orleans Drummer

John introducing music

Gary Versace - New York organist/accordionist

John talking

resting saxophone