Dear Listener,

In the last few months, Buffa’s has been threatened by attempts to shut down its music, the manager of the Jax Brewery Bistro Bar was hauled off to jail because of excessive noise complaints, and the city has moved to pass a revised Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance that (curiously, for a zoning document) is laced with 32 references to and restrictions of music. Most recently, the New Year was greeted with an announcement that there will be yet another attempt to rectify the noise ordinance which has tormented just about everybody for the past 50 years.

Just last Friday, the New Orleans Advocate reported that “…the city is moving forward with plans to develop new policies and educational materials and to train staff members to enforce the regulations… Monica Hammer, a sound consultant and environmental lawyer with previous experience dealing with sound issues in Chicago” has been selected to rein in our noise problems here.

And yet, live music is the signature of this city, an essential key to our identity. Shut down–or even marginalize–our continuous, ubiquitous, serendipitous, and melodious way of life, and you’ll kill the goose that lays our golden egg. The one that drives our tourist economy, lures the brightest and best to linger and eventually relocate here, and distinguishes New Orleans from every other city in the United States.

There are more that 5,000 working musicians who live in New Orleans. But how many more are there who used to play an instrument – whether in grammar school or in a marching band, in church, or in some garage combo or what have you–but who have laid aside that instrument, except perhaps to play for their own amusement, and instead are now gainfully employed as doctors, attorneys, or supermarket managers? How big a band could we form–a virtual band–across the city, across the country, across the world, of all those who ever in their life studied, played, banged, blew, or plucked one or another musical instrument over a period of time, but who now ply another trade?

Would you consider indulging my fantasy? If you’re one of those wanna-be/could-a-been musicians who use other skill sets to make a living, please e-mail me your name, e-mail address, the instrument(s) that your played and current occupation (if any). The address is music@wwoz.org. If enough people respond, it could be quite an eye-opener.

Yours in spit valves and split lips,

David Freedman
General Manager

At 'OZ, we have a special relationship with Jazz Fest, so we're always extremely excited when the lineup is released. This year's edition of the world's best music fest happens April 24-May 3 (WWOZ's Piano Night will be on April 28). A few acts that caught our attention: "Dr. John: Off da Hook!”, a Louis Armstrong Celebration; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Jerry Lee Lewis; Steve Winwood; The Meters; Jimmy Cliff; Galactic featuring Macy Gray; Buddy Guy; and Alison Kraus & Union Station.

» 'OZ's 2015 Jazz Fest coverage

» Get a Brass Pass for 2015

Carnival 2015 is on! Twelfth Night has come and gone, with the Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar ride and the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc's annual procession through the Quarter. Krewe du Vieux happens January 31, and Fat Tuesday comes on February 17. Here's to another terrific Carnival season in the Crescent City.

» Carnival Season

» Photos from the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc parade

WWOZ's Spring 2015 Membership Drive happens March 3-13, and we need your help to make it a success! We're looking for phone bank volunteers to help us sign up new and renewing members at the studio. With lots of food, fun and live music, the phone bank rocks during the pledge drive!

» Sign up for the Spring Membership Drive phone bank now!

Auditions for the Spring 2015 semester of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's free music program - the Don "Moose" Jamison Heritage School of Music - happen at 10a on Saturday, January 24. They will also hold auditions at the same time for two new programs: The Jazz & Heritage All-City Big Band and the Jazz & Heritage Brass Band. All three are free and open to students ages 10-17 from throughout the greater New Orleans region.

» Heritage School of Music auditions

We want to hear your story! WWOZ and the Southern Rep Theatre are collecting stories from New Orleans music lovers answering the question: "How has New Orleans music saved your soul?" We will be collecting responses via audio, video and written narrative. All stories will live on BoudinMusicProject.com, some will be featured on WWOZ 90.7 FM, and some will be taken as the base of a script for a 90-minute performance piece that will go up for five weeks around Jazz Fest 2015.

» Blues & BOUDIN: The New Orleans Music Project

Meet Brian Belknap in the second installment of our "Busker Blog" series. A street performer who splits his time between Royal Street and San Francisco, Belknap's sensitivity to the plight of those living on the margins of society is evident in his songs and ultimately led him to devote his time to the struggle for social justice.

 » Busker Blog: Brian Belknap

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports community involvement in Jazz Fest by distributing thousands of free tickets. The Foundation’s Community Outreach Tickets program distributes tickets through social service organizations such as nonpfofit, educational, religious, government and community agencies. Apply by March 9.

 » Find out how to apply

This Peruvian favorite balances freshness and spice and creates a balanced, rich, and delicious dish. Serve with the side dish of your choice, such as lettuce or plantains, and eat directly after preparation. Sometimes a twist of oregano, cilantro, and habanero is all you need to warm up a winter's day!

» Recipe: Ceviche