A Slice of New Orleans
If there's a better way to start a weekend, I'm not sure what it is. The video starts with three musicians sitting curbside in old New Orleans. The clarinetist appears to be battling a cough. The tuba player wipes the sweat from his brow while an adorable little girl appears to be scolding her imaginary friend. Just another group of street musicians in the French Quarter, right?
But then the lady aims that clarinet heavenward and, oh my soul, the talent with which she's been blessed. Her name is Doreen Ketchens, and I had the honor of meeting her about a decade ago. A crowd had gathered around her in front of the Cabildo, next to St. Louis Cathedral. It was an enormous crowd and they were mesmerized as Doreen's clarinet lifted up toward the Cathedral. It seemed she were playing for the Almighty Himself.
She is just as unassuming as you please in conversation, and you'd have no idea that in reality she's a classically trained clarinetist who has performed all over the world. But her heart was back home in New Orleans. Unfailingly polite and down to earth, you'd have no idea that such an awesome talent stands before you, until she goes to work. Then, the greatness and beauty of that talent is breathtaking. As much as I'm enjoying my little jaunt in California, the bayou country of Louisiana calls me home. But until I can get there, perhaps I can bring a bit of home to you good folks to enjoy.
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Jul '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
No wonder she's battling a cough. New Orleans was just named the dirtiest city in America.
Oct '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
With roots in Terrebonne Parish and a veteran of two 1960s summers working on the levee by the Huey Long Bridge, I mourn the almost complete loss of traditional jazz in New Orleans. This is close enough, thank you, Dave, and Doreen is truly as superb as you paint her.
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
As always, a beautiful post about your charming home town...I can see why this makes you homesick. There is so much rich culture in that part of the country.
Sep '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
I loved Wynton Marsalis's tribute. Your video reminds me of it. Thanks for sharing Dave.
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Del Mar Dave, (nice name, by the way), my Dad tells me that I have an uncle somewhere back there that worked on the Huey P. Long Bridge itself. Small world, ain't it?
Oct '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Indeed, Andrea. And it's a damn shame that some people can't enjoy such culture without trying to run it down.
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Dave, I will never forget sharing some mighty fine Bourbon and a few cigars on my back deck and listening to your Cajun jokes. Your gift for story telling makes a person want to experience what you're describing...I would love to have the opportunity to have you show me your home town one day.
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
I think story telling is a southern tradition in large measure. I know that my grandparents and great grandparents, and even my great great grandparents, could weave a story that would have us all completely mesmerized. I hope I can keep that flame going for as long as possible.
Jul '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Mike LaRoche
Indeed, Andrea. And it's a damn shame that some people can't enjoy such culture without trying to run it down. · Jun 17 at 10:04pm
Gee, don't blame me, I'm just the messenger. The crown for filthiest American city was bestowed by folks surveyed by Travel and Leisure magazine.
I really groove on a culture of squalor, public drunkenness and welfare dependency.
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Dave Carter
I think story telling is a southern tradition in large measure. I know that my grandparents and great grandparents, and even my great great grandparents, could weave a story that would have us all completely mesmerized. I hope I can keep that flame going for as long as possible. · Jun 17 at 10:20pm
You've already got it down. Do your son and daughter recite your stories?
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Wow, Dave. What a great video!
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Andrea Ryan
Dave Carter
I think story telling is a southern tradition in large measure. I know that my grandparents and great grandparents, and even my great great grandparents, could weave a story that would have us all completely mesmerized. I hope I can keep that flame going for as long as possible. · Jun 17 at 10:20pm
You've already got it down. Do your son and daughter recite your stories? · Jun 17 at 10:27pm
Yes, and my nieces and nephew tend to ask their mom to tell them "Uncle Dave" stories,...the ones where I did something truly nuts and/or got in trouble, etc. My nephew is a complete entertainer too, so the tradition lives.
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
One of the things I love about the South is it seems like people are more authentic, less varnished. Yet, at the same time, there's an underlying decency. I like that.
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Amazing musician, isn't she? The city is full of those kinds of musicians. And the food!! Jazz for the palate! I'm thinking a red beans and rice fix is in my future...
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Dave Carter
Yes, and my nieces and nephew tend to ask their mom to tell them "Uncle Dave" stories,...the ones where I did something truly nuts and/or got in trouble, etc. My nephew is a complete entertainer too, so the tradition lives.
Including the ones that involve whoopee cushions in church? :-)
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Andrea Ryan
Dave Carter
Yes, and my nieces and nephew tend to ask their mom to tell them "Uncle Dave" stories,...the ones where I did something truly nuts and/or got in trouble, etc. My nephew is a complete entertainer too, so the tradition lives.
Including the ones that involve whoopee cushions in church? :-) · Jun 17 at 10:42pm
Not going there.... Not gonna do it....
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
When we first moved to Pensacola my husband brought home the command from his C.O. that all wives must take a one day course in manners. I wasn't so sure about the being commanded part, but I was a good sport about it. It was given by a few of the senior officers' wives in one of those gorgeous plantation homes on base with the wrap-around porches. I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed it...and how much I learned. There were several wives who were either from the South or who had spent a decent amount of time in the South and they had that charm that draws you in. Even their cooking had a charm to it.
May '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Dave Carter
Amazing musician, isn't she? The city is full of those kinds of musicians. And the food!! Jazz for the palate! I'm thinking a red beans and rice fix is in my future... · Jun 17 at 10:39pm
Now I want chicory coffee and beignets for breakfast. Darn it. Where do I get those?
Feb '11
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
This is like seeing the Rolling Stones playing for dimes down around the corner. Doreen's Jazz is Dixie royalty, and they call Doreen herself 'Miss Satchmo'. She's dispensing largesse to the peasants here. Normally she's touring the world for State, as an American cultural ambassador -- or trying to teach New Yorkers something about real culture. Fantastic video, thanks.
Jun '10
Re: A Slice of New Orleans
Wow....amazing. Her voice is absolutely lovely as well.
Thank you for posting this.