Independence Day

The Music Emanating from the Quarter

New Orleans is a unique town, to be as cliché as possible. There really is, however, no better way to describe it. I adore the quirkiness of San Francisco’s neighborhoods and the broad ethnic brushstrokes that are Chicago, but New Orleans? New Orleans is not a city, it is a state of mind. Something about the streets that are slightly off-kilter to the aromas of the food to the fact that even the poorest street performers here are more talented then many mainstay musicians in other cities gives N’awlins a personality. One that to some people is the trainwreck you can’t help but watch and to others is utopia. Oh, and did I mention the food? I have spent the past two days eating my way through this city. Nothing does your soul right quite like a oyster po’ boy.

I am a fervent music fan, and I happen to most love the roots music of America. After eating a delicious brunch at the New Orleans culinary mainstay Brennan’s, I wandered up and down Rue Royal and the adjacent blocks listening to, tipping, and snapping pictures of the street musicians and performers that make this city’s heart beat. There was an excellent dixieland band, (photos 10, 11, 12) a delta blues band that performed with such a tortured sound it broke my heart, (6,7,8,9) and a jazz band who’s banter was as hilarious as the music was swingin’. (14,15,16) A shot that really captures the juxtaposition of real life and nonsense in New Orleans is the fully painted street clown biking his way home after a performance. (Photo 14)

I always enjoy time spent in New Orleans, and although I have just left, I am already plotting my return. The spirit of New Orleans is a force to be reckoned with. The city is back to 80% of its pre-Katrina population, and the people have gone batshit over the Saints winning the Lombardi Trophy. Even the Vatican seems to have jumped on the Who Dat wagon- numerous locals informed me that during the Super Bowl, a gold flag with a black fleur-de-lis was raised over the Sistine Chapel…

New Orleans/Anne’s Tulane Visit

The Spectacle of Religion

Seduction

They built a skatepark out back…

The City of Tempe built a skatepark about 200 feet from my patio just this past week and its already going to good use…

He sees it…

…then he does it

Ideas!

In an effort to keep my photography democratic, I am asking you all to give me some cool ideas! Leave a comment if you have an interesting idea for a photograph, and I will try to attempt as many as possible! Go for it!

Knowledge, Framed.

“A” Mountain and the SRC “Field”

Self Portrait