We're grieving this morning, after learning last night that Chico Banks, one of Chicago's best blues guitarists (& a friend) passed away a few days ago.  He died of a lightning fast virus. He was only 47.

I can think of no more fitting tribute than the song first written for Stevie Ray Vaughn -- "Six Strings Down".

Dammit.  Heaven's got enough ( Read more... )

There we were, in the little tour van, sitting at the corner of the musician's village waving back at them as they encouraged us to mutiny from the tour's path and come talk with them. Slowly driving past, with final waves from both sides, we pulled out of the giant field of dead weeds and broken trees, dotted here and there by little islands of ( Read more... )

New Orleans is a place where being a star, even if it’s a dim one in the slum neighborhoods on the outskirts of the Crab Nebula ( Read more... )

New Orleans Journal of Tina Jens: "It's Gotta Be Magic"

New Orleans Journal of Tina Jens

Tuesday, Nov. 18th, 2008
New Orleans, LA
Day 1 of Visit 16

Why do I still have sequins and Mardi Gras beads in my eyes, after this, my 16th trip to N’awlins?

It’s all about the music.

(And the food.)

(And the artistic; can-do; ”Hey kids, let’s put on a ( Read more... )

I'm now helping The Bistro on the Lake line up music acts for the rest of the summer. Here's what we have so far ( Read more... )

August 6, 2008 ( Read more... )