Day 14 in NOLA

So I wasn't going to crash another jazz funeral. I really wasn't. But when I got a phone call at the jazz show last night, exhorting me to go, I felt I couldn't really refuse. It was a jazz funeral for Mr. Benny's (other) uncle Lionel. And it was beautiful. I couldn't ask for a better send-off.

Me, loathe to intrude, I was hovering around the periphery, confusing the people in attendance. They all thought I was some weirdo looking to steal a car or something. Why didn't I come on over? And I did. The mourners walked and danced and sang out loud. They knocked on the door of uncle Lionel's old house. And he was finally carried away, alone, to his rest.

Damn. I'd like me one of those.



EDIT: I somehow totally forgot to mention a lovely lunch (which I believe was on this day) at the Green Goddess. I had an absolutely stellar bison and bacon meatloaf sandwich (of all things), with a fresh little arugula salad on the side. Just the thing. I was ravenous after all that second-lining. Thumbs up to the folks at Goddess, but do try to go at an off time (luckily, they serve lunch until four - keep it in mind when you're wandering the Quarter starving in the late afternoon).

Later in the evening, I accompanied the lovely Molly to a screening of a film called Mine - about pet owners who lost their animals during Katrina, and their attempts to reconnect. It was a lovely film, though infuriating at times. Go on out and see it. Oh, and next time you're in NOLA, check out the Zeitgeist theatre. It's a great little volunteer-run venue. They could use the support (although, based on the sold-out show that opened the night we were there, they're doing all right for themselves).

For a nightcap, we hit up Acme, because who doesn't need to eat those char-grilled oysters a second time? Mmmm

Oh, and on the way to the show, we caught the TBC Brass Band making noise at the corner of Bourbon and Canal. Wow. Those kids are talented. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.