Hi Anne!
Ginger was absolutely great. So nice and so friendly and always ready to help in an instant. Just great.
We LOVE Anne's place. All of the art, photography and books are really wonderful. The spirit of New Orleans jazz history and music permeates her old shotgun style home. It was magical.
The location in Marigny on Elysian Fields was perfect.
We listened to the locals and stayed on the beaten paths and never had any kind of issue the entire time we were there on business. Not one.
During the day, we walked from Anne's place all the way through the French Quarter, taking any route we felt like.
Some days we walked 8 or 9 miles if you can believe that.
Even during the few little downpours, we scurried along the streets like everyone else, from canopy to porch cover, never using an umbrella or calling a car.
At nights, we'd go to the French Quarter by walking over to Frenchmen Street and going on down to Decatur Street which is a lively, vibrant street at night.
And of course each and every day we walked straight down Frenchmen to see if any awesome little band was playing. There always was. Then we'd stroll over to the Quarter and see what was in store for us that day.
We never had a single problem and ALL the people in New Orleans were SO, SO kind and helpful. Even the folks from out of town seemed to be on their best behavior, kind of charmed and softened by the kindness and hospitality of this lovely place.
One sunny day during the week, just after lunch, we ran across a much older, tiny black gentleman, Jerry, with whom we shared a few bucks. He asked us if we'd ever tried a 'Hand Grenade'.
We said we hadn't, to which he laughed and replied under his breath, "You gotta go try one. It'll F*** you up!"
We thanked him, gave him a big, big hug, and gave him a few more bucks so he could go get one too.
So off we went on our search and found Tropical Isle at 600 Bourbon Street, the home of the original Hand Grenade. What an awesome little bar. Everyone has to go there.
With our Hand Grenades in-hand, we tottled down Bourbon and were drawn along towards Conti Street by the sound of some distant live music. We'd heard so many amazing musicians in the Crescent City during our stay. So much amazing music.
This small little band was made up of 3 simple musicians.
A tall young black fellow on lead guitar & vocals;
Another gentleman with a long gray ZZ Top beard, seated on a stool playing bass guitar;
And an unassuming young lady seated behind on drums. Looked like someone's Mom or sister.
My goodness can looks be deceiving.
They finished a few numbers then asked the small crowd if we had any requests.
My go-to is always to ask, can this small little band pull off at least a few licks of Stevie Ray Vaughan for old times' sake.
The lead singer and guitarist asked which piece we'd like to hear. He said it had been a while since they'd played Stevie Ray. He asked where we're from and welcomed us saying, "We have Austin, Texas in the house y'all!"
I asked if they mighty be able to play one of our very favorites, "Crossfire."
The musicians consulted with each other for a few moments, then all 3 settled back into their respective positions.
I wasn't holding out hope at this point, figuring they would just try one of his other great songs they could remember.
My heavens.
That lead guitarist began out of nowhere and blasted out so clear, and bold and so, so solid.
Those perfect, unique, strong, crazy licks that Stevie Ray Vaughan had created or had been gifted from God, that only he could ever actually really play perfectly.
This was on a weekday mind you. During the broad bright sunlight with not even that many people at all walking around.
They blew the freakin' doors off this little bar.
I didn't even have to close my eyes to imagine I was standing right there in front of Stevie Ray and Double Trouble at one of the many free concerts they would throw or spontaneously show up and play at some club, or park, or venue in my home town of 61 years.
This band's name is The Danny Alexander Blues Band, and if you love incredible live music, go see them and lose your mind.
And for heaven's sake, if you are still in love with Stevie Ray, grab a handkerchief or a napkin, and make the request, tip some money, and stand back where no one can see the tears streaming down your face.
Go see Danny and his little blues band.
Get stranded
Caught in the Crossfire
that blazing crossfire between heaven and this simple little earth we're on.
You will lose your ever-loving mind.
Our entire stay with Anne and Ginger was magic. This little jaunt to find us a nice cool Hand Grenade is just one of the many miraculous little walks we took, walking down the few stairs on Anne's stoop and out onto the sidewalk and towards whichever way our noses were pointing at the time.
Like any visit to New Orleans, it was more than a little life-changing.
We rediscovered once again that the biggest attraction in New Orleans Louisiana is the people.
The kindest, warmest, most relaxed and gentle people on the planet.
Being around them reminded us of how we really want to try to be.
I think at heart, kind of like on St. Patrick's Day how we all rediscover our Irish-ness,
I think we are all New Orleanians at heart. And we're just visiting home for a little while.
Re-experiencing what it's like to be free, and relaxed, and fun, and not