written exclusively for ELMORE MAGAZINE – 160 East 89th St.,
New York, NY 10128
www.elmoremagazine.com

The very mention of the great city of New Orleans conjures an endless variety of colorful images in the minds of people all over the world. It’s a place where life is lived at a slower pace, in lush and slightly worn surroundings, and where good food, slow conversation, architectural grandeur, and sensational music are simply part of the fabric of life. Nestled in a dramatic crescent near the outlet of the great Mississippi River, New Orleans has played a starring role throughout most of American history. In her early days, New Orleans was part of the French Colony, La Louisiane, and her customs, cultural diversity, Catholicism, and general attitude of tolerance created a very different atmosphere from America. The Crescent City welcomed social and artistic contributions from all quarters of her population, and the results continue to resonate powerfully to this day. The world-renowned cuisine blends ingredients from the kitchens of France, Italy, Germany, and Africa. Countless architectural treasures echo the great civilizations of ancient Europe and Africa, but with a casual Caribbean accent. Often called “The Most African City in America,” the cultural mix celebrates a cornucopia of people from around the globe.

And then there’s the music. Is there anyone in the world who does not love the music of New Orleans? From the early days of Congo Square, with its slave dancing and drumming, to Nineteenth-Century Storyville’s excitable jazz bands, to the Rhythm and Blues explosion in the 1950’s, the renaissance sparked by countercultural music lovers in the 70’s, and the current heady extravaganza of funk, soul, hip-hop and brass band experimentation, New Orleans always shows us where the music is headed.

But there’s more… something else that’s difficult to describe. There’s something in New Orleans that makes uncountable visitors feel at home for the first time in their lives. Something that makes them go back home, sell everything they own, and move to this sensual city on the big muddy river. No matter how you try, there’s something about New Orleans that you just can’t touch, but that touches you deeply. It is this essential Spirit of New Orleans, even more than the evocative architecture, the spicy food, the noble greenery and, yes, even the sensational music, that punctuates the inconceivable losses sustained in last month’s hundred-year storm, Hurricane Katrina. Make no mistake. New Orleans will rise again, and she will be special. We can only hope and pray, however, that precious social fabric so horrifically torn will be mended, that the cultural mix which so informs every aspect of this special city can somehow be resurrected, and that the impulse to celebrate that unites all of her citizens will be restored.

We ask that you remember us in your thoughts and prayers – It will be a long road to recovery – and that you come see us when we are once again ready to receive visitors.

Let the Good Times Roll.

Spencer Bohren
September 14, 2005

Tags: hurricane, Katrina, new orleans