Games People Play

Heading to Hampton Roads? If you want to show off your skills, brush up on the rules for cornhole. Just don't make any plans. Tory was tossing corn until 3:3o a.m.

Boogaloo Eats

When out at the grounds for three days, we all get hungry. Here some of our favorites from this year's Boogaloo:

1. Oyster Platter. AW Shucks provided tasty Louisiana oysters. Apparently, the Chesapeake has been re-stocked with Louisiana oysters, which handle diseases better. Regardless, very tasty raw oysters.

2. Potato Chip Encrusted Crab Cake. Chips seal in the moisture, and the whole thing is deep fried. Very tasty!

3. Havana. Any time you can roll into a place with 20 artists at 1o:00 p.m. on Sunday night, and have a good meal, we have to give them props. Had the paella, Yolanda had the ropa vielo, both quite good.

4. Ribs from Farm Fresh Market. A nice break from all the fried food. Slow cooked ribs in a tangy sauce. Dry rub could have used some cumin and cayenne, but we're not complaining

Boogaloo Saturday

Good day two at the Bayou Boogaloo. It threatened rain, but turned out rather lovely. Solid sales, with some good size paintings moving, which is always nice. Really top notch music with Anders Osborne, Bonerama, Radiators, and Dr. John. Bonerama Horns sat in with the Rads and the Dr., which was a treat.

Every time I come here, I'm impressed and humbled by the love people have for New Orleans. Lots of people wearing Tulane, LSU and Saints gear, Jazz Fest prints, and hats and tees from NOLA festivals large and small. People singing along to "Suck the Heads" and "Iko-Iko". Not news to anyone reading this blog, but another reminder of how important our local culture is, and how necessary it is to support it and help it grow.

Photo Time

Some photos from day one of the Bayou Boogaloo

Norfolk from the ferry

In fairness, andouille is a tough word to spell

Tami Curtis Ellis and Soleil

Tony Nozero feeling optimistic

Proud to Call it Home

One reason we like coming to the Bayou Boogaloo so much is the genuine affection the organizers and attendees have for New Orleans culture. Last night, I talked to people from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Quebec and of course Virginia, all of them absolutely nuts for New Orleans and our culture. Keep in mind this is a relatively small festival. About 15,000 people are expected over the weekend. This isn't Jazz Fest, this isn't French Quarter Fest, and yet for the people who love New Orleans, it's a fantastic time. When you have fans like these, it makes us proud to represent New Orleans, and we're going to give them a great show!

In Norfolk

After a smooth, relatively quick 20 hour bus ride, we arrived in norfolk yesterday around noon. After set up and well deserved shower time, we headed over to the artist welcome reception. The last three year's, this party has been called the Hurricane Relief party, and I think it's worth noting that, without prompting, the Norfolk folks have changed the name to artist welcome. Another milestone passed!

Lovely party featuring Terrence Simien and lots of kegs of Abita beer trucked up from the piney woods. Plus boiled crawfish! Not half bad either. Raised some money for the Arts Council, and met lots of people who love New Orleans. Fest starts in earnest today. Here's the line-up.

Arts Council brings artists to Norfolk Bayou Boogaloo

Linda Lesperance loading her work to head to Norfolk

Once again this year, the Arts Council is bringing 24 local artists to the 20th Annual Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Festival in Norfolk, VA. The Boogaloo runs July 30 to August 2 at Town Point Park in the heart of the city, and along with these top visual artists, features Louisiana musicians such as Dr. John, Bonerama, The Radiators and more.

The result of many months of planning and coordinating between the Arts Council of New Orleans and Norfolk Festevents, this “take-the-show-on-the-road” trip is part of the Arts Council’s aggressive strategy for promoting the cultural economy of New Orleans while providing viable avenues for artists to bring their creative works to the marketplace.

The artists leave by bus on Wednesday July 29th from the Arts Council. Follow our trip via our blog or follow us on Twitter.