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A must see!

Brilliant work by a variety of local talents you should already know!

Hey out there in interweb land, Loki here, reporting the latest from the musical free for all that is the WWOZ Pledge Drive! Brian Stoltz was here earlier knocking out some really sweet tunes solo on his acoustic guitar. When I was speaking with him afterwards he told me that his new live CD will be hitting the stores about a week before Jazz Fest, and after hearing some tracks from it today I must say I cannot wait!

There are only three days left, and things are about to get truly out of hand. The array of musicians showing up to bring a little live music into the equation is always amazing during the drive, and the last few days are always the most intense. Over the past few days we have seen local luminaries such as Irma Thomas, Harold Batiste, and more show up in support of WWOZ. I really cannot think of any other example of a radio station being so inextricably entwined with the music scene it embraces.

The image that always comes to mind when I think about what WWOZ means to me and to the music scene is borne of the madness from August '05. I visualize a vast expanse of toxic floodwaters, like the ones that inundated our city. Rising up from the middle of this turgid pool rises an arm whose hand clutches a trumpet, holding it aloft above the murk.

With more than half our neighbors and native musicians scattered to the four winds the WWOZ Stream assumes huge importance, bringing a taste of home to those in that diaspora and beyond. As we fight for our survival here in New Orleans, WWOZ holds aloft the beacon of our unique musical heritage, reminding us what we are fighting for.

Harold Cagler just got finished bringing a little of the classic New Orleans funk to the studio, and welcome sounds they were! It is truly things like this that keep me going!

Pledge now, keep WWOZ on the air and on the internet!

xposted on Defend New Orleans

There are SO many things going on in the city right now: numerous news articles in the local and national media about NOLA residents arming themselves agaisnt crime, Bush crony companies (MWI) providing faulty pumps; the Corps of Engineers engaging in its usual inept shenaigans, etc. So why in the midst of this am I focusing on the WWOZ pledge drive?

It is precisely because it has nothing to do with politics. As Jelly Roll Justice put it, "I can turn to any other station in town for the politics of the situation. Sometimes I do. WWOZ is a haven, here it is about the music. There are no politics and no religion here, just beautiful sounds." The sounds of New Orleans. After 19 months of nothing but fury and vitriol it feels good to be focussed on something that is purely positive.

I have always been a proponent of the idea that music can bridge all gaps between people, that it is a common ground where everyone can relate to each other through their mutual appreciation of the groove. I have always been a crusader for local music for that exact reason.

So........

Despite the plethora of things to bitch about, despite the idotic decisions by the various powers that be, despite the approach of hurricane season and the state of the levees right now the priority it WWOZ, the Guardians of The Groove. I am returning to my roots until next Wed., then we will return you to your regularly scheduled muck raking!

So pledge now, help support the sound of our city!

Hurry, hurry, hurry! Step right up for the Sickest Show on Earth! For the low price of your peace of mind you may see sights unknown to the First World!

In Blue Tarp Tent Number One you can watch the Dancing of the Politicos, an infernally complex arrangement of motions guaranteed to explore every direction except forwards! Watch local salaries for C Ray and his companions in the City Clown Car skyrocket into the stratosphere while nothing gets done! See a total lack of Republicans in the Courthouse Cage Battle! All the while our helpful concessions staff will enhance your enjoyment of the festivities with a steady stream of antidepressants and alcohol!

Meanwhile in Blue Tarp Tent Number Two watch the FEMA comedy act as it informs Americans everywhere that their own levees are the punchline! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll kiss your ass goodbye! Then we will treat you to a spectacular show as MC Gold releases his uncut track, Just Shoot 'Em, Who Cares?

These things don't grab you, my friend? I see you are an entity of discerning tastes. Allow me to redirect you to the center tent, where you can absorb all the New Orleans news and flavor you could ever want! Join the teeming masses in salivating over the biggest press we have gotten yet, the F*CK DA EAGLES GIRL! Scantily clad in her shiny new photospread, this must be the most important thing going on!

So don't stay stuck in the FEMA Trailer tonight, entertainment abounds! Come on out and see The Sickest Show on Earth tonight!

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