The day before making this vlog I downloaded the song ‘Walking to New Orleans’ by Fats Domino. Cause even though I wasn’t walking I love the song and it seemed appropriate. Just heard the news that he died at the age of 89 in the city he lived in and sang about. ‘Ain’t that a shame’. Another legend who luckily left a big legacy. He was such a great musician. May he rest in peace.

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Passing through small villages and the swamp, Lake Maurepas on one side and Lake Pontchartrain on the other. The train ride from Memphis to New Orleans is one I’d definitely recommend, especially during the day. Because then you can enjoy the impressive variety of views. Besides that it’s a very comfortable way to travel and you only pay a couple dollars more in comparison to the bus. Totally worth it.

After I’d arrived, I put my suitcase in the dorm and asked the best way to the Frenchman street in the French Quarter. Because without even checking I thought the bar that I wanted to go to called Chickie Wah Wah, was there. Had my first streetcar experience up Canal street and there, like an hour later, I found out that the venue was on walking distance from my hostel. Oh well, it was a nice introduction to the city of New Orleans. All the colonial influences you see makes this city different from any other that I’ve seen. Houses in all sorts of colours, nice French balconies and lots of green around, even palmtrees!

Meschiya Lake and Tom McDermott were totally worth the travel around town. They played songs from the twenties to the sixties and it was such a nice start of my New Orleans experience. Later that evening I was lucky enough to sing a couple of songs with the great piano player. And he told me about a gig the day after in Buffa’s, a restaurant and bar with a small club in the back. It was on the border of the French Quarter. I already learned how to get there so added that to my list.

That was such a good gig too. With this band Charlie Halloran captures the dance music of the French Caribbean from the 50s. It was really something different and I enjoyed it so much. Look it up here. 

Next up: Gospel at Praise Fest, the crazy Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade and some a sexy burlesque show.