Big Easy Birthday 2014

New Orleanians know that there’s no possible way to attend even half of our city’s events and festivals – even just the free ones. Summer is the “off-season” and yet our city remains action-packed. On top of Beatles Fest and The Running of the Bulls – it was my birthday this past weekend! Normally, I throw myself a small gathering but since we’d just had a wedding, it seemed like a bit much. Instead, I practiced all my favorite birthday traditions.

Christmas Gifts and T-shirts

Whether you’re shopping for Christmas or treating yourself, you could find reasonably priced gifts in my new virtual L.A. to N.O.LA store. Items are made to order, shipped to your door and can be customized. New Orleanians will enjoy the many items made just for them including t-shirts and sweatshirts identifying you as a “Native,” “Local” or “Resident” on a fleur de lis backdrop as well as “Throw me somethin’, Mister!” Mardi Gras shirts. I’ve also made a wide variety of Christmas cards and To/From gift labels, mostly featuring images of my handmade ornaments. The Christmas collection also features labels and a card just for Saints fans!

Tab Benoit at Lafayette Square

I finally got a chance to return to my beloved Wednesday at the Square free concert series sponsored by the amazing New Orleans Saints and benefitting the Young Leadership Council (YLC). The day started with the Navy Band New Orleans honoring National Military Appreciation Month. Dressed in crisp white uniforms, they played a number of standards peppered with fun choices like Michael Jackson’s Human Nature and Coolio’s Gangster’s Paradise. They closed the show with a crowd-pleasing When the Saints Go Marching In as the adorable Saintsations shook their pom poms behind them.