Newsletter

Howdy do, everybody! I’m glad you are still checking in on my website. I’ve been staying on top of all the monthly schedules, and I have updated the calendars all the way up to June of this year. The band has booked out that far, so I’ll try to keep everything up to date on my solo shows as far out as I can.

I’m curious about Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year. I do plan on going to Metairie for a night parade and hitting the Quarter on Mardi Gras Day. My buddies and I will parade in Southdowns again this year on Feb. 24. I think I’ll go ahead and put in writing that this will likely be my last ride with this krewe - I’m ready for something new. But we are all glad to have our buddy Clay back in the fold and riding with us this year. If anyone has a couple of spots open on your Spanish Town float, let me know. I’ve been interested in making that ride.

Congratulations on new baby arrivals go to Terry and April Acosta, who have made Anna Grace, and John and Kathy Maher (did I get that name right ya’ll?), who made baby Sophia. I am very happy for you all!

Fond memories and prayers go to everyone in the Achord/Moulder/Thompson clan on the passing of Ms. Alice Achord. She was part of my life when I first moved to Baton Rouge, circa 1973. She loved the gospel quartet I was in - True Life (ya’ll don’t know everything about me!) - which makes sense, because her daughter played piano for us and two of her grandsons sang. After the funeral, Barry Moulder, Jimmy Moulder, Steve Rushing, and myself, along with Mom (Anita Thompson - Alice’s daughter) listened to some old recordings of the quartet. It was a soul-warming afternoon for me - thank you, my friends. During this time, I’ll think of you and hope you are not too sad. She’s happy with Mr. Alton now.

I’ve got spring fever and have begun to look ahead to all the festivals and events coming soon. JazzFest has a big sponsor now, Shell Oil, and has announced that it will be going on for the usual two weekends. The poster this year, with Fats Domino as the subject, is really cool looking! At the same time, I hope to consider going to the Beale St. Music Festival this year. Other dates coming up are March 11 and 17 - St. Patrick’s Day events in BR and NO; French Quarter Festival - April 21 - 23; Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette - April 26 - 30; Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival and Memphis in May - May 5 - 7; and JazzFest - April 28 - 30, May 5 -7.

The band picked up a gig at the Roux House in March, as well as booking at Sullivan’s through June. We’ll make our first trip to The Station and Sullivan’s this month. I’m going back to Serrano’s and the Pastime lounge this month for some acoustic shows. Check the schedules or write me with any schedule questions, or private party offers.

I hope everyone gets some King Cake for Mardi Gras, and some good lovin’ for Valentine’s Day! Here’s mine to S (though she already has a copy):

I absolutely love your smile

It hit me like a bullet from the first meeting

Then, this huge laugh follows, without reservation or apology for its size

That smile is full of teeth and encircled with full, pliable lips that make me envy chocolate and red meat, as being consumed by such a lovely thing is likely very pleasurable

I saw that smile today, in a photograph

I miss it and hope it visits me again,

Perhaps to be devoured, or kissed, or feel it's power over me

Or hear that divine laughter, as it beams the sunshine that warms my life

KH (yes, I know, sweet is for suckers!.... hehe)

Have a great month, my friends! Get out and have fun, eat well, try some different wine and beer, see old friends, call your folks (physician, heal thyself), hug your kids, and recognize all you have been given. I got an email from an acquaintance with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), describing, in witty and lively terms, his daily life and his survival. Put my occasional pity party in perspective - Thanks Mike O. God Bless you and also another friend, Laura. You are both remarkable.

late,

kirk