Newsletter - May 09'

Well, it was a great 2 weeks to end April, with Selena’s birthday, as well as mine.  Good times, good food, good travel, good weather, good friends.  Just really enjoyed ourselves.  I had lost a few pounds before those weeks, but have put a few back on!   Looked a little better on the beach than I would have at Mardi Gras, though… hehe.  Cool thing – we saw Brian Brignac, of Hip Boot Joe (and my CD), on the big TV screen at Jazz Fest’s Gentilly Stage.  He was playing with Sonny Landreth and got us backstage – from there, we watched Robert Cray and Etta James – very exciting and fun!  Thanks Brigs!  Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes – you are all very kind and good friends. 

A quick, sad note:  Drew Foster, the music agent responsible for helping us move, promote, and expand the Elvis and Jesse show into Sullivan’s and into more lives, passed away in April.  When I first got to know him, he had been suffering for some time with cancer.  I read many stories of him since, and he was a great guy who touched many lives in the music business, in this area.  I just know he loved the Elvis and Jesse show, and brought it to another level.  Thanks Drew – you will be missed.  You were so very kind to me. 

Though the date may pass by the time you read this, I’m repeating the Cinco de Mayo party this year at Mi Padre’s in Prairieville, with Matt Doran and Charles Pierce.  I’d love to have a bunch of musicians join us and I will buy you a beverage for coming by to jam.  Please come on out – 6pm until we finish.  That’s Tuesday, May 5 – really hope you’ll come out, even though there are many options from which to choose.  I think we’ll have a blast!

Another recurring and fun event is Friday, May 8 – Hot Art, Cool Nights.  I’ll be back at Monjuni’s on Jefferson for this great Mid City Merchants event.  People are out in throngs to visit all the art shops, area businesses, cafes, and restaurants around the Mid City corridor.  At Monjuni’s, we fill the parking lot with music, Italian food and wines, and sangria!  I’ll start around 6pm, so come early for a good table at Monjuni’s. 

Expect a big crowd and special guests on May 24 at Spanky’s Prairieville.  Not sure yet who will join me, but these shows before Monday holidays are always a great time.  I hope you have a good Memorial Day the next day.  On that date, I’ll be playing at Country Club of Louisiana, poolside (members only, so find one and go!). 

Also at Spanky’s P’ville: May 16 is the Summer Bash!  Though, it’s scaled down from previous Block Party status (due to the opening of a 3rd location in 2008), we’ll have two bands inside and special giveaways, drinks, food, and fun inside and out.  Look for Heath, Joel, and Krystian of Spank the Monkey, then Skip and 5 Card Charlie onstage – music starts at 5pm. 

Happy Mother’s Day to Ginny Holder, my Mom, out in Phoenix.  I’m ready for a visit soon, Mom.  Might be around Christmas and the Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Tour – one of my favs!  Also, Happy Mom’s Day to S.  Happy birthday to D and R.  Also to Richard Abbott, and my best friend Joel Fitzgerald.  Happy Birthday, buddies!

After some time away, I’m back at Southpaws this month.  Also, happy to be invited back to Serrano’s, just off the LSU campus.  They have one of my favorite margaritas in BR!  Great gigs at The Pastime, Mi Padre’s, Churchill’s, George’s, On the Half Shell and Spanky’s all month long.  And, thanks for the private parties I’ve been asked to play – I am grateful for that business, and they are very fun. 

If you are in Memphis, check out the World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest.  May 14 – 16.  Never done that one, but can’t wait to go.  www.memphisinmay.org

May 7 – 10 – Cochon de Lait Festival -  sounds like Pork Fat Rules – www.cochondelait.com

May 7 – 10 – Contraband Days – boating and pirating – www.contrabanddays.com

May 22 – 24 – Jambalaya Festival – my hometown’s claim to fame! – www.jambalayafestival.org

May 22 – 24 – Greek Festival – this is a vey quaint little event, but draws crowds – www.greekfestnola.com - sit on the bayou and watch the Greek dancing, with a gyro

May 29 – 31 – Back to the Beach – party on Lake Ponchartrain – www.saveourlake.org

May is a busy one, so I hope to see you out and about.  There are plenty of shows of all varieties to catch me playing.  Plenty of great times coming this summer.  I’ll try to keep you up on what I find… hehe.

Enjoy summer – time to sweat.

Kirk