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November 2011
The process of converting a kitchen and a bedroom into one large kitchen/dining/entertaining room continues here. The old sagging floor planks have been removed, replaced, and shored up with concrete piers – a job we didn’t know we’d be doing – and I’ve got to improve the level of the subflooring. We had a contractor do the drywall and the new French door. The new cabinets are being created, so we have another week, or so, to paint ceilings and walls and install all the subfloor. Then, we’ll have to put in the new wood floors. We are hoping for a Thanksgiving unveiling, but who can say if we can make that deadline? It’s been difficult, fun, and rewarding, and I’m constantly impressed with my wife’s knowledge and creativity in this process. In a way, I’ve been glad that my music workload is light lately, giving me time to do this large project (which was started very early this year, with a supporting wall being removed).
November starts off with an appearance at Don’s Seafood, near Cabela’s in Gonzales, Wednesday Nov. 2 at 6pm. This is a new client, so I hope working on this patio will be something that will continue in 2012. A day after Bo Jamison’s birthday, he and I will play at the Jack Daniels Bar at L’Auberge du Lac Casino – Nov. 10 at 10pm. Chris LeBlanc and I had a great time doing this gig last month – topped off by meeting the legendary Johnny Bench that evening!
Sundays continue at Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar, which is a fantastic place to be. I love doing this brunch gig, even though it is tough on the Saints fan in me. I can watch some of the game while I’m playing, though. Selena and I were given great tickets to see the Saints blow out the Colts. Then, this week, the Saints turn around and get blown out by the Rams! If they don’t win the next two games (Bucs and Falcons), I’m a little concerned for the season.
Other gigs this month include Southpaws Daiquiris in Dutchtown, The Rusty Nail in New Orleans, Onezia Lounge in Gonzales, and On the Half Shell in Prairieville. Also, I do one of my favorite gigs of the year on Nov. 18 – White Light Night at Monjuni’s Italian Restaurant on Jefferson, near Government, in Baton Rouge. This is a part of the Mid-City Merchants art hop, when retailers, galleries, and restaurants display art and crafts by local artists, and live music, wine and food tastings, and fun abounds. I love this evening – starts around 6pm. Come by Monjuni’s for free meatball samplings!
The big game is Saturday, Nov. 5 – LSU v. Bama! I mean this town is buzzing. We really wish our house were not in such disarray, so we could cook and enjoy the game with all our friends here at home. As it stands, we are searching for the place to get together and watch this one. It should be one helluva bloody good game! Winning this one could lead to LSU playing for another National Championship here in New Orleans!!
I’m hoping I won’t miss this show – Zaemon and Func Haus are appearing at The Varsity together on Saturday, Nov. 26!
Here are some festivals to check into:
Giant Omelette Celebration, Nov. 5 – 6, Abbeville, LA http://giantomelette.org
Great Chili Challenge, Nov. 5, New Iberia, LA http://www.tabasco.com/taste_tent/festivals/great_chili_challenge.cfm
Atchafalaya Basin Festival, Nov. 12, Henderson, LA http://atchafalayabasinfestival.com
Cracklin Festival, Nov. 10 – 13, Port Barre, LA http://portbarrecracklinfestival.com
Frog Festival, Nov. 10 – 13, Rayne, LA http://www.raynefrogfestival.com
Poboy Festival, Nov. 20, New Orleans, LA http://www.poboyfest.com We attended this last year, and the sandwiches are amazing!
…and the wonderful season in New Orleans also begins this month – Christmas New Orleans Style
http://www.neworleansonline.com/holiday
Of course, it’s Thanksgiving time, and I feel so grateful for all I have been given, all I have to work and live for, and most especially my wife, Selena. We have begun our second year of marriage and I couldn’t be happier. For all you folks that keep up with what I do, take the time to come hear me sing, give me work and income, and have become my dear friends, I am so thankful. I hope that, as this holiday season begins, you all find your heart content, a warm space full of family and friends, delicious food and wine, fun events and winning football, and the ability to share something with those in need. God bless all our soldiers and bring them home safe, soon.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kirk |
