Newsletter - October 04'

Alright, it's time for the month of savings! That's what I think of October - utility bills are lower - windows are open - the weather gets so nice. I'm sure we all enjoy the fall. My sister and brother-in-law are gonna drive up through the Blue Ridge Mountains and see the leaves changing. I can't wait to get back up that way and to the Carolinas - maybe go on up to Virginia and D.C. And then winter in New York! Just some travel daydreams....

Football is getting exciting. The LSU v. Auburn game stung, but I've enjoyed watching all the games. I think both LSU and the Saints performed as teams in the last couple of weeks. The next two weeks are going to be a formidable challenge to the Tigers, as well as to my 10-1 prediction. I can see the Saints bringing a 4-1 record into the night game with the Minnesota Vikings. That would be a great start, since their schedule gets pretty tough into November. "Are you ready for some footbaaaaaaaaaaaal?!" Yeah!!!

Man, October is chock full of fun stuff to do! Let me give you some links and ideas:
1) Roberts Cove Germanfest, Oct. 2-3
www.robertscovegermanfest.com
2) Gretna Heritage Festival, Oct. 1-3
www.gretnafest.com
3) Audubon Zoo Swamp Festival, NOLA, Oct. 2-3, 9-10
www.auduboninstitute.com/swampfest
4) Deutches Haus Oktoberfest, NOLA, every weekend in October
www.deutcheshaus.org
5) Ponchatoula Oktoberfest, Oct. 8-10
6) Gumbo Festivals in Bridge City and New Iberia, Oct. 8-10
7) Oktoberfest 2004, moved from Ponchatoula to Gonzales, Oct. 22-24
www.oktoberfestla.com
8) Andouille Festival, LaPlace, Oct. 22-24 (Selena was once the queen!)
9) Bucktown Seafood Festival, Metairie, Oct. 22-24

Also, downtown BR has it's Live After Five cranking back up and October 1st is John Lisi/Chris LeBlanc, 5-8pm. After that, my great buddy and hero, Chris LeBlanc, will be having a CD release party at SOGO, in the Argosy Atrium area! See www.chrisleblancband.com for more details. Congratulations to Chris, Nicky, and Sean for their efforts on this half studio/half live recording. IT ROCKS!, just like CLB.

In gig news, October is pretty full with private parties, pre-game tailgate gigs, and the usual suspects. I'll be on the patio at the new Bulldog on both Thursdays and Fridays this month. The weather is going to be nice, so get out early and often. That patio is now one of my favorite spots to hang out. As you can see from my list of events, I'm partial to Oktoberfests, though I have only been to one location. The Bulldog owner and managers are actually going to Munich, Germany for the real thing this month! I'm jealous, for sure. Ya'll have a stein for me.

I'll make a few appearances at the Vineyard, as a soloist, in a duet with Chris LeBlanc, and with Dan and Chad for a post-game gig on Oct. 9th. Chris' sister Amanda, is taking a break from their every Wednesday gig at the Vineyard, so Chris has asked a few musicians to join him there, in rotation. I'll be there once a month with him and I am very much looking forward to it. I'll still be at Spanky's on Sunday nights. It's always a nice end to my work week, with friendly folks, and the occasional boob flash! I won't be there on Oct. 17th, due to the Saint's night game in the Dome.

I do wish you all the best, my friends. Remember the soldiers, protecting our freedom around the world. I know we all have friends and family somewhere in harm's way. I hope they all get back safely, soon. Here's something I heard, that bears repeating, regarding the death of the 1000th soldier in Iraq recently: Remember, we reached 1000 long ago, on September 11th, 2001. I am so lucky in all I have, including your friendships and support.

Thank you.

Kirk