Summer is almost over and football is here. Still some hot times are ahead, but the change of seasons is always refreshing. Makes it easier to make your own personal changes. No big changes are coming up for me, right now, but I just have to make sure I keep working hard and doing my best to perform for you.

I want to thank so many of you for coming to Spanky’s a couple of weeks ago and supporting the Elvis and Jesse show! Gerard did a fantastic job and I had such a blast, singing all Elvis tunes from 3 decades. I’ll post some pics of that night, as well as many other newer pics, to the website soon.

The schedule is kinda light, for now. I am playing a tailgate party before the first LSU game, then hurrying down to New Orleans that evening to play a friend’s wedding reception. Looks like I’m off for the rest of the month on Saturdays, so I’ll be tailgating and looking for friends playing music after LSU games. But, last minute changes might come in, so keep watching the calendar. For now, it’s Thursdays at the Bulldog Uptown, Fridays at the Bulldog in Mid-City, and Sundays at Spanky’s in Prairieville.

By the way, the patio at the Mid-City Bulldog has been really great! I love the atmosphere and look forward to the cooler temps really making that gig fun. The website for all the Bulldog and Lagers locations is www.draftfreak.com. Check into it... (oh, and don’t park in the Dolly’s Deli parking lot, even if they are closed - s.o.b. will have you towed).

I want to recommend a couple of New Orleans artists this month. Ingrid Lucia is back from her East Coast Tour and has a lot of dates in the City. Look for her shows at http://www.flyingneutrinos.com. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her, but if she hasn’t changed much, she’s fabulous - singing jazzy, torchy, speak-easy, sexy songs with a great band. Also, if he gets off tour with Dr. John soon, look for John Fohl - www.johnfohl.com. Just one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen, and a great singer of oldies. Believe me, these are two incredible talents. Actually, John is known to play in the band with Ingrid, from time to time.

I want to send my thoughts out to Clay Jenkins, a great friend of mine, who is on his way to the Middle East, as a reservist. He got called up this summer and will be seeing action soon. Get back safe and soon, buddy!
Welcome, this month, to Molly and John, coming down from Alaska; my Mom and Dusty, coming in from Phoenix; and Cam Stafford, popping out of Polly sometime in the next 3 weeks. Look forward to seeing you all! Oh, and Chris LeBlanc’s new CD, "Starshine," is out on Sept. 2nd! I know it will be incredible, Chris. You’re the best!

Looking ahead - a great time in October: Oktoberfest at Lamar-Dixon, Oct. 22-24. This has been moved from Ponchatoula this year, though there is still a small fest in the original spot on Oct. 8th. I love this festival and recommend it for good food, beer, fun music and dancing, and great people watching. http://www.oktoberfestla.com

Please, God bless us in the upheaval of this election season. I have no political thoughts this month, except I believe in voting. Do your research and vote for what you know and believe. Keep America working. We’re not perfect yet, but it will only get better if you participate.

Aloha,
Ho K