Post-Elvis Enthusiasm Reigns High!

My dear friends, the Elvis and Jesse show was simply fantastic, thanks to you! I can’t tell you how much it meant to us to have you there, having fun with our silliness and love of Elvis Presley and his music. In my mind, this was the best of our tribute shows, to date. That is mainly due to Gerard Langlois’ wonderful work, and the incredible efforts of the Russ Bryant Ringside Band – Russ Bryant on sax, Nickie Dimaio on drums, Stan Campbell on guitar, and Josh Nee on bass. Also, great effort went into this from Bill Stafford, helped by Shane LaCombe, as well as Dave Long; and the sound supplied by Brian Gordon and Russ of Premier Sound Services. Thanks to Sullivan’s for the opportunity and new venue, which was ideal.

But, mostly, your support of Gerard and me doing this yearly show was awesome! Also, when I asked you folks to chip in on the idea of some monies for a friend of ours, Laurie Hough, you really went above and beyond the call – giving us $230 to add to what we made and contributed. It was just so wonderfully nice of you all. I sprang that idea on Gerard, who didn’t even want any money from this performance (nor did I), while we were onstage, and without hesitation, he said, “pitch in everything you were gonna give to me.” And, we did. Thanks G – fantastic Elvis singing, my friend!

You all give me so much, as it is, just by your years of coming to my gigs – but by giving money on Sunday night, to a stranger, just because I asked …. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. You can count on the fact that it will all go to help Polly’s sister, Bill Stafford’s sis-in-law, Laurie Hough.

I said I’d make football predictions this month, but I’m afraid of it. We’ve never been in such a favored position, as Tiger and Saints fans. Both being touted to win BIG! But, I’ll jump on the bandwagon… LSU 11-1 and wins SEC Championship, facing USC in National Championship game! Les Miles makes good on his pooh-poohing of PAC 10 football and ekes out a 2-point victory. The Saints go 11-5 and role through the division, losing one division game to Carolina; then, beat Philly to make it to the Super Bowl, where they beat the Patriots! The hangover from that game and Mardi Gras in the same week drops GNP (or whatever you’d call it in a state) in New Orleans to all-time low, including the initial post-Katrina days. In an ironic twist, and an effort to show good faith and pick up a gig as Saints’ kick return specialist, Michael Vick applies for King of Carnival/ Krewe of Rex, thinking it’s a dog parade! Har dee har har….

Hey, two gigs at Monjuni’s this month, on the patio; and, I think it’s gonna be a bit more comfortable now. Lots of private parties. Plus, a return to Sullivan’s to join the Sunday night show with Russ Bryant’s Ringside Band.

It’s time for great fall beers to start showing up. I recommend Abita’s new Pecan Harvest Ale – kind of a smooth version of the Amber. And, I hope they still put out their Fall Fest. Samuel Adams has a great Oktoberfest beer, too.

Please remember all the souls lost 2 years ago in New Orleans and the Gulf South, due to Katrina. Support the rebirth of New Orleans, a heavenly place. Also, remember September 11 - a date on which the continuing war, waged by an organized society, against our nation, claimed thousands of innocent US citizen’s lives.

GEAUX TIGERS, WHO DAT NATION!!!

Thanks again,

Kirk