declarations of independence (don't shut 'em down)

In honor of Independence Day, what could be more American than playing jazz in the street? Here are two stories of mine along those lines, running today.

The first, for the website Truthdig, talks about brass bands and street musicians in New Orleans--especially some city ordinances that make my blood boil and some signs of reform by city council and Mayor Landrieu that would warm my heart.

The second, for The Wall Street Journal, celebrates the near-half-century legacy of Jazzmobile, a nonprofit that, if you live in New York City, has likely rolled into your 'hood.