neworleans: September 2009 Archives
I missed the spectacle of Tom DeLay, former Texas Republican Congressman, now rhinestone cowboy, shaking his ass, sliding on his knees, and playing air guitar to "Wild Thing," on Dancing with the Stars, as investigators mulled money-laundering charges against him.
But I was struck by the how well DeLay--who, while
representing a state that is more than one-third Hispanic, supported a 1999
bill to declare English the official language of the U.S.--highlighted the Afro
Latin roots of American music. He danced to the Troggs' 1966 hit in a cha-cha
competition.
How enlightened, Tom.
So pronounced is the clave of that song, that one would need
to strain not to hear it. Yet the centrality of Afro Latin roots to early rock
and roll is a well-kept secret in this country. The best exposition of this
truth can be found in Ned Sublette's terrific first book, "Cuba and Its Music:
From the First Drums to the Mambo" (he uses "Louie, Louie" as the essential
case). And I'll tip my hat to Ned, who tonight celebrates the release of his
fine new third book, his second on the Crescent City, "The Year Before the
Flood: A New Orleans Story." Wish I could be at the Mother-in-Law Lounge, to
hear the always animated Sublette read, across the room from an inanimate
likeness of Ernie K-Doe (who is among the book's characters), at what promises
to be the mother-in-law of book parties.
I'm rereading Ned's book now, as I work on an essay about it
for The Nation.
This year, the Young Men Olympian, Jr. Mutual Aid and Benevolent Society celebrates 125 years of community engagement and service, as well as cultural celebration. On Sunday, September 27, the club will hold their second parade of the season, starting at their home base on Josephine Street. And this Thursday evening, September 24, the Young Men Olympian will precede their annual parade by joining SilenceIsViolence and the Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force in a City Walk/Peace Walk through the Central City neighborhood.
For over a century, the Young Men Olympian have quietly done community service and public safety work, without seeking recognition or reward. The club membership participates in cemetery clean-ups, Night Out Against Crime sponsorships, peace rallies (including a memorial for police officer Nicola Cotton), and much more. We are honored that the group has chosen to partner with SilenceIsViolence and the Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force for Thursday's Peace Walk. Please join us at the Young Men Olympian, Jr. Hall, 2101 Josephine Street, at 6pm this Thursday. We will follow a circular route, spreading a message of peace, ending back at the Hall around 7pm. A brass band will perform after the walk.
