Dear Listeners,

It is hard to believe that it has been three years since the world saw the first images and reports of the devastation in New Orleans suffered at the hands of Hurricane Katrina. While the daily reminders of the tragedy have diminished, it is imperative not to forget that the rebuilding is ongoing and to celebrate the very things that make New Orleans the undeniable treasure that it is - the passion, resiliency and spirit of the people and the music they make. Join us, August 25 - August 31, as the Jazz Department along with many other hosts at WTJU showcase the performers and sounds from the birthplace of jazz as they continue to move forward and restore the soul of New Orleans.

Keeping the plight of the city and its musical community in the forefront of our minds is as important now as it was in the days immediately after Katrina hit. And for us here at WTJU, it's personal. Tom Morgan, a former DJ here at WTJU and a DJ now at New Orleans' station WWOZ, experiences the slow recovery first hand. Tom shared with me a few heartfelt thoughts about what it is like living in New Orleans today. He writes, "It's hard to express how we are doing to anyone who doesn't live here; we're open for business but we're still hurting like hell. Nothing has gotten done in the big picture and some things will take years if not decades. We lost 25% of our musicians and our young black people are killing each other. Our local government is corrupt and our police are crazy. I still don't have a local grocery and it costs me 50% more to live here. We don't trust the Army Corp so our levees will probably fail again. You see, it isn't easy living in the Big Easy but we love it and don't want to be anywhere else. Crazy, you betcha."

I highly recommend daily doses of New Orleans music and a trip to the French Quarter whenever possible. Please be generous and support those in need wherever they may be.

Most of all, enjoy the music.

Red beans & ricely yours,

David Eisenman
Jazz & Blues Director