The Palm Court is a restaurant and bar and my favorite place to go in New Orleans. They have live jazz and there and one of the band leaders, Lucien Barbarin, used to play for Harry Connick Jr. and also headlines all over Europe.
Lucien Barbarin (far right, front row) and the band.
The first time I was there, the owner told him that there were hurricane relief volunteers from St. Louis in the audience and he sang St. Louis Blues and What a Wonderful World and dedicated it to us. After the show he and I talked for about 15 minutes. He lost everything in Katrina.
Lionel Ferbos
Lionel is like 97 years old and still gigs steady. He sits on stage with his head down like he’s sleeping until the band starts playing and then he makes his trumpet walk, talk and do everything but the dishes. I swear that man is going to die on stage with a trumpet in his hand and no one’s going to realize it until the music starts and he doesn’t come in.
Kathy
When I called and made the reservations Kathy told me that it was our waiter, Stanley’s birthday, so I brought him a birthday card and he comped my meal and cover charge.
Stanley
This is what I love about the Big Easy. There are places in St. Louis where I’m still persona non grata after being a regular for 10 years, and places in New Orleans where I’m treated like a rock star after being there 3 times in 2 years. Yeah, the fact that they’re recovering from a hurricane helps, but still.
OT
Belated Happy Birthday. *hugs*
Re: OT
thank you.