hello my friends,

This week in Nolamericana is an old friend, and fellow songwriter, Mark Carson.  He has been a fixture on the New Orleans scene for about as long as I have and maybe longer! I remember playing with him in song swaps back in the late nineties, with the caffeine music series that Jim McCormick set up.  Mark is a gifted songwriter and amazing vocalist to boot. We are going to have some fun! 

I am very excited to have Hyperphlyy with me this Wednesday, May 15th at Loa bar, 221 Camp Street, inside the International House Hotel.  These 3 ladies are taking New Orleans by storm and have won the hearts of everyone who has come to a show or seen them on stage.  Don't miss it!  Plus they will be backing me on a few songs!

Other guests this month include, 5/22 Kelcy Mae - and 5/29/ the Dirty Rain Revelers!

It was an honor to be asked to write two songs for this project which is on exhibition now until July 6, 2019.  (Per) Sister, Incarcerated Women of Louisiana, seeks to bring awareness and explore the root causes of women's incarceration, the social impact of long-term incarcerated mothers, the psychological and physical toll of incarceration, and the challenges and opportunities of reentry for formerly incarcerated women.

Did you know?
Since 1986, Louisiana has ranked in the top ten states nationwide for the highest incarceration rates.  From 2005-2018, Louisiana ranked first in the nation and the world in holding people captive.  Only now since enacting reforms, is Louisiana second to Oklahoma, and women are one of the fastest growing state populations.

The exhibition pairs artists/painters/songwriters with a formerly incarcerated woman, the artist interpreting their stories through their respective art.  It is an eye-opening and heart-wrenching exhibition.  I encourage everyone to visit before it's gone, and I'm so proud to be a part!  At Tulane's Newcomb Art Museum, it is free and open to the public.

Looking forward to playing this Saturday for all my friends at French Quarter Fest!  The best and biggest free festival! See y'all out there!! 

I'll have René Coman on bass, Chris Pylant on drums and Alex Mallet on guitar! 

Lynn with Ted Hefko on sax, performing live at Nola Brewing, thanks to Don Gallo for the video! 

https://youtu.be/kiGxHFD8upk

This week in Nolamericana!  Jimbo Mathus first had his fame with his band the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and has gone on to perform in many projects such as Knockdown South and Tri-State Coilition.  He remains one of my all time favorite performers and songwriters and he has recently moved to the Big Easy!  Now we can all enjoy him and his music.  Currently playing Spotted Cat with the Little Big Horns, among other projects, he's a fabulous producer to boot.  I'm very excited to have him this week for my Nolamericana songwriter series at Loa Bar inside the International House Hotel.  6pm-8pm.  Be there!!

Please join the Portside crew and us on St. Paddy's day!  Danny plans to do a crawfish boil starting at 3pm - music after! Come hang :-)