Maybe bring Chanticleer (sp?) in the future, too? Esp for Christmas!!

Loved it. Thanks for having them here.

Thanks, Mary. I recommend a UMS trip to New Orleans to get oriented to the musical landscape. 🙂

Have to first confess that we’ve spent a lot of time in New Orleans over the last 20 years, and our kids are getting old enough to get around town with us and see performances. We were therefore thrilled to see this show and to have New Orleans music without driving the usual 18 hours or getting over an “Age 21+” hurdle. 🙂

I knew that the show would inevitably leave some audience members disappointed. The performers (esp. Rebirth) probably felt as strange as some of the audience did. This was not “jazz” as many think of it, and not what many in the audience were probably expecting. Nor was it pure funk, blues, etc. It reflected the many streams of music that converge in New Orleans, mostly played in bars and clubs that are small, loud, and hardly “performance venues.” But hey, UMS does lots of eclectic stuff. The problem here was that I know that the “wedding and funeral band” or John Malkovich were unique. But many probably came thinking that they knew what this was about. Think Pete Fountain, Preservation Hall, etc. Nope.

So yes, there was a bit of a mismatch on both sides. But that said, you’ve got to break new ground from time-to-time. UMS is bold to break ground elsewhere. It’s time to break ground here as well. Cheers, kudos, and thanks to the UMS leadership!

If I can make a suggestion, you could consider doing a New Orleans event next season that would be more “traditional” and make more folks happy. Consider a New Orleans staple such as Dr. White, Leroy Jones, or Shannon Powell with a trad group or a younger up-and-coming group such as the New Orleans Moonshiners. Consider a legend like Ellis Marsalis. On the other hand, you could cater to the Rebirth fans and break even more ground by partnering with a local venue and bring in Bonerama… just thinking out loud. 🙂

Many moments of transcending choral excellence. Please have them back!