George Rodrigue's Blue Dog paintings and silkcreen prints have nosed their way into our American visual iconography. Ask anyone anywhere if they know the Blue Dog and chances are you'll get a bright-eyed yes. In recognition of such a colorful, distinguised, and massive career, the New Orleans Museum of Art and Rodrigue gather a 40-year retrospective "Cajuns, Blue Dogs, and Beyond Katrina," showing until June 8. What visitors realize when roaming the multiple rooms and viewing the 200 plus original works: this man treasures Louisiana. And, judging by reception in NOLA, the feeling is certainly mutual.
I spent an evening with Mr. Rodrigue and his son Jacques last week in New Orleans. If you are headng to NOLA for Jazzfest, make time to see the exhibit. It's worth it.
Visit the Southern Living travel blog to see more of the Blue Dogs. Click here.
posted by Joe at
14:45
"The Homebird's Chorus"
Paste, May 2008
Belfast's streets used to be war zones. Its population suffered through curfews, car bombs and religious murders. It ushered the word terrorist into the spoken lexicon. But the city has gone fairly quiet these last 10 years. It's beautiful in fact, thriving economically and drawing more tourists than ever. Even so, an aftershock lingers: three decades of havoc inflict deep wounds on a people's spirit, even when the death counts drop and the machine-gun murals are painted over. This story is about a son of Belfast who sings the city's hope tucked inside lament.
I met Charlie on a sunny June night in Belfast. I’d been roaming around, passing the long-light hours before a small, unlisted show by a local-done-good songwriter named Foy Vance, about whom I knew almost nothing. I hadn’t even confirmed the location of his oddly hush-hush concert. I knew he’d performed with The Ulster Orchestra in Belfast a month prior, jamming with the 70-piece company on the river. I knew locals pronounced his name “Five Ants,” but I’d only heard a couple songs. I had a hunch, though, that the guy mattered here. His voice had Solomon Burke’s expressiveness, and his melodies unfolded methodically. I figured this city and that sound could be like the blues.
For more, go here.
posted by Joe at
22:47
Johnnie B. Griggs, 1919-2008
Nature never sends a great man into the planet without confiding the secret to another soul. -Emerson
posted by Joe at
21:33
Coffeehouses in Nashville go by many names. Breakfast spot. Reading place. Study corner. Freelance headquarters. Depending on the time of day, you'll see bed-head musician, traveling salesperson, and college student all standing in line at various beaneries in every pocket of the Tennessee capitol. As a former resident, I took some time to pass out some faux hardware for what makes each shop pretty special.
Best counter display
In honor of the Pope's stateside trip, we begin these inaugural awards at the holy of holies in Nashville - Bongo Java near Belmont. Yesterday, around 11 a.m., the line ran 10 deep for lattes and espressos. So, I put my bag down to save a window table (I do this after getting someone nearby - usually a woman for some reason - to agree to watch my stuff) and stood my turn. While waiting, I set my eyes on what's known at Bongo as the "Nun Bun," a 1996 cinnamon roll that looks - no kidding - like Mother Teresa. 
The folks at Bongo display the once-stolen saintly sweetthing in a makeshift shrine. Media like the Washington Post, CNN, BBC, Paul Harvey, and David Letterman have covered this bakery miracle.
You're having...an apple pie (drink). Ciderific hot stuff on the porch.
Best previous life
I don't believe the website when it tells me they named the place after the sixth century goat herder's dog who discovered coffee. Oh. They were kidding. Ah. Fido though, no joke, is a serious gathering spot in Hillsboro Village.
A former pet shop (just see the neon sign out front), the two rooms stay full pretty much all day every day. Fido is the intersection of Vandy, music row, and normal Nash folk. I once sat outside studying for an exam around 9 pm and Dolly Parton walked by me. She's even prettier in person. Seriously.
You're having..."simply eggs" and cheese grits with straight coffee. Breakfast here is incredible. Great alternative to long lines at famous Pancake Pantry down the block.
Best disguise
Portland Brew, the location on 12th Ave S, does a good job of looking like a hurtin' coffeeshop. Cinderblock simplicity, sometimes questionable art work, construction on-going. But, the place is nearly always full. And loyalty is not something you can buy. Friendliness and seriously good coffee makes PB my go-to spot for on-the-road emailing and writing. Those sheeny yellow chairs are heaven. And their cubbies (currently closed off for some renovations) make for excellent secret meeting spots and deal-making, so it seems.
You're having...an Irish Creme brew if it's available. And a scone.
Best bungalow-ness
Sam and Zoe's near 100 Oaks sits back off Thompson Lane (which is the same thing as Woodmont eastbound) right next to the best burrito place in Nashville (Baja). If I could live upstairs in the little coffeehouse bungalow S&Z's, I would, because I could have granola and coffee for breakfast at home and a fantastic burrito for lunch. Then, I'd go grab an iced coffee and sit on my sweet front porch and watch all the cars drive up to my side-window for a to-go cup of joe. All while I check email on free WiFi. Doesn't that sound perfect? (Though I do close at 7 p.m.)
You're having...an apple-berry tea.
Best Starbucks
Starbucks, the great demise of the Mom&Pop. Actually, I kind of like the 'buck, as my friend Abby who worked there called it. I love Starbucks because they give health coverage to part-time employees (honorable) and they rock a solid jukebox (cool). Plus, I always feel comfortable when I go to an out-of-town Starbucks. I recognize the lay. Nashville's best is on West End Ave, near Belle Meade, where White Bridge crosses. This 'buck is spacious, offers a covered patio, and seems free of college-kid overflow.
You're having...a grande 180 degree 1 centimeter foam 1% soy latte in a venti cup. Or just a coffee.
On the map...
posted by Joe at
09:30
First story to be picked up on CNN.COM happened sometime in the last 24 hours. "They" don't tell you these things. You just happen upon it. The story, "Quiet on the Set", talks about Wilmington NC, film capital of the South. Remember Joey and Dawson? I do. Turns out, the town is an absolute dream. ON a big river, near the sea, historic cobblestoney streets, little blue bungalows, and a big battleship anchored down. Who knew?
I originally called the story "Carolina Picture Show," but once again "they" changed it. Though this time, the "they" is a pretty cool editor and I like his title and edits too. Give it a whirl. A money photographer Josh Gibson shot the piece, on newstands now.
CNN.COM/TRAVEL then scroll down to the COASTAL LIVING spot.
posted by Joe at
23:21
On a travel assignment for Coastal Living in Oregon. Driving the two hours from Portland to Cannon, the hemlocks and fir, absolutely giant trees, carried a coat of snow. Not my idea of a weekend at the beach. But it turned out pretty gorgeous, refreshing for sure. The 101 goes from Astoria (The Goonies) past Haystack Rock and several lighthouses, towns like Tillamook, Manzanita, and Lincoln City, and the sea punishes the coast.
Tillamook Bay and Pier's End
Roadside seafood stand with fresh Dungeness crabs
Ecola State Park
Morning on Cannon Beach
posted by Joe at
21:49
