Dear Listener,
John Mooney crooning with his monster backup band at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest, The Blind Boys of Alabama live onstage at the Voodoo Music Experience 2008, 30 sousaphone players jamming in the streets of the French Quarter, Dave Bartholomew performing from our broadcast booth on his 88th (!) birthday, Irma Thomas soul-caroling from 'OZ's performance studio. . . . These are just some of the out-of-body experiences you've been exposed to in the past few months if you've been riding the ear waves on this magic carpet we call WWOZ.
But don't unpack your bags 'cause we ain't stopping! There's a Danny Barker Centennial to celebrate this month (with plenty of live music), followed by a bunch more road trips currently in the planning stages. And thanks to Louisiana Public Broadcasting, we now have a 15-terabyte server that we are currently loading up with our entire collection of 25,000 CDs and 10,000 LPs — mo' music you won't hear anywhere else.
Some other things in the works for this year: a couple of weekly programs of local music to be distributed nationally by WWOZ, a high-quality broadband stream for audiophiles, and real-time play lists. So hang on if you can -- there's always more, but only with generous support from listeners like you.
Yours in king-cakes and hair-aches,
David Freedman
General Manager
WWOZ Looks Back at a Great 2008!
Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we look back at the highlights of WWOZ's year in music. We hope our photos of events like Dave Bartholomew's birthday show, Irma Thomas's in-studio performance, Voodoo Fest, and our Fall Membership Drive inspire you to keep listening and supporting 'OZ in the new year!
» Check out the musical highlights from 2008
» Add your own 2008 memories in our forum
2008 In Memoriam
Join us as we celebrate the lives of musicians who've passed on in 2008, including New Orleans legends Earl Palmer, Wilbert "Junkyard Dog" Arnold, and John Brunius, as well as one of the all-time greatest jazz trumpeters, Freddie Hubbard, and Big Queen Barbara Sparks of the Yellow Jackets Mardi Gras Indian tribe (pictured).
» Remember those who passed in 2008
Danny Barker Centennial Celebration Kicks Off Jan. 13
Marking the late Danny Barker's 100th birthday, this celebration runs from January 13-18 and will feature concerts, educational performances, an award ceremony, and a jazz walking tour. Performers include Charmaine Neville, Lionel Ferbos, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and many more at stages located around the French Market as well as at Snug Harbor and Palm Court Jazz Café.
» Read more about Danny Barker and the Centennial Celebration
It's Carnival Time in New Orleans!
Carnival season started on January 6, and that means costumes and king cakes! Swing by our Mardi Gras page for everything from king cake history and recipes to Mardi Gras Indian practices and parade schedules, as well as info about the incredible special shows our hosts have lined up. The major parades like Krewe du Vieux don't start 'till February 7, but there are plenty of costume balls and other events happening right now.
» Get ready for Mardi Gras 2009
WWOZ Show Hosts Bare All
Our illustrious show hosts now have their very own blog, where they've already begun posting announcements or whatever else comes to mind. Find about about events like Bob French's birthday bash, live broadcasts including Dave Bartholomew's birthday show, archived 'OZ broadcasts, upcoming Mardi Gras info, and much more. Comment on their posts, and check back often so you don't miss a beat!
» See what our show hosts are blogging about
WWOZ Welcomes Kelcy Patterson
Join us in welcoming our new 'OZone sponsor, Kelcy Patterson of Latter & Blum Realtors! She specializes in the historic neighborhoods of New Orleans, so give her a shout at (504) 583-9677 if you're looking for a new home in our gorgeous city.
» Read more about WWOZ sponsorship opportunities
January Recipe: French Onion Soup
This perennial favorite is as easy to make as it is delicious. Tip: Keep the cheese off the edge of the bowl for easy clean-up! If you like the recipe, then check out Louisiana Cookin' magazine. Subscribe with the promotion code wwoz09, and they'll donate $5 to WWOZ.
» Check out this month's recipe
WWOZ Quick Links
Playlists Online
Are you interested in an artist we played on the air? You can search playlists by song title, band name, CD title or label.
WWOZ Swamp Shop
The 'OZ Swamp Shop is open and chock full of WWOZ gear.
New Orleans Music Calendar
There's live music in locations all around New Orleans. We've got a music calendar online.
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