Iuso on the Street

We have nothing to lose except Bobby Jindal. The first part of my plan would be to resurrect the old concept of Storyville. We can forget depending on conventions and Seasonal holidays and festivals for revenue. We are city that needs visitors to survive, and we as a city are always needing more.

So to get that, we need more of the New Orleans people expect. Let’s make it a year-round tourist attraction without that Disneyesque, Bransonitis, Vegas-inflected cheesy feel. It would bring in more than enough money for education, health care, streets, levees -- and the list goes on and on.

This is a radical thought but it is possible.

Well, it’s that time again. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest to everybody else) is accepting submissions for acts to play at the 2010 event.

And now comes the ever-pressing question of “Will we get in?” I’m NOT alone in wondering about that. We (Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives) were asked to close out a stage one day in 2007. We were denied a slot the following year.

As you all know I play weekly in New Orleans. I felt that I had finally got past the question of whether or not I will be “playin’ the Fest,” but to no avail. I did not play the Fest in 2008 with my own act, and that is my own personal beef.

Welcome to the first edition of my blog, “I on the Street.”

For those of you who don't know me, I am a local guitar player. I have worked all aspects of New Orleans music for so many years that I'd rather not mention. For those who do... LOOK OUT.

I am a father of three and a homeowner in the 12th Ward. I've chosen a safe start for this new experience. But be prepared for more views from my unique perspective on the NOLA music scene.

To get us started, here’s five things I think you need to know about New Orleans music.