The Louisiana Tourism Department again hosted their Grammy luncheon event at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Not only was it to showcase and celebrate the Delta artists that were nominated for a Grammy, but it was a pitch to Hollywood, inviting them to film in Louisiana. So for all you Hollywood producers that do your power lunches in Beverly Hills.how about doing them in the French Quarter instead? You would be surprised how much more amiable things are over gumbo and a brass band in the background. Putting all that aside, this luncheon was all about the music. And we were treated to some very special music in between the crawfish, pork and gumbo.
This years performances were by Grammy nominees: the Pine Leaf Boys (Best Zydeco & Cajun Album), Irma Thomas (Best Contemporary Blues Album) and the Blind Boys of Alabama (Best Traditional Gospel Album). There was even an speaking cameo by none other than Allen Toussaint. It seems as though all things Louisiana revolve around both music and food, both are inseparable from each other. This is what makes this event such a special treat in Los Angeles. A little bit of NOLA in LA.
Although the Blind Boys arent from Louisiana, they are still considered family to this musical community. Besides they were backed up by members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Dirty Dozen Brass Band. It is amazing how some tuba, t-bone, and trumpet will make you want to dance. Those of you who havent given NOLA style jazz/blues a try, should really look into it. Youd be surprised how much fun it truly is.
As the festivities came to an end, the PHJB and DDBB appropriately closed it with a second line through the tables of the banquet room.
By the way, congratulations to the Blind Boys for winning for the Best Traditional Gospel Album. And a special thanks to Anna Whitlow at Deveney Communications for inviting us to this great event again.
See also: Only in Louisiana 2008
