Does this content look wrong? Click here to report any errors.

A Satchmo poem

Thursday through Sunday, Satchmo Summerfest returns to the Old U.S. Mint for its 13th year, offering a slew of foods, exhibits, seminars, movies and music performances honoring New Orleans-born music legend Louis Armstrong and his contributions to the jazz genre. As always, the festival is free and open to the public.

800px-Louis_Armstrong_restored

As part of NolaVie’s Yeah you write! campaign, we invite readers to submit New Orleans-related content for a chance to have their work featured on our site. Whether it’s a personal essay about moving from New Orleans, a photo of French Quarter Fest, or a video of a second line, we want to know: what’s your New Orleans story

Today’s featured submission comes from Canadian poetess and fan of all things New Orleans Aprill Cameron, who, like many New Orleanians and out-of-towners alike, has a penchant for Satchmo Summerfest. Of the festival Cameron writes: “Wish I could be there instead of my words!”

COME DONDER COME BLITZEN

So who is the fat cat jazzman of them all?
King Louis! Of the gravely voice black eyes
and a grin that would lift up even the most soul-
less of sinners. Most certainly slipped the answer
back in the Vieux Carré, when the cornet was his
ticket out of the Home for Coloured Waifs.

There was never a face so full of grace and transcendence.

O’ fickle is fame pushed old Louis aside when those badass
beboppers were on the ascendance.

Dash Away Dash Away

King Louis A

If Louis’ T’was The Night Before Christmas does not bring a tear
to your eye and smile to your lip, you never did have a soul worth saving.

Comments

You must login to post a comment. Need a ViaNolaVie account? Click here to signup.