The World Stage

Day 2 of the four-day French Quarter Festival was spent addressing our computer problem.

By the end of the day, Kate had solved the problems--but would not tell me how she did it. We were back in operation.

Day 3 and we continued our strategy: find one of the 21 venues and get there when the gates open to be assured of finding a shady spot from which to enjoy the day's performers.

We found a site in this small grove of trees about 50 yards from the venue's stage.

The venue we selected today was the Old US Mint, located on Esplanade Avenue at the far end of the French Market. Worthy of note: This is the only building in America to have served both as a U.S. and Confederate Mint. But today, it was the Latin/World Stage.

The first group we heard was Patrice Fisher and Arpa. I took this photo from behind the sound board looking toward the stage.

"Harpist Fisher is the anchor of this unique col-laboration of Latin and jazz styles, which incorporate wind and stringed instruments."

These two young fans were really enjoying the group's music.

The second group appearing at this venue was Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil.
"Crespo is a South Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter who plays acoustic guitar, viola caipira and harmonica."

The last group that we heard that day was Los Po-Boy-Citos, who
"...bring the Nuyorican sounds of boogaloo and Latin soul to New Orleans."

While we listened to the groups, we able to observe people as they stopped for food or drinks from booths from Pat O'Briens (Hurricanes), The Joint (BBQ), Amy's Vietnamese Cafe (spring rolls, noodles), and Tropical Isle (drinks).

It was a day for hats. Whether protection from the sun or

a fashion statement was the objective, several hats made us take notice.

Addressing the same two objectives was our second category of interest. The utilitarian parasol was a popular sun protector,

but it was the ones shown here (left and above) that went above and beyond mere protection from the sun's rays.

Kate thought that we were at a venue that attracted more of a local, rather than tourist, crowd. There was an air of high comfort with themselves among those who branched out from the "expected" and asserted themselves into the "truly unique" group. Whether it was the complete look (above) or simply a highlight look related to the design (right) or

color (right) of facial hair, the more unconven-tional festival-goers add so much to the fabric of this fabulous, one-of-kind city.

As we headed back to the shuttle, we passed the other stage at the Mint. Here the group The Tin Men were performing.