Only cool kids play the Tuba, right? - Music of New Orleans

By far, music had the most impact on me during this trip. It surrounded me, everywhere I turned. From the day we arrived to the day we departed, there was music and performers in abundance. The first day I arrived in New Orleans, I saw my first street performer. He was sitting on a milk crate, playing his trombone and singing as everyone walked past. He was not harassing anyone for money, but simply sitting as he shared his craft with those around him. Jackson Square seemed to be the center for music, even though performers were on every street. Throughout the trip I saw many musical performances, as well as dance performances with included music. There were several jazz groups in Jackson Square, young and old, playing for tips. They stated how this was their only source of income and that playing for money was how they provided for their musical group so it could continue. Each different group had a story and it was fun to watch them explore their talents. One child sticks out in my mind. He couldn’t have been any older than 10 and was playing the trumpet. He had such soul and rhythm, talent that cannot be taught. I sat and watched him and his group play for almost an hour. My friends and I tipped them finally and went on our way. We came back the next day, and they were not there but another group was. One man was there every single day we visited the square. He did not play instruments, but he danced. Regardless of if it was raining, freezing cold, or a nice day, he was out there dancing for the crowd. It was very impressive and his dedication showed. 

 

On our free day, we went to a club called Bamboozled. It was a club that allowed acts to perform their music, sell records, and work for tips. The bar was packed and had a very positive atmosphere. Everyone around us was dancing, singing, and having an amazing time. There were couples dancing very impressively in the middle of the floor the entire performance. They had a huge ensemble, full of the bass, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, a singer, and a drummer. They even let amateurs from the audience perform. One audience member joined the group on stage with his trumpet and performed improv with the group. His performance was very impressive, and even the band was quite impressed. The city has so much talent and music to offer, it was hard to leave.

Considering I haven’t traveled much, my only experience with street musicians is from Chicago. I expected them to be just like the ones Ive been exposed to previously, but they are incredibly different. In Chicago, the street performers will play a little, and then harass you for money, getting upset if you walk away from them. There is no soul or emotion in their voice, but rather sadness. I never give them my money, because whether they have talent or not, their personalities and passion do not show through their music. Music is a huge part of my life and without it, I don’t know where I would be. New Orleans exposed me to so many musicians that truly had a passion for music. They didn’t play because they had to, they played because they wanted to. Music was such a huge part of their culture, and they wanted it to continue on. Naturally, my favorite performance was a jazz group that had a tuba player. He was an amazing player that sang and danced, with his big ole tuba strapped around his body. I sat and listened to them play for quite some time, and I even talked to him during the break. I wanted to know why they still played after all these years. They spoke of New Orleans as a melting pot, saying that people from all over the world come to see what the city has to offer. Many cities have lost its individuality and culture, therefore they want to share New Orleans’s. It is known for its culture, whether it be music, art, dance, or architecture, and he spoke of how he wanted to be a part of it. 

 

I felt at home, sitting in the sun, listening to the jazz ensembles play their instruments and sing. It was hard for people not to stop and listen, as I saw many people walk by staring. How could you ignore that talent? Many people would walk by, not stop and listen, but still throw the musicians some money. They respect and appreciate what these men were doing for the city, just as I did. Compared to the Chicago performers, I had no problem giving the musicians my money. They were so humbling and grateful for any donation that was offered. They engaged with the crowd, spreading happiness and excitement. It warmed my heart to see little girls and boys dancing on the streets to music they have probably never been exposed to before. One little girl stuck out in my mind. She was probably 4 or 5, and did not want to leave. She kept dancing and running around, having an amazing time. Her parents let her, sitting back on the benches as she engaged with the crowd. The musicians were so kind, as she ran up and gave them a hug. This just reminds me that music isn’t about money. Its about spreading joy and happiness through ones talents. Music is universal. It brings people together from all walks of life. Whether you can understand the words, sounds, or message, you can hear it. Music can be molded into whatever you want it to be. That is the beauty of jazz music, as well as lyrical music. What one song means to me, might have another impact on someone elses life. New Orleans reminded me that music is what strings the world together.

All Waffles Matter - Farewell January 9th

As I sit here on the train home from New Orleans, I am reflecting on the incredible journey I have experienced. I met so many amazing people, saw a large part of history, and was exposed to an incredible environment what will have an everlasting impact on my life and nursing practice. In New Orleans, I felt nothing but love and passion, passion for the city and passion for my life goals. The people around me influenced me to chase my dreams and continue to seek my individuality. Seeing everyone, so happy and expressive was so incredible and I will never forget this city.

It is so hard to pick one singular place that is my favorite in this city. Walking around figuring out where to take a selfie of my favorite place was not an easy task. I finally assumed I would walk to a voodoo shop and take a picture under the sign, which I did. We walked toward Voodoo Authentica, and of course had to go in and explore another time. I spent at least an hour in this store, looking at all the various dolls, oils, incents, and other memorabilia. Unfortunately I could not take any pictures in the store, otherwise I would have included them as well. Ive never understood why I was so fascinated with the voodoo culture. I was always the weird kids that loved skulls and loved to learn about other religions. I believed voodoo to be witch craft, and as I got older, I researched more. My ignorance led me to be passionate about exploring other religions. As a Christian, it was amazing to learn the similarities between my religion and that of a voodoo priest. We walked around for a while, took my photo, and then went on our way. I figured I was done for the day, finished my final assignment and it was easy as that. As we were walking back towards our hotel, I saw another street performing group. We figured it was our last day, so we should stop and enjoy the music while we had a chance. 

 

This was not a big group performance; no drums, tuba, trombones, or string instruments. We saw a man, sitting my himself polishing his trumpet. He asked if we were going to stick around for some good music, and I said of course. We passed up all the big bands to sit and see what this man was going to do. We visited with him for a while, and he was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. He played his trumpet with so much soul, which was incredible. He would stop playing and sing, then go right back to playing. He never said a word about money, never mentioned to drop something in his bucket. I see no problem with doing so, because this is how these people make their money. However, he never did this. He simply wanted to play and enjoy the people around him. My friends and I were the only ones watching him, and then suddenly a large crowd was surrounding him. People kept coming up and giving him money, enjoying his wonderful music. His voice was so incredible and moving, that I didn’t want to leave. I got up to leave and dropped some money in his trumpet case. He said “do you want to take a picture with me” as if he knew that was my project. I took one with him, because it seemed as if fate had occurred. This was just proof that Jackson Square will forever be my favorite location in New Orleans. 

 

Music Across the 7 Seas: Dayana Jordan - ART

While in New Orleans, I bought a piece of artwork called Music Across the 7 Seas, a beautiful hand crafted painting of a saxophone on a bright blue background. This piece was created by Dayana Jordan, and artist who currently lives and works in New Orleans. Dayana was actually born a male, and recently completed her transition to a legal female. Her birth certificate now states female, and she is in the works of completing her physical transformation. She sets up her work in Jackson Square, and works out of her studio in New Orleans. Though she has lived in New Orleans for quite some time, she grew up outside of New York on Long Island. She moved to Florida where she worked at Disney World for a while. When this wasn’t paying the bills, she joined the Marine Corps and worked as an infantry man. After her deployments and service, she traveled across the United States to various places such as Phoenix AZ, Burlington VT, Boulder CO, and Washington DC. She has lived in 10 states in total prior to movie to New Orleans.
Dayana worked as a cook most of her life, which is why she creates her pieces using mostly kitchen tools such as spatulas and turkey basters. She wanted to created pieces in a way that was close to her heart and different than the traditional way, considering she is far from traditional. When I asked her why she only created music inspired pieces, she said it was because she is a musician. She and her wife (whom she met in New Orleans) travel the world together and play music. They have traveled to 46 of the 50 states to play music. She said that her goal is to show that you can not only see art, but that you can hear and feel it as well. She paints these pieces as a way for art to function as music. She expressed that enjoying her favorite music while creating her work compels her to feel a sense of synergy and peace, which continues to inspire her work. She is very successful in New Orleans, selling atleast 3-5 pieces a day.
Dayana has also actually earned a copyright from the United States Government. On her pieces of work, as a border, she places her symbol which consists of two bass clefts melted together into the shape of a heart. She titled this symbol Peace, Love, and Music. After realizing how much she loved this symbol, she proceeded to earn the copyright, and now places it on all of her pieces of art, as well as her business cards. Her use of bright colors, and her own copyright draws the eyes of the New Orleans community and visitors to purchase her art work. Dayana hopes to continue selling her art in New Orleans, and wants to continue working to spread love and peace throughout the city with her music and heart.








What attracted me to buy this piece was the bright colored background, surrounding beautifully created musical instruments. Dayana explained to me that each colored background symbolized a various meaning. I purchased a blue piece, which to her meant “Music Across the 7 Seas.” The blue symbolized water, and spreading music across the world as a symbol of love. I was very drawn to this meaning, but loved the way the piece looked. She also had red and purple pieces. The red symbolized love and passion for music whereas the purple symbolized reign or power, referring to the power that music has over the human soul. I was very intriguied talking with Dayana about this, because I could relate with her, and knew that music also had a very important part in her life. I personally collect musical art pieces from other states and countries. I have pieces all the way from Tanzania, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and now New Orleans LA. Similar to Dayana, I too believe that music is an art, and it is one of my biggest passions. I collect these pieces because everyone has their own way to interpret music, just as they do with art. I see a musical art piece and am instantly happy, because it takes me back to the one thing that means the most to me. Music and art bring the world together, so for me, musically inspired art brings it together even more. 
 
Not only did I connect with Dayana’s art, but I connected with her mind, spirit, and the meaning behind what she was doing. Something many people do not know about me is that I suffer from suicidal depression. Many people are shocked to hear this, but I generally keep it to myself. It is a debilitating disease that many overlook, and judge. There is a stigma in today’s society about mental illness, so it is very hard to openly speak about it. Throughout my teen years, and my early adult years, the one thing that always kept me hanging on was music. Playing my instruments, listening to music, and singing finally allowed me to connect with something in a world where I didn’t feel at home. There is no answer as to why someone is depressed, it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is an answer to helping fight it. Everyone has different coping mechanisms, and music was my saving grace. That is why I express myself through collecting musical pieces, tattooing my bod with musical references, and continually using music in my daily life. It is a reminder, an art form, that honestly saved my life. I am living proof that art can speak musically, and reaches deep into one’s soul, pulling them out from a dark place. I look at these pieces of art I collect for my wall, and on my body, and am reminded how music saved my life. Speaking with Dayana, and seeing how difficult her life was as well truly inspired me. I look at this beautiful work of art and don’t just see a painting. I see Dayana, her struggle, and my struggle. I see this piece and am inspired to keep living, and doing what makes me happy. As I sit here and write this blog, with tears in my eyes, I am reminded of how the city of New Orleans spoke to me.