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.
