Along with food, and it's people, the natural beauty of moss hanging off the oak trees etc. But really, at the end of the day, it is the music for me.

Today is the last day of the WWOZ spring pledge drive - and I'd like to ask that if you visit this page you consider donating to WWOZ. Why? Because you can listen to them anywhere you go, on your computer, your blackberry, your android, your iPhone, ya house if you live here, the car when ya visit - etc. you're getting the picture - right?

No station I've ever listened to has gone as far as WWOZ has to promote the musicians in the local community. You can turn on the station and who knows which famous local musician, or someone just starting out, might appear on one of the shows to give a live performance, say a little about what they are doing etc. It's really great. There aren't those dreaded taped set lists like every other main-stream radio station where you just KNOW what the next song will be - you wanna know why? It's a volunteer station run by REAL people. You know - the kind with a pulse and a heartbeat?

So, I'm asking all of the fans of the grids to chip in a little somethin' somethin' today. IT doesn't have to be a lot - if you have $5 - then that's great ! If you have $500 - that's even better. WWOZ isn't picky - it's about the people...and if you can show them your love - that would be awesome !!

WWOZ is a listener supported radio station - plain and simple. Tune in today, call 'em up and make a pledge at 1-877-907-6999 or visit the WWOZ pledge page . You can even spread your pledge out over the year and pay for it each month now ! (that's cool - it helps the cash flow sometimes :))

Thanks for reading - I'm hoping you pledge.

Michele

We've finally passed the one-month-to-go mark and the shows just keep getting better and better !

Midnight Preserves at Preservation Hall will, indeed, happen again this year ! The lineup should be released shortly, according to a quick call to the club this morning. Preservation Hall also features 'Big Shot' seating, which is their VIP seating. Call them for more info when you book your tickets.

Today the 'cubes' are due to be released around noon, CDT, detailing each day's incredible musical lineup at each stage for JazzFest.... (as I write this - it's 20 minutes away....)

It is getting better by the moment !

Oh, and what a JazzFest it will be ! This morning the New Orleans Musicians' Assistance Foundation made a public announcement adding to the talent line-up for the benefit show that will happen May 5th at the Howlin' Wolf. The lineup now includes: Irma Thomas, George Porter, Jr., Marcia Ball, Ivan Neville, Taylor Hicks, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, The Wild Magnolias, Col. Bruce Hampton, Big Sam, John "Papa" Gros, 7 Walkers featuring Papa Mali, George Porter, Jr.,, Bill Kreutzmann, and Matt Hubbard, Big Chief Bo Dollis. Russell Batiste, Anders Osborne, 101 Runners featuring Monk Boudreaux, Christine Ohlman, DJ Logic, Alfred "Uganda" Roberts, Bonerama, Pimps of Joytime, Jojo's Mardi Gras band.

If you would like to purchase tickets for the show, they are available through ticketweb , the cost is $99 (remember, this is a benefit show - and look at all that music !!!) and the proceeds will go to the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Assistance Foundation. I'm so excited for this show, personally, that I can't stand it.

Additionally, due to overwhelming demand, a second show was added, at 10pm, for the musical adaptation of Nine Lives at the Petite Theater on May 4th ! There are only a few tickets left, so get them fast !!! Tickets are available through Le Petite Theater.

Really, there are so many fantastic shows during JazzFest it is difficult to make a decision - but that's a nice problem to have. Have a peek at the grids to see some of the latest additions and start making those plans !