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Why New Orleans Matters, pages 56-109

This section of the book continues to delve into the rich musical history and scene of New Orleans.  The muscial scene is marked by an annual event, Jazz Fest, where not only the biggest names in the genre converge on the area for two weeks, but also the local treasures that give New Orleans' music it's character.  While some of what Piazza writes comes off as esoteric, he does a good job of setting the scene, and explaining why and how the music is so engrained in the culture of the area.

Piazza also goes on to detail the the crime and corruption of New Orleans.  While I had earlier written that the book seemed to be a "travel brochure on steroids," this part smacks the reader in the face with reality, and that not everything is bliss.  It reminded me of 90's hip hop that came from the area (hip hop that was awful, by the way.  i.e., Mater P, Lil Wayne, Hot Boyz) that spoke to the drugs, thuggery, and having the one of the highest murder rates in the country.  This certainly lended a balance to the book.  New Orleans matters because it is a real place, not just a utopia.

Also of note in this section, Piazaa for the first time details the Mardi Gras experience.  I found it interesting that he waited almost 100 pages into the book to explore this topic, because, as an outsider, Mardi Gras is the first thing that comes to mind regarding New Orleans.  Piazza does a good job explaining why it is important to the city, and not just a boozefest for out of towners.

Why New Orleans Matters, pages 31-55

“Why New Orleans Matters” continues on with trying to get the reader to what makes New Orleans so special and worth rehabilitating after Katrina.  Despite the author’s promise to not turn the book into a history, the first part of this selection starts of as just that: a history of New Orleans music.  However, it is interesting to see just how far back the music started, as far back as the late 19^th century.  He also traces the African influences in the music from African territories that were colonized by Spanish and French speaking powers.  Finally, he ties in that the sounds of New Orleans are the basis for today’s rock, rhythm and blues, and, by extension, all forms of popular music in America today.

Piazza spends some time discussing the tradition of the New Orleans funeral.  He vividly describes them as something important to all in the city.  He also writes about the Indians of New Orleans, and the gang culture that deals with dancing rather than violence of gangs as we know them today.  Piazza’s affection comes across strongly for the Indians, with much time spent covering their dress, as well as the chants and dances they do when it is time for Mardi Gras.

Why New Orleans Matters, introduction and pages 1-30

The introduction of “Why New Orleans Matters,” a book by Tom Piazza written in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, reveals why the author chose to write about the city at that time.  He begins to describe the events of the disaster, pointing out that because of the levees, the catastrophe was as much man-mad rather than natural, if not more so.  He is writing the book because New Orleans isn’t just any city, but a vibrant cultural center unlike many places on Earth.  The first thirty pages almost come across as a travel brochure on steroids.   Piazza lists many of the city’s restaurants, and explains to the reader just how important food is to the Crescent City, and how it is woven into the fabric of daily life.  New Orleanians value not only the more well-known restaurants in the city, but also the smaller corner restaurants that are so vital to their respective communities.  The beginning of the book has made me really want to visit New Orleans, and so far Piazza is off to a good start in showing “Why New Orleans matters.”