The History of New Orleans' Jazz...
Courtesy of Wickipedia.org
New Orleans has always been a significant center for music, showcasing its intertwined European, Latin American, and African cultures. New Orleans' unique musical heritage was born in its pre-American and early American days from a unique blending of European instruments with African rhythms. As the only North American city to allow slaves to gather in public and play their native music (largely in Congo Square, now located within Louis Armstrong Park), New Orleans gave birth to an indigenous music: JAZZ. Soon, brass bands formed, gaining popular attraction that still holds today. The city's music was later significantly influenced by Acadiana, home of Cajun and Zydeco music, and Delta blues.

New Orleans' unique musical culture is further evident in its funerals. A spin on the tradition of military brass band funerals, traditional New Orleans funerals feature sad music (mostly dirges and hymns) on the way to the cemetery and happier music (hot jazz) on the way back. Such traditional musical funerals still take place when a local musician, a member of a club, krewe, or benevolent society, or a noted dignitary has passed. Until the 1990s, most locals preferred to call these "funerals with music", but visitors to the city have long dubbed them "jazz funerals".

The largest of the city's many music festivals is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Commonly referred to simply as "Jazz Fest", it is one of the largest music festivals in the nation, featuring crowds of people from all over the world, coming to experience music, food, arts, and crafts. Despite the name, it features not only jazz but a large variety of music, including both native Louisiana music and international artists.

The Art of William Hemmerling...
The Influence of southern folk culture and many diverse life experiences are incorporated into the eclectic painting of William Hemmerling. Bill was born in Chicago and moved to Ponchatoula, Louisiana in 1977. Upon retirement in March 2002, he finally found time to paint from the heart. He is an untrained artist, yet his work reflects sophistication and creativity in both subject matter and the use of unusual materials. Bill is constantly searching for and using found or recycled materials for his one-of-a-kind creations.

There is an element of fantasy in much of his work and he often paints well into the early morning hours. He explores various themes of New Orleans Jazz musicians, Down By the River, nudes and famous artists and authors. But, he is best known for his series of Southern African American folk culture depicting life in the old south entitled "Sweet Olive". The Sweet Olive images are copyrighted and trademarked.

His love of people, his enthusiasm and his humble, "offbeat" nature bring a definite excitement and energy to his folk art.

In the words of Bill Hemmerling, "One day when I let God out of the box I built, he danced with me". - BillHemmerling.com

William Hemmerling Dew Drop Club

William Hemmerling Star Spangled Jazz