It is Grammy time again. And Lafayette has no shortage of folks nominated for awards in the Cajun/Zydeco category. This being Louisiana, we might get nominated, but can we afford to travel to California and receive the award without going into debt? Maybe not. It’s a tricky world we live.
Although the music business is full of wonder, glory, and magic, the reality is sometimes a bit grittier and less fantasy-based. Meaning there are a lot less Jacuzzi-limo parties, obscene royalty checks, Matterhorn-like mountains of blow, and super models than you than you would think. The truths is, although many of the musicians you read about in this paper travel the world and enjoy the adulation of fans from Taiwan to Teetersville, Ken., the majority of them suffer through financial instability — sometimes without health insurance — making only a moderate living while exhausting the good graces of their family and friends while “chasing the dream.” Dragon slayers weren’t born in trees. It is an honest living, though. And in most cases it is one spent doing something the performer loves, which in the end is what it is all about. However, that still doesn’t make it any less expensive to travel from one side of the country to the other.
Therefore, Louisiana Music Partners along with the Blue Moon Saloon are throwing a special “Send-off” party and fundraiser to help defray the costs of travel for local nominees to the 52nd Grammy Awards and to perform at a “Night of Louisiana Music,” which will take place before the awards at The Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Performers at the Blue Moon include Donna Angelle (pictured) & Her Zydeco Posse as well as nominees like The Magnolia Sisters and Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole. There will also be a special performance by Zachary Richard, whose duet song with Celine Dion, "Last Kiss," garnered a nomination for best producer. More special guests will be announced later. Be at the Blue Moon on Jan. 16. For more information about the show or donations, call 288-8087.