Dear Listener,

Used to be that June signaled a three-month respite from the hectic pace starting way back on Labor Day and culminating in the frenzy of Jazz Fest and all its associated festivities. Used to be that June was when school let out, most musicians left town and the 'OZ staff could heave a huge collective sigh of relief, slow-walking their way through the down time.

But not anymore! Friday night 'OZ'll be at it again, this time from the Apollo Theater, broadcasting live the likes of Elvis Costello, Macy Gray, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Henry Butler, Nicholas Payton, Paul Shaffer and a host of others playing at the Jazz Foundation of America's annual "Great Night in Harlem" concert, which raises money for musicians who have fallen on hard times.

And this very same weekend, OZ'll also broadcast from the banks of Bayou St John, live and direct at the Bayou Boogaloo! Then, June 8 and 9, Rosie Ledet, Beausoleil, Chubby Carrier, Geno Delafose among others, will play live at the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival from the U.S. Mint way in the back of the French Quarter.

Now, of course, there are other things for us to busy ourselves with in June as well. For example, June signals the time to start thinking about special weather events and evacuations and things like that. June is also when we put together our wish list for the station’s growth for next year: stay tuned on that one. We’re so busy at WWOZ I hardly have time to meet myself, but that’s a great problem to have in a city that always provides more to do and more events to savor than any one single person could possibly manage. It's sensory overload, just like Jazz Fest. I'm beginning to believe that the quintessential New Orleans experience is that you miss more than you can possibly take in. But as I say, what a great problem to have!

Yours in fiddlehead ferns and sunburns,

David Freedman
General Manager

WWOZ will broadcast the 12th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" concert on Friday, May 17, from the Apollo Theater. This event features great musicians like Nicholas Payton (left) working together to raise money for the Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund. We'll be updating our site as we receive releases from artists, but check out the details to get an idea of the lineup. If you live in the New York area, go out and support this great event.

» "A Great Night in Harlem" details

The New Orleans Musicians Clinic will be hosting a replacement blood drive on Wednesday, May 22 from 3-9pm for the victims of last Sunday's shootings. In order to confirm the blood mobile, they need at least 25 signups by this Friday.

» Blood drive for Mother's Day shooting victims

See Takin' It to the Streets for the latest on the aftermath of this tragedy and efforts to stop the violence.

» Takin' It to the Streets

The coldest Jazz Fest in memory was also one of the coolest, and our photographers were there to capture dozens and dozens of pictures of all the music, food, fun, and, yes, some mud too! Relive the musical and culinary highlights of WWOZ's favorite holiday.

» Jazz Fest Highlights

» Jazz Fest Food Highlights

This weekend, we all become Mid-Citizens! It's time for the Bayou Boogaloo, a fest which goes on rain or shine. Check out our live broadcast schedule and more details about the food, art, and fun.

» Boogie on down to the Boogaloo

Hot keyboards, awesome food, and a sophisticated atmosphere. That's Piano Night, 'OZ's one-of-a-kind fundraiser at the House of Blues on the Monday night between Jazz Fest weekends. This year's performers included Ike Stubblefield, Bob Malone, Tom McDermott, Marco Benevento, and Marcia Ball. Check out our site for the full lineup and photos from the event.

» Piano Night redux

What's better than a weekend with a festival in the French Quarter? Yep, TWO festivals on the same weekend. Catch the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival at the Mint, then check out the French Market's Creole Tomato Festival.

» Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival

» Creole Tomato Festival

Gambas Al Ajillo, from coastal Spain, is a kind Old World cousin to New Orleans Barbeque Shrimp. This version, courtesy of RioMar, includes white wine, sweet paprika, chile flakes, garlic, parsley, lemon, and olive oil.

» Recipe: Gambas Al Ajillo

We'd like to take a moment to thank Molly Cobb, our out-going Membership Director, for her years of service to WWOZ. Molly's been an awesome colleague, whose bright, smiling face will be missed, but not forgotten: she's an 'OZilian for life. Happy trails, Molly!