Dear Subscriber,

I got an email inquiry from a misinformed reader in Massachusetts asking whether she should bring bottled water and a hazmat suit when she comes to visit New Orleans this summer."No way," I wrote her back. Pack sandals and pretty summer dresses. Get ready to indulge in the best food in the world and dance to some of the best music. See and hear and taste and experience things you surely won't find at home in Chicopee. The French Quarter is in great shape - as fascinating, quirky, elegant and bawdy as ever. And while low lying suburban neighborhoods took a beating from the hurricanes of last season, Downtown, the Central Business District, the Arts/Warehouse District, Treme, the Marigny, the Garden District, the Riverfront, the Westbank, Algiers, Carrollton, and Jefferson Parish are looking good. There's a great feeling of energy and purpose in the air as New Orleanians from all walks of life are determined to rebuild, renew and bring about a renaissance of culture and community in the whole region. It's an exciting time to be here. Maybe Miss Massachusetts should bring every one she knows in Chicopee. We'll be happy to show them how to pass a good time in New Orleans.

Sincerely,

Carolyn McLellan, Publisher

Mad for Marsalis New Orleans' first family of Jazz is making great music in the studio, on stage and in the classroom. Ellis Marsalis and sons Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason are such a potent force in the music scene you know it's the beginning of a dynasty.

Girl Gear Galore - All Over The Quarter Chic, trendy, kicky, crazy or glamorous - savvy girls can find it all in the shops and boutiques of the French Quarter.

Proof is in the Bread Pudding There's no better way to end a New Orleans meal than with a sweet and boozy dollop of Bread Pudding. And our creative chefs have concocted imaginative new ways to enjoy this classic of Creole cuisine.

Common Routes In New Orleans neighborhoods, Haiti is closer than you think...There are strong ties between the island of Hispaniola and south Louisiana, and the Historic New Orleans Collection celebrates our history in a stunning exhibition running through June.

Soul Revival - Jazz and Heritage Festival 2006 Artists and Performances It's not too late to make it to New Orleans for one more weekend of homegrown superstars from the local music scene and more international stars and bands than ever before. May 5-7 during the last weekend of the historic first ever and only post-Katrina JazzFest proves New Orleans has an unsinkable mojo... Fats Domino closes out the Fest Sunday night.

Some Liked It Hot: Cooking and Cleaning 19th Century Style French Quarter historic house museums present living history lessons in 19th Century domestic arts...

French Quarter Photo District Street Fair May 4, 2006
In Exchange Alley 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. see the best photographers in the French Quarter on display; an auction; door prizes; music by the Backstreet Brass Band; a crawfish boil and Valentino's Jazz Puppets

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience May 24-26, 2006
Fifteenth annual celebration of the city's culinary culture. Terrific Royal Street Stroll through the art galleries and elegant shops of the Quarter's premier street.

French Market Creole Tomato Festival June 10, 2006
Celebrating South Louisiana's favorite fruit in the French Quarter.

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