Within only two weeks of time Stephanie roused 30+ musicians into action to help us all remember the beautiful tunes from the bayou. So on Friday, September 30 a huge line-up of local, and not so local, talent came together to celebrate these classic gifts in the most magical way possible. The three-hour line-up was rich and it quite mixed in musical styles. It started with a haunting sax solo that was followed by a letter from the south, read by Rebecca Catterall, who had just been there this summer trading houses with a family for the “red/blue” show. Miguel Rivera did a blessing and blew the conch to start the evening, which rolled off smoothly with nary a glitch apart from the occasional plug-in, stage management mishap. Considering the large cast of performers—solo, duo, groups up to eight members and more, plus the fact that many of the New Orleans songs were not part of the musicians’ usual repertoire—it was a miracle to behold.

Brendan O’Halloran and Tim O’Gara presented “An Irish song about new Orleans,” and Doug Ferrin really rocked with “Let’s Make a Better World.” The audience was lively and mixed, lots of moms and babies, little girls in pink outfits and beautiful blondes. Topanga may be a largely Caucasian community, but it sure loves good music!

Memories came up with tunes much beloved and long forgotten—an Etta James song, “I Prefer You” and Robbie Gennet did “My Papa Was a Rascal in New Orleans” by James Booker.

Next up was an extended version of “Old Bull” with Eric Rasmussen on vocals and Scott Grusin sporting his favorite Gypsy attire—pointy boots, floppy hat with silver buttons, dangling feathers and long leather fringes, black on black. He played the accordion with wild abandon, accompanied by Brendan on drums and Eddie Baytos on washboard. They launched in a tune by Harry Cormack. Then followed Suzanne Teng and Gilbert Levy, along with Scott and a big stand-up bass player. They inspired us with Mardi Gras and Mambo tunes, and it seemed for the first time ever Suzanne and Gilbert sang together—such a treat!

Eric Lynn was there with a five-piece band, brilliant as ever and Stephanie sang “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” She was followed by Donna DeLory who enchanted us all with her soft voice and presence. Then came an eight-piece band that included teens from the Topanga Mountain School, who appropriately reminded us: “Heaven Help Us All.”

Robin Moxey and Eric Lynn did a lively song by the Meters. One amazing harmony moved into another, smoothly, lovingly, with mutual support. The songs deeply touched peoples’ hearts and memories, one of them reminded us that “Half Your Share is My Share Too” and also “People Say I Haven’t Got a Right to Live.”

Then a fashionably scruffy and spirited Rick Ellis got the mojo working, sliding the bottleneck guitar into a great solo performance: “I got my mojo working, but it just won’t work on you. I’ve got a gypsy woman that’s giving me advice, I’ve got some real hot tips, I got to keep on ice…”

The diversity was what made this evening really crackle with anticipation and excitement. Jessca Hoop appeared with a small, kid-size guitar and sang: “Love Me Now, Love is All We’ll Ever Have.” Thanks for reminding us. She was followed by John Andrew Parks III, a Texan native in a bolo tie who sang a very funny song about cowboys that came from space. Kevin Casper and Darby Warren played a nicely synchronized guitar duet along with some friends on big bass and drum, and Eric Lynn, piano soloist extraordinaire, did a song by John Toussaint.

John Densmore, ex-drummer of the Doors, appeared with master drummer Hani Naser and band. John did a poem by Ethridge Knight that was written in jail, in the Sixties, along with great rhythms and lyrics: “When she opened to me like a flower, and I fell on her like a stone…”

In the end the local zydeco group Crawfish Wrangler, a staple at Topanga Days, took the whole thing to a wonderful crescendo and finale. “Iko Iko” brought out all the 30+ musicians, rocking along and getting the audience off their seats, clapping and dancing. That launched then into “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and everybody sang along with it. The smiles were so big, they must have beamed all the way into the deep, wet South. What fun!

Much love to all who helped to put it together, including proud new parents Jeff and Cheryl of Chanterelle Catering who provided yummy food for the masses. All the musicians performed for free, and the Theatricum donated their theater for us. It was such an amazing, beautiful evening under the stars. Thank you so much for everything you shared! Every act, song, musician, artist, poetry, vibe—it was pure love! Apart from theater insurance, 100% of the proceeds - $3,000 - went to Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans: Hurricane Relief. Thank you so much!