Received this from Laylah Amatullah Barrayn. I'm dying to get back to New Orleans myself. Can't wait to see the new work!

Peace, everyone.

How are things? Fine, I hope. Well, I'm back from New Orleans and it was certainly a powerful trip. As many of you know I'm working on my next solo exhibition opening this summer. It's a photography project based on jazz culture and communities in select American cities - NYC, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington, DC and a few others. Everyone knows I love jazz so as you can guess, I'm having a ball producing this series. During this trip I was able to connect with, identify and photograph some very important 'jazz folks' in New Orleans. My project will include portraits of Ellis Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Terrance Blanchard, Willard and Suzan Jenkins, Harold Battiste, Kid Merve, Kermit Ruffins, plus more - and that's just from the New Orleans community. And, these portraits all have a little twist, I'll tell you more about it later.

Another reason for my New Orleans visit was to support my good friend, Shantrelle Lewis, who is the executive director of the McKenna Museum of African American Art (http://www.themckennamuseum.com/) Last Friday the museum had their grand re-opening. It was a great event. Below is a link for picture slideshow from the reception. On view now at the museum are shows by painter J.Renee, "A Glass Menagerie" and the "Santiago de Cuba: Rebirth & Congas en la Calle" works by various photographers of the CubaNOLA collective.

Enjoy the pictures!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightqueen/sets/72157603978992598/

Best

Laylah