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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 58
BY SENATOR NEVERS
COMMENDATIONS. Commends the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival upon its
selection as "Best New Event of the Year" by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and
Festivals.
A RESOLUTION1
To commend and congratulate the city of Bogalusa, its city officials, and event organizers2
of the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival upon its selection as "Best New Event3
of the Year" for 2012 by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.4
WHEREAS, the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival is a celebration of the many5
contributions of the Delta Blues style to American music and culture; and6
WHEREAS, every Blues song tells a story and the Blues genre is globally recognized7
as a singular American art form and a catalyst for American popular culture; and8
WHEREAS, Blues melodies speak of the human condition and the joys and sorrows9
of life from the cradle to the grave; from its roots in traditional work songs, folk ballads,10
call-and-response, improvisation, gospel, and syncopation, to the latest sounds of newly11
discovered young performers, the Blues speak to the soul of the listener; and12
WHEREAS, in Bogalusa a group of community-minded music lovers realized a need13
to recognize musicians with local connections and to provide a premier music showcase for14
the entire region; and thence the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival was born; and15
WHEREAS, since its inaugural debut in September 2012, the Bogalusa Blues and16
Heritage Festival has been showered with many accolades that include a first-place trophy17
for its poster and the festival's logo which is a striking image of slender guitar necks standing18 SR NO. 58
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amidst tall timber along side a curved waterway rendered in shades of blue with musical1
notes floating through the air, key elements reflective of this unique locale and the essence2
of the town and its people; and3
WHEREAS, along with the poster award, the Department of Culture, Recreation and4
Tourism also named the festivities as one of the Top Ten Must-See Festivals in the state; and5
WHEREAS, the festival celebrates the legacy of one of the town's favored native6
sons, Henry Roeland Byrd, also known as composer and pianist, Professor Longhair, who7
was born in Bogalusa in 1918 and was a master of the blues shuffle style; well-known for8
his songs, "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" and "Tipitina", he was a giant among New Orleans9
music legends; and10
WHEREAS, from historic Cassidy Park, the celebration brings together the sounds11
of Blues performers, the aroma of seafood and local cuisine, and visual delights of artistic12
creations produced by some of Louisiana's finest craftsmen; and13
WHEREAS, praised as a hometown event, the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival14
brought together a cavalcade of entertainers, highly acclaimed representatives of a wide15
range of rhythm and blues styles that included solid soulful masters and dynamic16
up-and-comers to the festival stage; and17
WHEREAS, the second Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, slated for Saturday,18
September 28, 2013, will contain another bevy of top-notch musicians such as Walter Trout,19
Ana Popovic, Paul Thorn, Vasti Jackson, the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Jonathan20
"Boogie" Long, and J.D. Hill with the Jammers featuring Chance Casteel; and21
WHEREAS, founded on the banks of Bogue Lusa Creek, the Bogalusa Blues and22
Heritage Festival represents a community-wide renaissance that is enhanced by all aspects23
of the Blues music genre, its history, art, and performers; a venue that radiates a delightful24
regional appeal for all who attend.25
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana26
does hereby commend and congratulate the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, Bogalusa27
city officials and the event organizers for the successful presentation of its inaugural event28
and for its future efforts to preserve Blues music and culture for future generations to enjoy.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival is30 SR NO. 58
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hereby recognized as a keystone in the preservation of Louisiana's vast musical heritage. 1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to2
Charles Mizell, mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, and Malinda White, festival chairman.3
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Suzi Montague.
DIGEST
Nevers SR No. 58
Commends the city officials of Bogalusa and the event organizers of the Bogalusa Blues and
Heritage Festival upon its recognition as "Best New Event of the Year".