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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 58
BY SENATOR NEVERS
A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate the city of Bogalusa, its city officials, and event organizers
of the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival upon its selection as "Best New Event
of the Year" for 2012 by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.
WHEREAS, the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival is a celebration of the many
contributions of the Delta Blues style to American music and culture; and
WHEREAS, every Blues song tells a story and the Blues genre is globally recognized
as a singular American art form and a catalyst for American popular culture; and
WHEREAS, Blues melodies speak of the human condition and the joys and sorrows
of life from the cradle to the grave; from its roots in traditional work songs, folk ballads,
call-and-response, improvisation, gospel, and syncopation, to the latest sounds of newly
discovered young performers, the Blues speak to the soul of the listener; and
WHEREAS, in Bogalusa a group of community-minded music lovers realized a need
to recognize musicians with local connections and to provide a premier music showcase for
the entire region; and thence the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival was born; and
WHEREAS, since its inaugural debut in September 2012, the Bogalusa Blues and
Heritage Festival has been showered with many accolades that include a first-place trophy
for its poster and the festival's logo which is a striking image of slender guitar necks standing
amidst tall timber along side a curved waterway rendered in shades of blue with musical
notes floating through the air, key elements reflective of this unique locale and the essence
of the town and its people; and
WHEREAS, along with the poster award, the Department of Culture, Recreation and
Tourism also named the festivities as one of the Top Ten Must-See Festivals in the state; and
WHEREAS, the festival celebrates the legacy of one of the town's favored native
sons, Henry Roeland Byrd, also known as composer and pianist, Professor Longhair, who
was born in Bogalusa in 1918 and was a master of the blues shuffle style; well-known for
his songs, "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" and "Tipitina", he was a giant among New Orleans
music legends; and SR NO. 58 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, from historic Cassidy Park, the celebration brings together the sounds
of Blues performers, the aroma of seafood and local cuisine, and visual delights of artistic
creations produced by some of Louisiana's finest craftsmen; and
WHEREAS, praised as a hometown event, the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival
brought together a cavalcade of entertainers, highly acclaimed representatives of a wide
range of rhythm and blues styles that included solid soulful masters and dynamic
up-and-comers to the festival stage; and
WHEREAS, the second Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, slated for Saturday,
September 28, 2013, will contain another bevy of top-notch musicians such as Walter Trout,
Ana Popovic, Paul Thorn, Vasti Jackson, the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Jonathan
"Boogie" Long, and J.D. Hill with the Jammers featuring Chance Casteel; and
WHEREAS, founded on the banks of Bogue Lusa Creek, the Bogalusa Blues and
Heritage Festival represents a community-wide renaissance that is enhanced by all aspects
of the Blues music genre, its history, art, and performers; a venue that radiates a delightful
regional appeal for all who attend.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, Bogalusa
city officials and the event organizers for the successful presentation of its inaugural event
and for its future efforts to preserve Blues music and culture for future generations to enjoy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival is
hereby recognized as a keystone in the preservation of Louisiana's vast musical heritage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Charles Mizell, mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, and Malinda White, festival chairman.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE