The Guys and I were invited by Ms. Janet Ravare Colson, Assistant Director of the NSU Creole Heritage Center, to perform at the annual “Creole Heritage Celebration” in my hometown of Natchitoches Louisiana on October 11, 2007. 

“The mission of the Louisiana Creole Heritage Center is to promote, foster and engage in activities and endeavors that relate to Louisiana Creoles and their culture. It serves as an office of support to Louisiana and national Creole communities and organizations, offering advice and assistance in matters that affect Creoles. The Center also serves as a central clearinghouse/information bank for these communities and for those seeking knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Louisiana Creoles and their culture.” 

           I really wish all of you could have attended this celebration, we had a blast. This was a fantastic experience for me. I was able to see some cousins I had not seen in years like Ann and William Norris of Ontario California, my aunt Teresa Roque-Norman of Chino California, my cousins Angie & Leon Vaughn, my nannie Nora “Boonie” and Uncle Joe Balthazar all from Alexandria Louisiana, my cousin Shirley & Thomas Delphin of Natchitoches Louisiana and cousin Nadine and Hurley Babineaux of Houston Texas. I met new cousins, acquaintances and some old friends. 

          The Guys played like I had never heard them play before. They sounded so wonderful. The audience was so moved by the music that we were able to keep them on the dance floor all night. I had Patrick Harris of Natchitoches come up and perform a couple of numbers with me and also do two of his own recordings. The sound in the auditorium was excellent and we owe that to the soundman Mr. Steve Well of Natchitoches Louisiana. Thank You! 

We would like to thank Janet Colson and the Creole Heritage Center for having us and we look forward to attending next year’s celebration. Don’t you miss it next time either! Stay tuned to my web site and I’ll keep you informed. 

I am very proud to be a part of this and most proud to be a Creole Lady. 

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Tonight we had a fantastic set at Martini’s and More on 249 and Louetta.

There was a party for young woman named Sandra who had graduated from college and was now going to be a teacher. Congratulations to Sandra, we need more teachers in our schools. Sandra brought with her a very lively crowd which included Lydia, who stayed on the dance floor. Thank you guys for coming out tonight. 

The crowd really started jumping around 11:00. Like they got a second wind or something. . We dished out some Zydeco, Blues and of course the Classics.

My regular musicians had prior engagements so I had to call for backup. Tonight we had:
Keyboards: The legendary Robert “PeeWee” Stephens
Lead Guitar: The magnificent John Broussard
Drums: The one and only Ray Parcee
Bass: My man and big brother original member of “The Guys” James Parker

You know musicians are a different group of people. And I love each and every one of them. The different talents they each possess are truly amazing. I had never played with PeeWee and anything I called out he was right on time. Thanks PeeWee.
As for John Broussard I did shard the stage with him on a couple of occasions when I sang with Mr. Pete “Love you madly” Mayes. Thank you John.
Ray Parcee has been a friend of mine for several years, I was very lucky to have him sit in for my regular drummer. Ray is the manager of The All Stars which features Ms. Vanessa. Thanks Ray
And Mr James Parker a regular member of “The Guys” always has my back. I don’t know what I would do with him. He is fantastic. Thanks my play brother.

Thanks to all of you for your talent and your help tonight. You were greatly appreciated.

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2007 CREOLE HERITAGE CELEBRATION
October 11-14, 2007 - Natchitoches Events Center - Natchitoches, Louisiana
14th Annual Celebration 
Report by Janet Ravare Colson

The musical presentations definitely provided the ultimate Creole Party two-nights in a row. On Thursday night, the Creole Lady Sings the Blues show provided by Annette Metoyer was a huge hit with the over 300 plus crowd. We are already getting requests to have her back next year. Mr. Geno Delafose rocked the house with his famous Zydeco music till midnight on Friday night. Reports have shown that some dances never sat down! The impromptu inclusion of great performers like Terrance Simien, Willis Prudhomme, and Classie Ballou made this truly an historic event.

 

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Living Legend Saturday Potluck House Concert
Houston Blues Society
October 13, 2007
House concert to benefit the Houston Blues Society featuring music by internationally known recording artist and living legend Barbara Lynn along with Annette “Creole Lady Sings the Blues” Metoyer and the Guys.

Barbara Lynn
Born and still living in Beaumont, Texas, Barbara Lynn has had an amazing career in music. Her first single was a #1 R&B hit and Top 10 pop hit and later a country hit for Freddy Fender. She has toured with Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Ike and Tina Turner, The Temptations and B.B. King. WOW! Nuff said, but I’ll continue. She appeared at the Apollo Theatre, twice on American Bandstand and had her song “Oh Baby (We’ve Got a Good Thing Goin’)” recorded by the Rolling Stones. Even Moby sampled her “I’m a Good Woman” on his album 18.

“I saw her play for the first time at the Ponderosa Stomp in between the 2 weekends of JazzFest in New Orleans and she blew everyone away. She plays a mean, left-handed blues guitar and can really belt it out. I only dreamed of having her for a house concert and here she is. I am honored and humbled.” - Jeff Abrams

Annette Metoyer and the Guys
Annette Metoyer, as Creole as they come, has her roots in Natchitoches, Louisiana. While she sings all kinds of music, she really loves the blues. Hence, “Creole Lady Sings the Blues.” She, too, has a powerful voice and will be a great complement to Barbara Lynn. She’s backed by “The Guys”, James Parker, Jr., on bass and vocals, Mike Stone on Keyboard, Little Ray Ybarra on lead guitar and vocals, and James “Ba Ba” Bennett on drums and vocals.

Potluck: If you feel like it, bring a dish of anything to share with the others.

Beverages: I’ll provide a Keg, soft drinks & some chips. Otherwise, B.Y.O.B.

Musicians: Bring Instruments for a guests acoustic jam after the show. Jeff will turn 50 at midnight so stick around to celebrate.


 

Conrad O. Johnson is a Houston, Texas music educator who was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 2000.

Johnson attended and graduated from Yates High School. He attended Houston College for Negroes but graduated from Wiley College. He started his career in music education in 1941. He retired from his position at Kashmere High School in 1978. Since then, he has remained active in shaping music in Houston by conducting summer programs and in-home tutoring.

Johnson is a proficient musician in his own right. He once played with Count Basie. [1] At one point, Erskine Hawkins recruited Johnson to join his orchestra. Johnson declined, citing a love of teaching and his family life. Later, Johnson made his lasting contribution to music by forming the Kashmere Stage Band, a renowned band that won a number of awards during its decade-long run.

The Conrad O. Johnson School of Fine Arts at Kashmere High School is named after Johnson.

Conrad O. Johnson passed away Sunday, February 3, 2008.

www.nsula.edu/creole/default.asp  
www.galvestonmusicscene.com
www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/musicmain.htm
www.sweetmamacotton.com
www.martinisnmore.com/Vintage.htm
swingoutn2step.net/
www.great-recordings.com/