The Tambourine Lady

New Orleans Painting #7
May 2011
Acrylic on canvas - 16" x 20"
$850

Diary entry: I first saw this woman at the bar and music venue DBA on Frenchman street. She suddenly came up on stage during a performance by Walter "Wolfman" Jackson. At first glance she was an unassuming presence...short, heavy set with a crazy blond wig on. I wasn't sure what she was going to contribute to the performance. She eventually pulled out her tambourine and preceded to play it like a woman possesed. I've seen dozens of great musicians in my time here but no one has quite captured my imagination like The Tambourine Lady (as she's affectionately called around here). 

She wielded the instrument like a woman posessed. Her timing was spot on; her syncopation elaborate and her facial expressions - priceless. In short, a stunning performance.

During the day she sells pralines and sweet potato pies out of a basket on the street. Last time I saw her I stopped her and talked to her for about a half hour. Sweet woman. I bought a praline but she was out of sweet potato pie. I gave her ten bucks and told her I expected a pie next time I saw her. I hope she remembers me.