New Orleans - Advocating For New Orleans' Historical Music Treasures

The Memphis Chapter and the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation sponsored a panel discussion titled “Advocating For New Orleans’ Historical Music Treasures.” This panel was part of the fourth annual Ponderosa Stomp Music Conference, which coincides with the annual Ponderosa Stomp Music Festival.

After short networking reception, Scott Hutcheson, Cultural Economy Advisor to the Mayor of New Orleans, offered welcoming remarks about the importance of the panel and assurances that the mayor supports the development of this type of historial cultural toursim. Dr. Ira Padnos, founder of the Ponderosa Stomp, offered brief remarks and introduced the panel, which included (moderator) Terry Stewart, president, Rock & Roll Hall; Terry Clements, vice president, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau; John Frohnmayer, former chairman, National Endowment for the Arts; Deanie Parker, founding member, Soulsville Foundation/Stax Museum of American Soul; Jan Ramsey, publisher, Offbeat Magazine; John Schorr, president, Sun Studios; and Alex Thomas, program manager, Mississippi Development Authority's Mississippi Blues and Country Trails.

The panel discussion began with a focus on why New Orleans should celebrate its local historical music treasures and locations, such as old studios, music clubs, homes of famous musicians, etc. Each of the panelists agreed that there is such a strong musical legacy and it's interesting that the city has never really focused its tourism marketing efforts on these assets. The various panelists outlined some of the challenges and successes they encountered while working to put their respective projects together and to keep them viable in these challenging financial times.

Examples of music-related historic preservation efforts were cited as true catalysts for community redevelopment, educational outreach and economic development in cities and towns with rich musical legacies. For instance, Parker discussed how the development of the Stax Musem has led to not only revitalizing that area of Memphis, but has also led to the creation of the Stax Music Academy and Soulsville Charter School. Thomas described how sleepy towns have seen a resurgence of tourism and economic development as the Mississippi Bles Trail markers have been erected and connected to the larger network of historic markers across the state. Clements revealed future plans that Nashville has for an enhanced effort to markert itself as a "Music City USA."

John Schorr described Sun Studios as a living music experience rather than a musuem. He sees Sun as truly connecting the past to the present, by maintaining the the facility as a working recording studio, where musicians can still record in a place that has so much history associated with it.

The panel concluded with a question and answer session, where it became clear that many in attendance feel very passionate that the celebrating New Orleans rich musical legacy is vitally important and can lead to revitalization of once thriving music locations in the city, as well as offering a chance at enhanced cultural tourism and inspiration for generations to come.

Location