One shot- Quentin Burkhalter (a.k.a. Quentin the 5th) performs an audition to open for Migos, Lil Baby, Blac Youngsta and Tammy Rivera at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana on June 29. By Jesse Brooks Tangipahoa Parish produces s many standout athletes that it's not a mystery why so many have dreams of going pro.... Continue Reading →
Hwy. 51 Revisited: Granada, Mississippi
By Jesse Brooks As Highway 51 approaches Highway 8, the route faces a crossroads again. Grenada, Mississippi. There’s a town square with local businesses sitting all in a neatly kept row. The further down the highway we go, the scene begins to look familiar. So, why come to Grenada? The answer may be the water.... Continue Reading →
MUSIC REVIEW: Hammond Rapper J. Quick shows a harder edge with “Can’t Lose Faith”
REFLECTIONS- Hammond rapper J. Quick (a.k.a. Jarius Burton) attempts to small town dreams into big city realities. Photo submitted. By Jesse Brooks For anyone young in America right now, figuring out how to manage day-to-day living while facing an ever growing income inequality gap is a harsh reality. This especially rings true for young African-Americans... Continue Reading →
Hwy. 51 Revisited: Canton, Mississippi
Canton City Courthouse. Photo by Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks Like Amite, McComb, Brookhaven, or any town along Highway 51 and its parallel railroad line, Canton, Mississippi is a town that has some origins as a supplier for the Confederate Army in the Civil War. The town experienced a boom of growth as the railroad... Continue Reading →
Hwy. 51 Revisited: Jackson, Mississippi (pt. 2)
Pig & Pint, a bbq resturant in Jackson's Fondren district. Photo By Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks To experience the full range of Jackson, Mississippi’s food & drink culture, the best plan of action is to stay overnight so there’s amble time for the full experience. The Old Capitol Inn is a full service boutique... Continue Reading →
Hammond Regional Arts Center launches “Playing the Staircase” listening series
Baton Rouge musicians Clay Parker and Jodi James will perform at the Hammond Regional Arts Center on July 27. Hammond, LA, April 20, 2018 – The Hammond Regional Arts Center is pleased to announce the launch of its original listening room series, "Playing the Staircase." This exciting new concept to Hammond, Louisiana will see the... Continue Reading →
Hwy. 51 Revisited: Hazlehurst & Crystal Springs, Mississippi
By Jesse Brooks THE START- The City of Hazlehurst has a memorial in honor of bluesman Robert Johnson, who was born in the town about half an hour south of Jackson, MS. Photo by Jesse Brooks. The stretch of highway spanning between Brookhaven and Jackson might be the most unassuming looking duration of Mississippi... Continue Reading →
Hwy. 51 Revisited: McComb, Mississippi
By Jesse Brooks McComb, Mississippi is the kind of town that seems to get by on day-to-day business. It doesn’t beat its chest to declare that it is better than somewhere else or decorate itself as something flashy. However, the best way to describe McComb is welcoming. You can walk into a public place or... Continue Reading →
RAPPER LOOKS BACK ON GREENSBURG ROOTS
By Jesse Brooks When most hip-hop artists look back on their humble beginnings, the story usually begins in a city neighborhood from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or New Orleans. However, for Jarius Burton, who goes by the stage name J. Quick, the origin begins in Greensburg. “My family lived on Under the Hill Road... Continue Reading →
Sources indicate Lafayette area episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is in production
BOURDAIN IN CAJUN COUNTRY- Sources indicate television personality Anthony Bourdain was in the Lafayette area filming an episode of his CNN show 'Parts Unknown' during Mardi Gras. Photo: Screenshot of Bourdain in the Southwest Louisiana on the episode "Cajun Country" for his previous show 'No Reservations'. By Jesse Brooks Over last weekend and through Mardi... Continue Reading →