Nattie in Nouvelle Orleans; Nueva Orleans; New Orleans, Louisiana

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Two months into my World Tour and already it has taken an unexpected shape of its own. Primarily a photographic road trip, I also want to incorporate the music side of my artwork - my one woman band called Nattie.  (For the newbies, the band  "Nattie" consists of myself (Natasha), my guitar (Miss Delta Blue) and the witties ditties we create - I simply use "Nattie" as a stage or band name )  I figured I would play an occasional open mic in cities near my tour route, as neither Transylvania nor Liverpool, Louisiana has an open mic to my knowledge....(Though I might have had some luck in  (the) Vatican...who knows...)

Tilben's Lounge  

That plan hasn't happened,  as I've been more into being contemplative with a camera than witty with a guitar during my road trips.
However, I did appropriately kick off the music portion of the World Tour in July at the Old Point Bar in Algiers, Louisiana after completing the first of my many World Tour photographic treks.

Musically, I've toured the world - without ever leaving the city of Nouvelle Orleans.  The plethora of open mics this city offers had me playing music almost every night.  I've since settled into three open mics, when tour and time allow,  that I really enjoy and seem best suited for my style.  These evenings are a great way to sharpen skills, share with others, and connect with new faces.    Since this blog is dedicated to the ditties, I thought I'd dust off the ol' Holga for some  imperfect and  old-timey NOLA shots...

Buffas, on the edge of the French Quarter, okay -  on the Marigny side of Esplanade, I just wanted to use the word "French".  I was pleased to be the Inaugural Performer for their first open mic night! It has since become one of my favorites.  Wednesdays at 8pm

Parasols in the Irish Channel

Mondays at 8

and the Fair Grinds Coffeehouse in Faubourg St. John

2nd Thursdays @ 7

 I am currently in the process of putting together a show of  the International Louisiana towns I've traveled to, featuring my songs, stories, and photographs.    In December, Buffas will host, as part of PhotoNOLA,  the first of what I hope is many World Tour performance pieces.  More info to come, but  see details on the Buffas show here.

So yes, the World Tour has taken its own form.  I've had several people ask me, since I haven't had a blog post in recent weeks, if the tour is over.  My response?  No, the World Tour is not over - far from it.    It's only just beginning...

See ya around the world!  

- Natasha

On Tour in the French Quarter -
 Royal Street Aug 2011
photo M. Byrne

all content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

** A shout out to all the awesome people I have met along my open mic journey including (but not limited to...) - DR, Owen aka Big Daddy O, Michael H, Stefan, Mike D, Maria aka Lady K, Vincent, Gina, Robert @  Fair Grinds, Dan, Toby, the ladies who support me but whose names I don't know...and all the people I've  chatted and shared with...I'm loving this trip!  

Existential Revelations in - Bristol, Louisiana

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So.  Last trip.  China.  Ended up in (the) Vatican.  You know the story. (if you don't you can read about it here) But here's the thing.  After my Vatican mission, I decided to visit a friend in Sunset, Louisiana because after all, there are sunsets all over the world.  As an added plus, it's a pretty ride...

Oh, look - I found a church:

And an incredibly awesome barn:

Truth is, I find most drives to be pretty.  It's hard not to find beauty in the scenery and the ever-changing light.  One of the reasons I chose photography as a medium was just that - light. It makes sense, considering that is the basis for all of photography.  Even still, capturing something in one light, then seeing it look completely different at another time, or at another angle, never ceases to amaze me.  And of course, I tend to apply that philosophy to my life...

I made it to my friends house, and enjoyed the surroundings, company, and the lovely blueberry wine....

I like this part of the world, things are peaceful, quiet, though not without concerns..

Country Livin'  - Rocking the Can of Raid...

 Imagine my surprise when I was told, while enjoying those surroundings, the company, and the blueberry wine, that I wasn't in Sunset, Louisiana after all.  I was actually in Bristol, Louisiana.  Wait.  Wha...??
How could I be in Bristol, when my friends address clearly said "Sunset"?  It was quite simple, she said - there is a debate over where the town line is, but to complicate things, the sign that marks the boundary of the town - keeps moving.

  I was quite fascinated by this idea, of existing in two places at once, but also not knowing where in the world you are when you are planted quite firmly at home. Just as light changes the existence of a photographic subject, a town sign can change our human existence, and where we thought we were becomes something else entirely.

As I left, my friends gave me exact instructions as to where I could find the sign (on that particular day) to photograph it.  I got sidetracked, of course, by the pretty light and this run-down building:

Many miles down the road, it registered that I had forgotten to photograph the sign...
but then I realized - I hadn't seen it.

It was probably in transit...

Bristol Sunset

**When I am not out traveling the world, or playing a witty ditty somewhere, I lead photographic workshops in the  French Quarter in New Orleans.  We discuss compositional and technical techniques, including exploring the ever-changing light, to create interesting photographs.  If interested in signing up for a workshop and talking and taking photos...visit  American Photo Safari  www.americanphotosafari.com