Kenna Moore conducted a survey in the French Quarter, asking people she maintains were not drunk tourists, “What do you think of when you you think of the Black Church?”

The overwhelming response was, “Tyler Perry.” To many people that would have been simple proof that the majority of people in the French Quarter are drunk or stupid. For Kenna it was the inspiration for a documentary about a gay black dude in church. The film, Church in Black Part 1, went on to win awards and launch Kenna’s first feature project, She Was Famous.

After visiting New Orleans often and regularly in the 20th Century, Paul Spencer returned to his native England and founded a music festival inspired by but – attorneys please note – not based on Jazz Fest. The Maverick Festival is held annually around the 4th of July weekend in Suffolk England to celebrate Americana music, which of course if the revolution had gone the other way would be British folk. 

Andrew Duhon has played at Paul Spencer’s regular gigs around the UK and today plays a song that crosses oceans, genres, and time. A brand new song about freedom, inspired equally by brutal current event gun violence and a gospel song about Jesus co-opted by the civil rights movement leads to a discussion about gun control, mental illness, tattoos, and rock music. Specifically a band called The Painted Hands.

The Painted hands hail from Slidell, Louisiana, just a car ride down the I-10 but a world away from New Orleans. The young band – they’re 20 and 21 – play some of the hippest and sharpest rock you’ve heard in some time. Dreux LeBourgeoise, Atomic Aaron and Jesse Wood all managed to find the Happy Hour gig without too much of a problem. Michael, the band’s singer, did not – though he did manage to call in on someone else’s phone to give you a peek inside what it’s like being in a band. The Painted Hands could well be the next breakout band from around here. If you haven’t, check out their music – you can steal it here.

The Painted Hands and Kenna have something in common, besides Tyler Perry: Fondue. Specifically The Melting Pot restaurant. Kenna went on a memorable birthday date there and both Jesse and his girlfriend work there. Happy Hour attorneys are standing by in case anybody at Melting Pot hears this. There’s a chance Jesse will still have a job there after this, but it’s slim.

Photos on this page taken at Wayfare by Catherine King.