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Thank goodness that Marie and Nate spun themselves eastward.
The gulf remains in perfect condition for more hurricane production. Water temperatures hover near 90 degrees with Phillippe, Rita, Stan and Tammy waiting in the wings for a shot on the national weather spotlight.
Hard to believe that Hurricane Katrina slipped just west of here two weeks ago before she slammed Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
That’s part of the reason why this trip comes at an inopportune time. The short getaway means missing out on several Trenton events, including Second Friday.
Trenton resident Kevin Williams piqued interest when he rapid-fired e-mails throughout the city announcing a Mardi Gras Hurricane Relief Jam.
Held this Sunday, Sept. 11 (interesting day), the musical extravaganza brings a dozen or more acts to the Conduit stage on South Broad Street.
The event is a collaboration between Williams, Roxanne Klett, and Conduit owners Annie Born and Roland Pott.
Their goal is to raise money for the American Red Cross efforts in the Gulf Coast region "and to celebrate the music and culture which New Orleans gave to America and the world,’’ said Williams.
"We had to do something. My heart was breaking like a lot of other people who saw the destruction down there.’’
Williams knows New Orleans. He lived there for several years while earning a graduate degree at Tulane.
"I fell in love with the city. I grew up as a person there. New Orleans is an amazing place. I have an affinity, like so many others, for the people, music and the city,’’ Williams said.
Williams said the Mardi Gras theme serves to honor the vibrancy and life of New Orleans, which Williams promised would return to the Crescent City.
Klett once booked acts for the Triumph Brewery in Princeton. Williams called her coming on board for this event "a godsend.’’
"Roxanne helped us put together an amazing group of acts that perform an array of music genres,’’ praised Williams.
This is the portion of the column where the writer applauds any initiative that places the City of Trenton in a better light.
Recently, Mothers Against Violence joined other local organizations in a collection drive to support Katrina victims.
A packed tractor trailer left for the Gulf Coast area late yesterday.
Rev. Willie Mae Nanton is working with the Interfaith Clergy of Trenton and Vicinity to connect with evacuees with those who have housing to offer.
Trenton continues its rich philanthropic history.
While headlines highlight gang activity, positive people and events in this city dwarf negative occurrences.
Enjoy the Mardi Gras Hurricane Relief Jam tomorrow.
Sorry to have missed out on what promised to be a special weekend in the City of Trenton.
-- L.A. Parker is a Trentonian staff writer. His columns appear on Thursdays and Saturdays. Reach him at laparker@Trentonian.com.
