THE BOSWELL SISTERS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
November 30 — December 3, 2007
New Orleans, Louisiana
Bozzies from coast to coast, Canada and the UK came together for a weekend of revelry, music and enlightenment as they celebrated the Boswell Sisters Centennial in New Orleans.
Hundreds of happy travelers cruised the Mississippi River as the Dukes of Dixieland, the Pfister Sisters and the Stolen Sweets played the music of the Crescent City and its harmonic daughters, the Boswells.
A choir of fans gathered on the steps of the Boswell's New Orleans home and gave a rousing chorus of "Heebie Jeebies" that showed great spirit if not great pitch.
A standing-room-only crowd crammed into every available space to enjoy the Pfister Sisters' "All's Well That's Boswell" salute at the Visitor's Center of the Jazz National Park.
Who knew how rockin' the Stolen Sweets would be, how touching the interpretations of Shout Sister warm tones, what swing would ring from the voices and instruments of YazooZazz, or how inspired the Pfister Sisters could be even after singing all weekend.
More Highlights
The listening labs brought oohs and ahhs as David McCain shared radio transcriptions that had never been published, and tears were shed as Connee gave her final interview, then bid us goodnight with a song.
The film clips and Randall Riley's documentary impressed and inspired the crowd at Snug Harbor and the Pfister Pfinale at the end included all the performers in the house.
Connee's birthday party was made extra special when Riley produced a remembrance from Kay Starr. The Marigny Brasserie's "Connee" (a lavender Champagne cocktail) kept spirits high despite a general regret that it had to end.
Since then the Buz in the land of Boz has been "Can we make this an annual event?"
CENTENNIAL LINKS
Photos
Film Clips
When you have a city that's got so much in culture, it's like sitting on a treasure chest for years and years... It's time to open that treasure chest and show people all of the contributions that the Boswell Sisters made to New Orleans and to popular music.
