Steven as Little Nemo, Floating in the House of Dance & Feathers, 9th Ward, USA

If my dreams manifested on earth, what would I find? Probably some broken candles lighting the poster from All Things Must Pass, talking ducks and dogs, the SSPS tape I have been listening to constantly would be playing in some phantom unseen stereo. My most trusted High John the Conqueroo roots would line every pocket. Restaurants I went to would all have Jesse DeRosa leading the house band. Endless pizza with no worries about my triglycerides. I would still have the haircut I had when I was 16 (One eyed surfer.) Oh wait, that's reality, sans haircut. What are my dreams?

I walked into another man's dream world the other day. Well, sort of, it is a collection of the amazing things that Ronald W. Lewis has witnessed as a citizen of the 9th ward of New Orleans. Mardi Gras Indians, beads, Skeleton Krewes, mystic orders, it goes on and on. He spins an amazing tale and has a grasp at what really is important in life: Love, family, community. These are the things he holds dear.

 Probably my favorite part of the experience is talking about the Skeletons, the North Side Skull & Bones Gang (no real relation to the 322 Geronimo skull frat.) Think about this a bit:

In this widening world,
Gold perverts everyone
But after death
There are neither classes nor rank

This all has roots in Ghede, the Santa Muerte cults. The WFMU listener can meditate on the wise words of Coil, as in "Pay your respects to the vultures - For they are your future."

Visit Ronald Lewis and the House of Dance & Feathers at 1317 Tupelo Street, New Orleans, LA, but call him first at 504-957-2678.
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Although exiled in New Orleans, I've been listening to lots of New York acts. I mentioned SSPS's new tape on Obsolete Units. Incredible. Tape release party on February 20th at Silent Barn. Go! I would, but well, I can't, just too far. New Opponents on Prison Tatt gets rocked while driving. I love a noise cd that doesn't make me think my car is dying.

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Heck, while your at it, poke through the some pics I took of the Ghede Wall in Rosalie Alley. Amazing spot. Click the pic for more  -

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Speaking of Ghede, I am currently reading Voudon Gnosis by David Beth. Spiritual sequel to Michael Bertiaux's classic the Voudon Gnostic Workbook, this is a brilliant walk through the landscape of contemporary esoteric voodoo.

Comments

[Tim Serpas]

Isleno love!

[vakantiehuizen tossa de mar]

Hello author...You have done a great job here...All the pics you posted here are so awesome,that i can't explain what i feels.......Thanks for lightning up this article..