Pops is Tops!

This week at The Louis Armstrong House Museum has been quite exciting! Hundreds of little feet have graced the hallways of the Armstrongs’ home! School groups from Corona and the surrounding areas gathered for the three-day long extravaganza that is Pops is Tops! Pops is Tops is an interactive concert that introduces local school children to jazz music!

This year’s act was Alphonso Horne and his ensemble. I really enjoyed how he and his band introduced new educational concepts to students while incorporating fun music. They introduced a wide variety of topics ranging from the origins of scat singing to the significance of the Great Migration. They covered classics such as “Black and Blue,” “When the Saints go Marching In,” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Alphonso and his colleagues truly embodied the essence of New Orleans. While sitting in the garden enjoying the concerts I felt as if I were back at home in the south.  I used to frequently visit New Orleans, being that my hometown was only 3 hours away. Hearing the rhythmic tunes of the jazz band mentally brought me back to the time I spent parading the French Quarters.

It’s no secret that Louis was a big fan of red beans and rice, a staple food down in New Orleans. One thing that I’m confident that Louis and I have in common is that we both enjoy good ol’ southern food. It was only fit that LAHM staff and Alphonso’s band members were served wholesome country meals. I was more than elated to have feasted on barbecue ribs, baked chicken, oven baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens and candied yams. Since relocating to the north I’ve noticed that authentic southern food is hard to come by, and I was glad to get my hands on some!

To say everyone enjoyed themselves is an understatement! I’m sure everyone is looking forward to next year, myself included!