When Not Performing: New Orleans Musicians - Tapa dura

"When people become known for a certain thing, be it athletes, business leaders, political leaders, or entertainers-the public has a difficult time imagining them out of the context or their expertise. David Spielman does a superb and important job of reminding us that these talented musicians are in the end people too-people with the same hopes, fears, dreams, and nightmares that we all have."
- James Carville and Mary Matalin, political consultants and New Orleans residents

"Our music and our culture have always been New Orleans' greatest exports, and this book shows you why. Through intimate portraits, David Spielman gives a unique, behind-the-scenes look at some of our city's greatest performers. With each picture comes a new story of a musician, beyond the stage, and in their natural element. It's a diverse collection that makes me proud to know these artists call New Orleans home."
-Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City of New Orleans

"Here in New Orleans, music is the fabric woven into our everyday lives; it is everywhere, all the time. We watch our musicians grow up, grow old, and even die. They teach the young and leave a legacy behind for all of us. They are a part of our extended families, entertaining us at . . . high school graduations . . . weddings . . . festivals . . . and more. They live among us as family members and neighbors and share our good times, our food, our culture, and our love. . . .

We [Spielman and Lyon] knew we couldn't write the anthology of New Orleans music, as the book would have to be a tome. Plus, the music and its musicians are like our food: always changing. So our goal was to provide a window to look through, showing the tone, tenor, and diversity of what New Orleans has to offer and helping to educate and stimulate interest in one of our greatest assets."
-David Spielman, from the Photographer's Notes