'vmXperience New Orleans' is about remembering, discovering and sharing the many stories relevant to the rich musical and cultural heritage of New Orleans. It is meant to be an open dialogue of endless story telling, not a definitive source of information.

One could argue, as we do, the roots of all modern music originate in New Orleans. From the legacy of the French opera to the African rituals which comprised early Congo Square gatherings where men and women stifled by the lingering ramifications of slavery had the ability to engage in their culturally rich traditions. The eventual amalgamation of African, European, and Caribbean elements made New Orleans into perhaps the most unique musical and cultural melting pot the 19th century world would produce. This breeding ground for hybrids of modern music produced greats such as Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Smiley Lewis, The Marsalis family and too many more to mention in this brief intro. That will be your job, our challenge.

We want to remember and share along with you the stories of New Orleans: the smells and sounds of Kermit barbecuing at Vaughan's on a Thursday night, the sounds of a trumpet playing "A Closer Walk with Thee" as a jazz funeral proceeds across Claiborne Avenue, James Booker philosophizing and playing at the Maple Leaf, the portraits and beautiful sounds of Sweet Emma performing at the piano of Preservation Hall, a Pimm's Cup at the Napoleon House, a muffuletta from Central Grocery; a debris po'boy at Mother's, and the way your clothes smelled a week after a Uglesich's lunch.

These are stories that need to be kept alive and shared for generations to come.
Help define what makes this city magical.
Help define what makes us proud to call New Orleans home.

Stephen Rehage | Voodoo Music Experience, Founder