Horizon Initiative's 2007 JamFest: Working to make N.O. the city of YES!

“The City Of Yes” was born on May 3rd to the sound of horns, tambourines, jazz and swing. The First Annual Horizon Initiative Jam Fest was held at the downtown Tipitina’s and broadcast live on WWOZ. The night celebrated the music and culture of our home, bringing together hundreds of people willing to do everything it takes to make New Orleans the metropolis it deserves to be. Through the Jam Fest, the Horizon Initiative gathered the momentum to develop an economic development plan that will rebuild our cultural oasis into a thriving community.

Arthur Pulitzer, co-founder of Horizon Initiative, welcomed everyone to the Patron Party after they had eaten their fill of lobster ravioli, seared tuna, and other delicious food from the Brennan’s Restaurant Group. Then co-founder George Wentz delivered a passionate speech.

George implored the audience to use the proven model of a public-private partnership for economic development that has worked in cities across America. He highlighted Miami as a prime example of what is possible when business and civic leaders come together to turn a city around. We have an opportunity to rebuild New Orleans into a dynamic, robust community that is prosperous, with jobs for everyone, great public schools, public safety, parks, a future for our families. We can have all of that now through civic engagement. We must love and support this city actively.

After a message delivered by Arnie Fielkow in support of Horizon Initiative, everyone followed the Guardians of the Flame and the Treme Brass Band to the main stage area.

The music was unstoppable! The dancers must have been aided by all the sweets on the tables from Joel Dondis’ Sucré. The Patron Party musicians, Bill Soley and Kim Prevost, as well as the spoken-word artist, Chuck Perkins, enlivened the spirits of the musicians that followed. World-class trumpet player Kermit Ruffins took to the stage with David Toricanowsky on keys, Kevin Morris at the bass and Derrick Fromm on drums. Wanda Rouzan, Sharon Martin and Lady BJ Crosby brought unison to the room. When Ronald Markham and Irvin Mayfield came onto the stage it seemed unbeatable climax, until Kermit and Irvin went head-to-head blowing their horns and singing.

Fred Palmer (manager of external affairs for Shell Exploration and Production Co.) and Arthur Pulitzer

Julio Piti (of Miami’s Beacon Council), Pamela Senatore and Robert Alford

The crowd at Jamfest 2007.

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