Stand by Me with Grandpa Elliot and Washboard Chaz

This link was sent to me by French Christine, though sadly when she visited us last summer, we didn’t get a chance to see Grandpa in person, which was a huge shame. He’s a fixture in the Quarter, and impossible to miss, riding around on his battered bicycle, huge bucket hanging from the handlebars as he looks for a place to set up and play for the tourists. He’s got amazing soul, and a face that just radiates character.

His act changes over the years, as do his partners, but there’s a fantastic NYT writeup that gives you a measure of the man here.

It’s hard not to be happy when you see him blow his harp, it just is. Here’s one of just Pa, playing outside the Cafe du Monde- see if you can get through it without smiling. Betcha can’t:

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