 Reproduced from: theadvocate.com One evening a year, as the clock ticks toward midnight, New Orleans musicians, artists, photographers, authors and film directors come together for an annual grassroots commemorative event, to share with the public their artistic response to Hurricane Katrina. “We have it on the anniversary eve of Katrina, because that is the day that our lives were normal — and then it crosses over into midnight where our lives were changed forever,” said Patty Lee, founder and host of Katrina Artistically Revisited. Now in its eighth year, Katrina Artistically Revisited is free and open to the public. The event is hosted annually by Lee and her husband, the New Orleans musician and entertainer Armand St. Martin. “It is totally the community giving back to the community,” said Lee. “We stay reverent and respectful, and we try to stay away from anything controversial — people will be entertained while also being reflective about Katrina.”  Katrina Artistically Revisited will be held at The Theatres at Canal Place on Wednesday. Starting at 8:30 p.m. in the lobby, there will be exhibits of Katrina-related books and photographs, while people have a chance to share their stories and mingle with Katrina survivors and first responders. From 10 p.m. there will be an array of Katrina-related musical performances, clips from award-winning documentaries, photographs and slide shows with personal stories from Katrina survivors. Katrina survivors themselves, Lee and St. Martin evacuated and came back one month later to find their Mid-City home, where St. Martin was born, flooded and without a roof.  Lee’s mother passed away in June 2006, before the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and Lee set about finding a way to honor her and everything New Orleanians had been through.
“We had this film, ‘Stillness,’ so I put together this idea of an annual event,” Lee said. Said St. Martin: “We knew it was up to people like us to maintain and retain our part of New Orleans culture, because so much was torn apart by the diaspora. As the years have gone by there has been a lot of artistic response to the storm.” Every year, locals and visitors keep coming back to remember, to learn and to heal through the sharing of visual art, music and words. “We do it to remember those who perished,” Lee said, “and to honor those who survived.”
12 Comments
Thank you for the beautiful story on the 8th Annual Katrina Artisitcally Revisited special commemorative multi-media event which is held every Katrina-anniversary-Eve, August 28, 2013 at the Theatres at Canal Place, free, $2/parking with our validation. 8:30 pm - 10 pm, Lobby exhibits and booksignings; 10 pm - midnight in the Theatre for film shorts, live music, first hand stories, trailers, and more. Thank you.
Jeane Favret
9/1/2013 09:45:09 am
Our dear friends, Patty and Armand, are always in our hearts, especially on every Katrina-Anniversary-Eve. They are a remarkable loving couple always helping and assisting the many lives changed in New Orleans. We love you both!!!! 8/26/2013 06:07:59 pm
Thanks for the story. Octavia Books will be at this important memorial event with significant books related to Katrina and the aftermath, from the beginning to the present, from ONE DEAD IN ATTIC to TREME: Stories and Recipes from the Heart of New Orleans. 8/27/2013 05:47:13 am
This event is always well-attended. Thank you for this article! The 8th Katrina Artistically Revisited, August 28th at the Theatres at Canal Place begins at 8:30 pm with Lobby exhibits that include Octavia Books, along with a book signing by John E. Wade II (How to Achieve Heaven on Earth), as well as a potential book signing by James A. Cobb, Jr. (Flood of Lies, the St. Rita's Nursing Home Tragedy). A drawing for gift packages of Theodent, and food and cocktails offered for purchase at Gusto Lobby Cafe will also enhance folks mingling about their own Katrina stories in the Lobby. In the Theatre at 10pm - midnight, there will be film shorts, trailers, live music performances and more, "everything Katrina." Dennis Couvillion's short film, "Stillness. . . the aftrermath of Katrina" will be featured, along with Matt Faust's Tribeca Film Festival first place winner of his film short, "Home," and Steve Scaffidi's trailer, with Rocky Vaccarella, for their 6-times-award-winning "Forgotten on the Bayou." American Celebrity Designer Chris Madden and PBS investigative reporter, Patrick Madden, have their DVD short, "Chris Madden's Project Katrina," as well as a short of Richard Cahn's photos, and photos by Donn Young and Mark Sindler. Plus more. Live music of Katrina songs provided by Steve Allen and Armand St. Martin. The event is always Free, and everybody is welcome! The sponsors are George Solomon, The Theatres at Canal Place, Octavia Books, John E. Wade 11, Vivian and Richard Cahn, Theodent, World 10, and Patty Lee Records.
Margaret
8/27/2013 07:49:06 pm
I am wishing Armand and Patty another beautiful Katrina Artistically Revisited, and every success. What a remarkable program this is! Best of luck again this year. With Love, M. 8/27/2013 09:57:42 pm
My story is like 1.2 million others, unique in its own way. I wrote a Katrina diary that includes a lot about heaven on earth. Visit my web sites and see many thoughts on the subject--heavenoneearth.org.
Debbie Sachs
8/28/2013 12:55:57 am
Thank you Patty and Armand for the healing gift (Katrina Artistically Revisited) that you selflessly give to all of us. Wishing both of you every success with this amazing event. 8/28/2013 02:31:55 am
What a heartwarming and wonderful story. From what I know of Patty Lee and Armand St. Martin I am not surprised they have created Katrina Artistically Revisited. Thank you for this beautiful article. My family and I wish the innovative and wonderful Ms. Lee and supremely talented Mr. St. Martin so much good luck with this...in a world where it seems so many are out for themselves it is refreshing and poignant to see these folks so devoted to something so filled with optimism - and healing. The dear sweet woman Ms. Lee is honoring - her mother, Nona Lee - is looking down so proudly. God bless you, Patty and Armand!
Adrienne
8/28/2013 03:15:28 am
For those who have their own Katrina story, this is an occasion to pause and reflect. The respectful tone has certainly contributed to my own healing. For those who were not part of the Katrina fabric, this event provides a way to begin to understand this overwhelming disaster and the aftermath. It will be a very thoughtful production. The unexpected, yet poignant and radiant, light of creativity peaks through the storm clouds to present itself to those who are there to see.
Peggy McNiel
8/28/2013 10:21:48 am
This is a very positive way of coming to terms with a very horrendous event. Although I'm not from New Orleans, the scenes on TV and photos later published in magazines could not replicate what happened to the hearts and minds of the people. I wish everyone in New Orleans great days ahead. I have had fabulous times there in my past trips so New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. This is a good article and I send my best wishes for a great event.
Helen shields
9/14/2013 12:32:33 am
This event is so inspiring. Though we are here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we've had the pleasure of hearing Armand perform and he and Patty have a dedicated following here too. Our hearts have been touched by all that has happened to your beautiful city and we wish you all the best in the future. Can't keep a good town down!
Janey
8/31/2015 01:45:01 pm
This looked to be an amazing event. We live far away but wish we could have attended. Such hard work and dedication by 2 special people, Armand and Patty. Our thoughts are with you. Leave a Reply. |
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