I’m in New Orleans for the first time in over 5 years; we came specifically for the Jazz Fest. It’s now in between festival days and I’ve been walking around and taking photos.
The other day in Frenchmen Street I looked up and saw a mural alongside the Favela Chic Bar; I recognised the character as someone I had surreptitiously photographed in December 2019 as he stood in line for a coffee at the Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe:
I had at that time entitled the photo Nola Wizard. Coincidentally it features in a blog A Century of Top Hats, published exactly four years ago!
Shortly after sighting the mural I ran into the man himself – Amzie Adams – an artist, photographer and musician. He actually looked fitter and younger than my memory of him and I was surprised to find out that he had recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
Later on I went back to the Envie Espresso Bar on Decatur Street; at the far end of the cafe there’s a little seating area that features representations of Amzie:
Links:
Instagram @amziecat
My husband and I just got back from NOLA today. While taking a picture of that mural, someone told us that Amzie was local and that we might run into him if we’re lucky. Never did but after a little research today found your wonderful blog post. Thanks so much. It enriches the experience even more.
That’s lovely to hear – thank you
(FYI, it won’t let you leave a URL. Our is intlculturelab.org. We’re in Brooklyn.)