How they remembered Michael Jackson in New Orleans

I'll be honest with you: I shut off the Michael Jackson coverage after Friday night. There was no reason for me to continue with it. My needs were met, and then some, by the overamped coverage of CNN and tabloid TV - heck, even Keith Olbermann's more cerebral approach Thursday night was plenty for me.

But I have been inspired by video clips I've been seeing online of people around the world celebrating the life and music of MJ. These responses come from a less cynical, more nostalgic and definitely more creative gene than is driving most of the cable/tabloid outfits. The London and Times Square moonwalks were well-attended and joyous, if a little messy.

Those cities, however, can't hold a candle to what went on in New Orleans. My buddy Dave Walker has the writeup and NOLA.com has the video:

By the way, if you love the jazz-heritage sound kept alive by the musicians of New Orleans, check out the all-volunteer, all-music community radio station WWOZ, which I discovered while writing my recent magazine piece on KKFI.