I absolutely love New Orleans and it is very important for me to volunteer some of my personal time in support of this great and wonderful city.

My volunteer gig at WWOZ, the world famous community radio station that broadcasts from its studio in the French Quarter, began almost as soon as I arrived in town in January of '03. I was here house hunting, and staying at a rather funky B&B called the Dive Inn that played 'OZ all the time.

The music was fantastic and I wondered just what kind of station would play all of this American roots music, great Jazz, Blues, R&B, and the like. I soon found out. While riding in a taxi I found and opened a copy of a local entertainment magazine and saw a big ad taken by 'OZ soliciting for volunteers. Until then I had no idea that it was a community radio station!

Middie O'Malley, slide guitar genius Roy Rogers, New Orleans harp player J.D. Hill, blues great Deacon John, blues man and Marcia Ball's lead guitar player, Pat Boyack

Middie with the great Eddie Bo

Anyway, I called the station manager on my cell phone and made an appointment to interview with him. The rest is history. I came to find out that WWOZ is highly regarded by musicians across the USA, a multiple winner of the Jazz Station of The Year award, and a beacon of music for the city of New Orleans that is also streamed around the world at WWW.WWOZ.ORG .

After a couple of years of substituting for various show hosts in virtually every category of music that 'OZ plays, I was given my own show in December of 2005, the Friday morning, 6-9 AM slot...The Morning Jazz Set. What can I say...I love doing the show, being a part of the 'OZ family of DJ's, and being a part of the incredible musical community that sets the beat for this great city.

Middie with Blues legend Henry Gray

Middie with Mose Allison

Giving my time to this worthy cause is joyful and I welcome you to take a listen to all of the great music played on 'OZ, at 90.7FM, or you can listen any place in the world on the net at www.wwoz.org! And then you can become a supporting member!

This is a talent I have chosen not to commercialize because I want to use it exclusively for the benefit of worthy organizations that would otherwise have to pay someone out of the very same pocket that is used to fund good deeds for society as a whole, or assistance for the legitimately needy.

My experience is significant and I’ve provided my services to a diverse group of satisfied organizations that range from world class Chamber Orchestras, to a world renowned automotive and transportation museum.

Call me at 504-579-4717, and I’ll be happy to discuss your needs and my availability. Please do understand that I reserve the right to choose which organizations for whom I will provide these services. If the venue is more than 50 miles from New Orleans, I will only require that my basic expenses are paid.

Qualified recommendations are immediately available upon your request.

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is mobilizing for an unprecedented rebuilding effort. In 2007, NOAHH plans on building hundreds of new homes in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes.

Habitat for Humanity has been an organization for which I've long held great esteem, and in the wake of Katrina's damage its importance to this city grew dramatically. In addition to donations, my work with Habitat centers on providing them with no charge professional voice services, (for radio ads), and professional auctioneering services at their fund raisers.

The New Orleans Museum of Art is a wonderful facility, something for which we can all share great pride. My interaction with the Museum is similar to Habitat save that I have also done work for the museum when it has put on tours of great homes in New Orleans, welcoming guests and helping older folks down steps, and the like.

http://www.wrbh.org/

My father read for the blind and it seemed like a very good thing to make it a family tradition. To be able to entertain those who are less fortunate gives me immense pleasure. If you would like to know more about how you might support this wonderful service, click on the link above.