January / February 2025
By Dean M. Shaprio
Barbara Shorts, a legendary singer from New Orleans, grew up surrounded by music. Influenced by her mother and icons like Mahalia Jackson, she developed a powerful contralto voice. A founding member of the Grammy-winning Gospel Soul Children, Barbara’s career spanned local performances, European tours, and roles in musicals like One Mo’ Time. Despite setbacks like 9/11, she reinvented herself, working at Harrah’s Casino while continuing to perform. Now 75, she focuses on her music, including her single "Love on the Run." Proud of her legacy, Barbara remains active, saying, “Thank you, Father, for choosing me to be me.”
By Anita Oubre
Don Vappie, a Hall of Fame jazz banjoist, is a leading figure in preserving New Orleans' Creole culture. With a career spanning Carnegie Hall and the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Don has released seven albums, including the acclaimed The Blue Book of Storyville. Awarded the Steve Martin Banjo Prize and inducted into the Banjo Hall of Fame, he’s also a dedicated educator. His latest project, Louisiana Stories, blends poetry and music, showcasing his creative talents while continuing to share and preserve Creole music.
By Dean M. Shapiro
Lindsey Reynolds, a 26-year-old soprano from New Orleans, will debut as Adina in Donizetti's L’elisir d’amore at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on April 4 and 6, 2025. A Gentilly native, she began singing locally and trained at the Curtis Institute of Music. Lindsey has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and starred in Missy Mazzoli's The Listeners. She admires strong female roles and dreams of performing in La Traviata and The Magic Flute. Beyond opera, Lindsey fosters animals, plays kickball, and cherishes her family's support, eagerly anticipating her hometown performance.
By Dean M. Shapiro
Rodney Glenn Armstrong, known as Guitar Slim Jr., grew up inspired by his father, Guitar Slim, who achieved fame with the 1953 hit "The Things That I Used to Do." Slim Jr. pursued his own path, refusing to replicate his father’s music but embracing his legacy through his performances and unique style. Taught guitar by his brother and mentored by New Orleans legends, Slim Jr. gained acclaim touring globally, releasing albums like The Story of My Life (Grammy-nominated), and collaborating with icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now in his 70s, he anticipates new recordings and sees potential in his grandson, Guitar Slim III.
