The true heart and soul of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as with New Orleans itself, is music. It's the force that drives and defines us. It's not just for entertainment, but it feeds our soul.

In the midst of this national crisis, to have the city of New York, which has known such tragedy itself, to reach out to the citizens of New Orleans is a wonderful thing, and to do it in such a way that celebrates the rich traditions of New Orleans music shows an understanding and compassion that is truly heartwarming.

There will be a Jazz Fest in 2006. It will be as close to New Orleans as we can get it.

The culture survives. It's survived slavery. It's survived everything so far?. I don't think you can stop the dance. I don't think you can drown the dance. We dance at funerals, and now we have to dance at our own funeral.

It was touch and go for most of the time. If Shell and our other sponsors had not come through, it would not have been possible. It would have just been too much.

There will be a Jazz Fest in 2006. It will be in Louisiana. It will be as close to New Orleans as we can get it.

The money being used to build these homes for New Orleans musicians was raised by New Orleans musicians. Our pact with them was to help New Orleans' musical community.