Ebony & Ivory performed in the Georgia Southwestern State University Chamber Concert Series on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, in Americus, GA. Julie Megginson made all the arrangements for the Duo's concert, even providing elegant rooms at the historic Windsor Hotel. The acoustics of the concert hall were extremely fine and the audience delighted in the evening's music, so much so that Ebony & Ivory was invited to return to inaugurate the 2004-2005 concert season in the newly refurbished Jackson Concert Hall (currently under construction.) A reception at the Windsor Hotel followed the concert. Thanks to Julie and to Ray Mannila, Technical Director.

Left Georgia and travelled south. Stopped off in Madisonville, TN, to visit Patsy and Johnny Carson. (Patsy presented Ebony & Ivory in March, 2003.) Nice, if too short, visit with friends.

Arrived in Winnsboro, LA, and met with Naomi Cordill to finalize arrangements for Louisiana Residency. Naomi was a whirlwind of organization and activity, wearing many hats in her work with the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. We went off to our accommodation at Pier House, part of the Raveneaux Estate of Sara and Travis Holley. We encountered Southern hospitality at its most genteel as we enjoyed a lovely evening at the Holleys'.

The Residency started in earnest and the first concert was in Lake Providence at Providence Church. The concert was ably organized and well-publicized by Betty Reed and Mildred Bonner of the Byerley House Arts Series (Doorway to Louisiana.) The Rev. Don Boyett of Providence Church is an enthusiastic supporter of bringing guest artists to this part of the state. The concert was well attended and well received by the audience, and Ebony & Ivory won many new fans.

Ebony & Ivory were featured at a fund-raising outdoor concert at the home of Bob and Linda Brooks. The color scheme of the tablescapes was - you guessed it - ebony and ivory! After an evening of good food, good company and great music, Naomi joined Ebony & Ivory for an encore, singing Summertime to much applause.

In the morning, Andrew ("Ivory") was guest musician at the church service at Providence Church in Lake Providence, LA, and we enjoyed a communal luncheon with Rev. Don Boyett. In the evening we were invited to attend, simply as guests, Blend of the Bayou, a gourmet feast prepared only by men (Men Who Mix) in Monroe. The food was excellent: We tried fried alligator and authentic Southern pecan pie, among other delights. It was a welcome evening off for the Duo, as they looked ahead to a full week of performances.

To Rayville, LA, and the first-ever concert to be performed in the recently completed 1010-seat Rayville High School Auditorium. It will be used for a variety of community events and Ebony & Ivory were its first performers. (The Grand Piano had only been delivered the week before!) Jeremy Polk, Manager of the venue, has an enviable position and was of great assistance.

Mary Belle and Owin White graciously provided accommodation in Winnsboro for the remainder of the Duo's stay in Louisiana.

Codie Ray met us in Tallulah and was an inadvertent tour guide when we ran into construction. We got a good tour of the town and Codie took us to lunch as well! In the morning Ebony & Ivory performed at McCall Junior High School and met the Principal, Rev. D.J. Redden. The students were respectful and attentive. In the afternoon Ebony & Ivory performed at Tallulah Elementary School and were mobbed afterward by students wanting autographs. The Music Teacher Mr. T. Smith has a vibrant music program and the school is fortunate to have a Steinway Concert Grand.

In the morning we traveled into the country outside Winnsboro to Ward III School for a concert. (Brandi Cordill and Carol Clay were on hand to assist.) Lunch was authentic deep-fried catfish at Greer's Family Restaurant in Crowville. In the afternoon, another school concert at Gilbert Middle School in Gilbert, organized by Sandy Rigdon. At both schools the students were enthusiastic and asked some interesting questions.

The concert for the Music on the Terrace Series at Biedenharn Museum in Monroe had to be moved to First Presbyterian Church. A violent storm blew down one of the magnificent old trees in the ELsong Gardens and destroyed an irrigation line, flooding the grounds. Elaine Smith, Education Director at the Museum, quickly responded and made all of the arrangements necessary for the alternate venue. The audience in the church enjoyed a wonderful evening of Ebony & Ivory music.

Sara Holley met us at the Beekman School in Beekman for the morning concert, and invited us back to her home to spend the afternoon and have supper with her family before the evening concert at the Rose Theatre in Bastrop. Hal Robinson, Manager of the theatre, was a helpful host and the concert arrangements were exemplary. The audience gave Ebony & Ivory not one, but two standing ovations. One lady was heard to remark after the concert that the music "truly suited my taste!"

We decided to visit Natchez, MS, an historic city on the mighty Mississippi River. Luncheon at Stanton Hall and a guided tour of this historic mansion were followed by a quick tour of the downtown. Then it was off to St. Joseph for an evening concert at the St. Joseph Arts Center. The audience was small, but Cecil Evans provided hospitality for the Duo and Gene Burris set up the sound equipment, and the enthusiastic group was treated to a great concert by Ebony & Ivory.

The final Ebony & Ivory concert took place in Delhi at the Poverty Point Trade Days Festival. The stage was set up in a cattle auction barn, but the audience was transported elsewhere by the infectious musical strains of the Duo. The van was packed and we got back on the road for the long trek home.

Thanks to everyone in Louisiana for their many kindnesses, and especially to Naomi Cordill, without whom none of it would have been possible. Naomi is a true supporter of the arts, bringing performers from around the world to Northeast Louisiana every year.

Agent/Manager Robert Baird, BAM! Baird Artists Management, is hard at work firming up the 2003-2004 concert season for Ebony & Ivory. Plans to date include a Florida Tour in October, an East Coast Tour to Maine and environs in late October, early November, concerts from Illinois to New York and back, and many other possibilities. Further details to come.