The Real Thing:
The new HBO series Treme is the real thing. It's filmed here, it depicts real characters, it often has characters playing themselves, and it accurately shows the quirky, geo-centric traditions and lifestyles. It shows New Orleans as it was just after Hurricane Katrina with chilling accuracy. Much of the club and music scenes are filmed on Frenchmen Street, at the edge of the French Quarter and just a short walk from Treme. WWOZ, where Davis was a D.J. is a real radio station, and Krewe du Vieux is a real parade that lampoons politics and many other things.
About Treme:
Treme is a New Orleans neighborhood just outside of the French Quarter and includes Congo Square, The Mahalia Jackson Theater and Louis Armstrong Park. It was here in Treme in Congo Square that American Jazz was born. Treme also is home to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, many of the Mardi Gras Indians and many of New Orleans famous musicians.
Real New Orleans:
Many of the characters in the Treme series portray real New Orleans people and many real New Orleans people play themselves. John Goodman who plays Creighton, lives here. Elvis Costello, Alan Toussaint, Kermit Ruffins, James Andrews, Troy Andrews, aka Trombone Shorty, saxophonist Ben Ellman from Galactic, the Pfister Sisters, Davis Rogan, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, Tom McDermott, Dr. John, Coco Robicheaux all play themselves in eposodes of Treme.
When to Catch the Show:
Teme is on HBO, Sunday nights at 10:00 pm. Beware, it's additive.
