Steve Barney and Sophine

DAY 066 Steve Barney and Sophine photographed exclusively for the 100 Men Hall People Project (100MHPP).

When I first came to Bay Saint Louis, after the storm, I heard about the Hall. It was not until a few years later that I came to an event here. I think it was the Tarts and Tramps ball, which was a fundraiser for the arts – a big costume party – and I met Jesse Loya and started getting into a shared interest in the blues. I was here for the seldom times they had live music. I always felt such a connection with the building and the desire to establish it as a center for kids to inspire them with hands on activities. Every time I have been here has been its own special magic. Something happens when people get on stage. I remember Gregory Barabino doing his Prince karaoke, which was probably the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. I remember seeing a dance competition at the Tarts and Tramps ball, there was this teacher from New Orleans and the Hall was like this secret thing that only a few people in New Orleans knew about, and I could see the joy on her face. Then what Cedric Burnside did for the Baria fundraiser! Words cannot describe the experience when I felt the juke joint feeling. It was such a party!

(Photo by: Gus Bennett | The 100 Men Hall People Project)

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