Brassy legends

Al Hirt and Pete Fountain, two New Orleans legends of jazzy make a brassy appearance down in the French Quarter at Legends Park, 311 Bourbon Street. Alios Maxwell Hirt was born in New Orleans and went to Cincinatti to study at the Cincinatti Conservatory of Music. He played with a lot of local bands before opening his own club in the Quarter. Who can forget his golden horn in the hit "Java?"

Pete Fountain is legendary with his licorice stick -- the clarinet that can sing. He played with Lawrence Welk and the Dukes of Dixieland before opening his own club in the Quarter. Pete was a founder and is the most prominent member of The Half Fast Walking Club, maybe the best known marching Krewes that parades down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day. The self-proclaimed "Prince of Mardi Gras" has done command performances for four president. If you have heard his rendition of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" then you have been blessed.

They're part of a three-statue display. Just off screen to the right is Fats Domino -- more on him another time.

--steve buser