Although this is the 13th annual Takoma Park JazzFest, this one is special for three reasons. First, it is moving from its traditional site at Jecqui Park to Carroll Avenue to accommodate the huge numbers of people and large number of first-class bands that are participating. Second, this year's theme, "A Taste of New Orleans," reflects the decision of the organizers to raise funds at the JazzFest for our friends in Louisiana who are still struggling to rebuild several years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

PATTY LOVELESS is an irrepressible and phenomenally effective campaigner for peace, non-violence, national health care, the rights of the disabled and an end to the death penalty. A veteran civil rights activist, he is a constant presence in all of our progressive political campaigns, and loves to teach about the social movements that have made America what it is today.

Patty, who lives in Tacoma Park, has had a rough time of it recently. He had a quadruple bypass operation several months ago and continues to battle diabetes. Although he is blind, Patty has more vision than everyone in the Bush administration combined.

Please join us this Sunday for the JazzFest and especially for the raucous Jazz Parade beginning at 1:45 PM at the music stage at Carroll and Willow Streets. Bring your musical instruments, Mardi Gras beads, friends and neighbors and come celebrate Patty Loveless, Takoma Park's "Peace Delegate"!