During my recent trip to New Orleans, I had lunch with Mary Burns. Click on this link or on her picture below to read the first part (details below) of my interview with her.
Born and raised in the Big Easy, she’s a retired Catholic school teacher who now teaches dance class for zydeco music: the springy, energetic sound familiar to anyone who’s ever visited the city’s live music venues.
Mary promised a true “N’awlins” experience, and took me to lunch at Deanie’s Seafood just outside of the city boundary. I expected it was going to be a straightforward meal, but it took all afternoon. Not only did we enjoy a long lunch together but we also went dancing afterward. It was a great experience.
And she’s a wonderful storyteller. Too many stories for one article. So for the first time ever I’m splitting up my interview into two parts. Today’s first part focuses on her life as a school teacher. Next week, I’ll post part two, all about her life as a zydeco dancer. And that one will have embarrassing video of me in it.