I used to think that once you were a grown-up you did something right the first time.

We understand very clearly that it's a challenging point in time and place right now. We have lost our loved ones. We have lost some of our communities, our jobs, our homes. It's a hard time for us. But we have to rebuild. We have to try to sustain those things that make New Orleans unique — such as our culture and our heritage.

For a freshman to come in here the first time, he showed good poise and I think he's right on track,

That's right, this is the first time I've spoken to any assembly, first education outreach except for a few on-center tours. So it will be an education for me. Make sure I don't bore them.

We have a good time, then we go and cook them. That's the best time right there.

I didn't think I was wasting my time. I thought I was in the right company. Those guys were so good. The more we played, the more it became obvious that we had something special. No other band was... I didn't think any other band was capable of what we were doing.