Steam Calliope on the paddle-wheeler Natchez in New Orleans

[sobars1]

I was a kid on Long Island in the 50's. On a Saturday afternoon, I heard loud calliope music; maybe somebody had a big sound system on the next block. I got on my bike and pedaled in the direction of the sound.

After a TWO-MILE bike ride, I found the truck-mounted calliope as part of a circus in a farm field. The player was a nice old man who told me all about the calliope. Rated at 80 psi, he kept it at 40 to avoid complaints! At full volume, it had been heard 20 miles away! Wow!

[deguyt]

what is the title of this tune?

i heard it playing from a steam schip on "Delfsail" here in Holland.

cant get out of my head LOL

[riverexplorer]

The name of the song is "If you knew Suzie". The Str. SUCCES calliope must have had an American record songs for it's player if they have that one over there!

[GomezMarga]

I can't believe you cut it off just as I was getting my dance on.

[2speakfreely]

That looks like the same large lady who played the calliope back in spring 2004 during the 2 weeks we were in N.O. We walked down Canal St to the river every morning and could hear it long before we got there. Most romantic time we ever had. Too bad N.O. is being ruined by speculators after Katrina. N.O. was a town where "poor folks" could have a great time...imagine that concept!

[bubbbs2]

it is the same lady. she has been our resident calliope player since 1989. Her name's Debbie Fagnano.

[4freespeech]

Great! Next question, is it possible to get a CD of her artistic numbers? What a treat that would be! (2 speakfreely is now

4freespeech)

[jgriffle]

OMG The happiest atonal music ever.