"Louque Letters to Sean"

 Greetings Sean,

Just wanted to thank you for your support, not only today but since day one when I bought the van and hit the road again.  I was afraid inside but knew I had to do it.  I have fond memories of those times when we opened the doors of the Gary State Bank.  I’ve been playing in many cool, non-venue spaces all over the country and it seems to be working.  I have truly found a sustainable path.

I’m enjoying creating the dialogue for these hats and talking about old Grand Point.  People don’t realize that ole Nelta Louque birthed a slew of baseball stars.  Names like Delaneuville, Heltz, Poirrier, Richard were all of her grand, great, and great great grand children.  

Looking back on it, it was all we had to do.  I imagine that’s why the Cubans are so good in baseball.  Playing everyday makes a great player, even with a plastic bat and ball made out of paper towels and duct tape.  

And speaking of the Cubans, buying that old van was kind of like building my raft to cross the ocean towards opportunity.  And I thank you for your generosity and openness to the idea that our people can be artists too.  

Kind regards,

Dut

"Louque Letters To Rusty Pipe"

 Greetings Rusty Pipe,

It was great to see your order come through.  I find it a great omen that your order number is 00011.  The number 11 has always carried significant meaning to me as it was Joey’s number.  

Thanks for always taking me seriously as a musician, even way back when it was only a dream and I probably came across a little odd for pursuing this path.  I honestly had no choice.  After Joey passed, I vowed to not let fear get in the way and work to find my true gifts.  It was challenging because my instincts were sending me down strange roads like acting and New York.  By the time I was getting weak and starting to doubt, your mom came down with meningitis and the nasty warrior in me reappeared.

I’m so proud to be where I’m from and I love the humility and resourcefulness of our tribe.  I spoke to my dad yesterday about locating the old St. Philamena church bell.  I’d love to erect it in the Point De Cannes and have an annual celebration for the ones we’ve lost.  We are headed on tour next month and will be stopping in Woodstock to record with my band and we are recording a song I wrote called “Under The Blood Red Sun”.  It’s all about the tragedies of Grand Point.

I hope this finds you well and on a path you love.  Life is not always easy, but now and then I look up and feel like I’m honoring the vow I made as a kid.  

Much Love,

Dut