I first got the idea for Sidewalk Saints in August of 2007. I was on summer vacation from teaching high school in New York City, and I wanted to write a book about Hurricane Katrina. For two weeks, I roamed New Orleans and asked people to tell their tragic stories. It was a hard sell. People didn’t seem to want to talk about it. They were busy rebuilding their lives. The only eager storytellers were the utterly devastated, those who were unable to get on with their lives but unwilling to leave. I found myself glued to the sweaty benches of Jackson Square absorbing the bitter resent of forsaken souls. It didn’t give me much hope for the future of New Orleans. Eventually, I gave up. For my final days in New Orleans, I played guitar on the streets. I hardly made any money, but I met some wonderful performers. I vowed to return and write their stories. After finishing another school year I moved here with my savings.

       Over the past year I’ve met over a hundred New Orleans street performers. The fifty stories in the first edition of Sidewalk Saints represent only a portion of what this city has to offer.  Any editorial, photography or design feedback would be greatly appreciated. 

    Curbside Press is a small independent press owned by the author and financed by his credit cards. For some of Jim Flynn's other projects visit curbsidemedia.org

    Sidewalksaints.com is designed and technically managed by part time New Orleans street performer and freelance web designer Eli Pritykin. He’s the best.