It's like this street musician in the Quarter who always says, "Man, we just trying to get back to abnormal!"

NPR: My Home Is New Orleans

To save the project (and to keep the kids in the movie), he recruits a local friend, Shakib (Shakib Ben Omar), a fanciful musician and a former street kid, to take over.

NEWYORKER: You All Are Captains

Hayes taught himself to play the piano, and after cutting his teeth on the Beale Street club scene, he worked his way into a gig as a house musician at Stax.

NPR: Soul Legend Isaac Hayes, From 'Shaft' To 'Chef'