Sometimes you have to wonder if people fail to pay attention on purpose. How else could they not notice this great local singer? You don't have to look hard to find her. She's performed alongside the rock-funk outfit Snowshoe 'N Lewis at the Gatsby, DJ Sun at his Monday-night stint at Brasil, and DJ Joe B at Azteca's. Michelle Thibeaux is one of those soulful, New Age songbirds -- in the same vein as boho-soul goddesses Amel Larrieux, Julie Dexter and Goapele -- with a stirring voice and an unrelenting optimism. Here's hoping that in the coming year Thibeaux gets all the success she deserves -- or at least some airplay on a cool public-radio show.