New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: May 6th
We had a great time in New Orleans last weekend. Perfect weather, fantastic food and music. That doesn’t get old. Some of you will be heading down for the 2nd weekend. Got some tips for you. Those of us who will be holding down the fort here….hope you enjoy the videos.
Here’s some tips for Friday’s festivities. At the Acura Stage you can see two excellent bands. Better Than Ezra at 3:40 and Arcade Fire at 5:35. Maybe you couldn’t get into one of the three sold out XRT shows Easter weekend here in Chicago. Don’t miss this band. I felt they were the highlight of last year’s Lollapalooza. Here’s a band riding a phenomenal wave of popularity and they deserve every bit of it.
The Gentily Stage is packed with talent. For some traditional New Orleans R&B show up at 11:30 for Bobby Cure & The Summertime Blues with guest Al Johnson. Al had a classic Mardi Gras hit in 1960…Carnival Time. I’ve heard him perform this at the fest, and it’s always a crowd pleaser…especially for the locals who know their music. You may have heard the song before. My Morning Jacket has performed it as an encore. If you wondered what ever happened to Edie Brickell you can find out at 1:00. One of Chicago’s favorite Louisiana bands, Buckwheat Zydeco, takes the stage at 2:25. And the great Willie Nelson closes the day at 5:45.
One of my priority pics for that day is to get over to the Congo Square Stage at 2:35 to see Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers. Kermit is a terrific trumpet player who has the humor and charisma of a young Louis Armstrong. He’s the real deal. And pick up a couple of his CD’s while you’re at it. Love him. And if you’ve always wanted to see Lupe Fiasco, you can at 5:45.
Speaking of jazz, don’t miss the Jazz Tent. David Torkanowsky’s Fleur Debris will feature the great bass man from the Meters, George Porter Jr. David is a local pianist who’s a favorite at the legendary Piano Nights. And at 5:35 it will be the Mingus Big Band. Charles Mingus is long gone but this band does a great job of keeping his music alive.
Speaking of jazz, don’t miss the Jazz Tent. David Torkanowsky’s Fleur Debris will feature the great bass man from the Meters, George Porter Jr. David is a local pianist who’s a favorite at the legendary Piano Nights. And at 5:35 it will be the Mingus Big Band. Charles Mingus is long gone but this band does a great job of keeping his music alive.
The Blues Tent is always a hit. Friday’s lineup will include Guitar Slim Jr at 12:25, Big Al Carson Blues Band at 1:35, Eric Lindell at 4:15 and Gregg Allman at 5:40. If you like the big voice blues vocalists, check out New Orleans’ own Luther Kent at 2:50.
If you need to sit for awhile and hear music you don’t often get to hear, get over to the Economy Hall Tent. You’ll see some second line dancing and hear some marvelous trad jazz. at 5:40 it’s Bob Wilber & the Crescent City Cats with special guests Dr. Michael White and Nik Payton. I highly recommend any band that features Dr. White. You’ll feel like you’re living in a different time. The music is that magical.
The Fais Do-Do Stage is the place to hear great cajun and zydeco bands. At 4:20 you can hear REAL country & western by a young band from Nashville called the Steel Drivers. Yee Haw.
Don’t walk by the Jazz & Heritage Stage without experiencing some of the fantastic Mardi Gras Indians and Brass Bands. As I mentioned last week, this year’s fest if focusing on the music of Haiti. New Orleans and Haiti share a musical heritage, and between Katrina and last year’s earth quake, they share a history of tragedy and rebirth. At 5:40 you can hear the popular Haitian band Djakout #1.
Gotta get your soul into the Gospel Tent. The most frequent text I got from friends last weekend was, “Meet me in the gospel tent.” All day long you can hear great church and community choirs and traditional vocal groups. But you’ve got to get there at 5:40 to see the great Irma Thomas in a Tribute to Mahalia Jackson’s 100th Birthday. Irma was in great form last weekend singing R&B, but she can take it to church. I’ve seen Irma do tributes to Mahilia and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Amazing. Put a gold star or something next to this on your schedule so you won’t miss it.
The Lagniappe Stage is an intimate area in the Grandstand where you can have a seat and hear some fine local music. A guaranteed good time is the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars. Love them. They will be celebrating their 20th anniversary. That’s a party you don’t want to miss.
There will be an interview program on the Tribute to Mahilia Jackson’t 100th birthday. Irma won’t be there, but if you’re into Ms. Jackson or gospel music, it should be a good conversation.
And don’t forget. The food there is as good as you can get anywhere on earth. Try the Cochon de Lait Po-Boy. If you like pork…trust me.
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