Jazzfest 50. It was my first time being there, and I tried to fit as much in as I could. I discovered that 4 days is just not enough time to see everything (New Orleans is so rich in culture, history, and music) I went for the love of music, well that was achieved. Going into Jazzfest for a first timer there are some things to consider. There were something like a half a million people in attendance. I saw as much as I could, needless to say, one person can’t see all there is to offer. Now the original plan was: 1, to see the Rolling Stones, the next thing was to let the ‘Big Easy’ guide my way. This is where NOLA took me: Daiquiris that would blow your socks off, some not too fancy but sooo very tasty Po-boys, fish plates, and good times. So we stroll right on over to a wonderful place called “The Art Garage” This place was filled up with beautiful art by, Scramble Campbell and Michael Weintrob (“Instrument Head”) and not to mention some great music. Starting it off with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Not too shabby. The Voodoo Visionary played in the later part of the evening. Rest assured that if you miss the Voodoo Cats you’ll get the chance any night at this place. Getting to meet the photographer that has the place named after his vision (Michael Weintrob, “Instrument Head”) was a real treat! You ever get the chance to see his work, do it!! In addition to all the music going on this street corner you might even get the chance to see Papa Mali play acoustic. One incredible night for music and art. Some of the art that you would come across would be on a wall outside this building like seeing, Harriet Tubman on the 20$ bill!
Thursday’s festivities start off with Bloody Marys and some great food from a place called “Toast”. Highly recommended if you’re staying in walking distance to the fairgrounds. I mean these people who run this place pride themselves on being so kind! Huge plus in my books. This was my first day going in to the Fairgrounds and I come across Anders Osborne, Samantha Fish, Marc Broussard, just at the start. Then Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk, keep in mind that this is just the beginning. Widespread Panic was on my list especially after Rolling Stones canceled but rest assured, they brought the heat as they do! With Pigeons Playing Pingpong as the set opener, then George Porter Jr. coming out to play with WSP giving some love out to Dr. John. Next up on the list is the great Ziggy Marley closing out the first day of JazzFest in the Fairgrounds. That night we decided to swing by the Civic Theater to see The Claypool Lennon Delirium. I mean when you get this song Astronomy Domine to start out the night with some Pink Floyd love you know that everything will work out. Getting to see Mike Dillon playing Tablas was so exciting for me, he is a drums beast! The NOLA city scape was the icing on the cake. Not too shabby for a first night.
Friday starts off with coffee and a little food to get going in the fairgrounds. Seeing the parade swinging right by you showing the culture of NOLA.
Walking around the fest today I got to see Cedric Watson, North Mississippi Allstars, Kamasi Washington, Ani DiFranco, and my new favorite, Cha Wa. Wow, so much fun! Now as I was talking to a veteran of Jazzfest he told me that I have to pay a visit to the gospel tent and it doesn’t count if there isn’t at least 50 people up on stage. Well I go on over there after walking around soaking up the festivities and wallah, Mount Hermon Baptist Church Praise Delegation Choir…50 people singing the gospel. I say, level achieved!! Now after all that you would think that everything is getting ready to wrap up, nope. on the agenda is a little Chris Stapleton, Los Lobos, Papa Mali and Friends, and Gary Clark Jr. Such a great way to closing out the second day. We walked over 10 miles that day not even considering all the dancing that was happening. So Now good ole family time for the evening!!
Saturday was kind of a rainy start so we decided to take a little R&R to just check out the area. Lunch time was at a little restaurant called, A Piece of Meat! If you’re into Brisket, Boudin and Cheese filled Egg Rolls, or a Pork Belly Cuban, definitely stop in!! So tasty indeed. We just ended up walking around talking to neighbors about the area, getting some lemonade and taking it easy for the late night that is upon us with so many decisions. (I recommend bringing a lucky coin for undecidable situations). Now we end up going back to The Art Garage to check out Craig Greenberg, Eric McFadden and friends, DJ. Williams Shots Fired, and Voodoo Visionary. Something about the art in this place just kept me coming back. Got a late night sweet treat at Cafe Du Monde, coffee and beignets served as fuel for the late night music extravaganza. A coin toss landed us right inside the Maison to see Galactiphunk with the Ivan and Ian Neville, Stanton Moore, Tony Hall, Nick Daniels, Robert Mercurio, Alvin Ford JR., and The Naughty Professor Horns. Whew, what a set!! It was on fire! Oh yeah, another level achieved, the sun came up.
For the final day we decided to just do the fairgrounds and what a day. Very hot outside, lots of beautiful smiles and great music from artists such as, George Porter JR. and the Run-in Pardoners, Cyril Neville’s Swamp Funk, Hardhead Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Little Feat, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band, The Radiators, Chaka Kahn, Trombone Shorty, John Fogerty, And Herbie Hancock! Lots of dancing in there enjoying the day all the way to the end!! What a treat. We ended the night at a lovely little restaurant called, Melba’s with some great friends and the family.
This was such a true pleasure of getting to let the Big Easy guide me to what I needed the most, the full experience of NOLA. I’ll be heading back for sure. Road trip anyone?
Thursday’s festivities start off with Bloody Marys and some great food from a place called “Toast”. Highly recommended if you’re staying in walking distance to the fairgrounds. I mean these people who run this place pride themselves on being so kind! Huge plus in my books. This was my first day going in to the Fairgrounds and I come across Anders Osborne, Samantha Fish, Marc Broussard, just at the start. Then Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk, keep in mind that this is just the beginning. Widespread Panic was on my list especially after Rolling Stones canceled but rest assured, they brought the heat as they do! With Pigeons Playing Pingpong as the set opener, then George Porter Jr. coming out to play with WSP giving some love out to Dr. John. Next up on the list is the great Ziggy Marley closing out the first day of JazzFest in the Fairgrounds. That night we decided to swing by the Civic Theater to see The Claypool Lennon Delirium. I mean when you get this song Astronomy Domine to start out the night with some Pink Floyd love you know that everything will work out. Getting to see Mike Dillon playing Tablas was so exciting for me, he is a drums beast! The NOLA city scape was the icing on the cake. Not too shabby for a first night.
Friday starts off with coffee and a little food to get going in the fairgrounds. Seeing the parade swinging right by you showing the culture of NOLA.
Walking around the fest today I got to see Cedric Watson, North Mississippi Allstars, Kamasi Washington, Ani DiFranco, and my new favorite, Cha Wa. Wow, so much fun! Now as I was talking to a veteran of Jazzfest he told me that I have to pay a visit to the gospel tent and it doesn’t count if there isn’t at least 50 people up on stage. Well I go on over there after walking around soaking up the festivities and wallah, Mount Hermon Baptist Church Praise Delegation Choir…50 people singing the gospel. I say, level achieved!! Now after all that you would think that everything is getting ready to wrap up, nope. on the agenda is a little Chris Stapleton, Los Lobos, Papa Mali and Friends, and Gary Clark Jr. Such a great way to closing out the second day. We walked over 10 miles that day not even considering all the dancing that was happening. So Now good ole family time for the evening!!
Saturday was kind of a rainy start so we decided to take a little R&R to just check out the area. Lunch time was at a little restaurant called, A Piece of Meat! If you’re into Brisket, Boudin and Cheese filled Egg Rolls, or a Pork Belly Cuban, definitely stop in!! So tasty indeed. We just ended up walking around talking to neighbors about the area, getting some lemonade and taking it easy for the late night that is upon us with so many decisions. (I recommend bringing a lucky coin for undecidable situations). Now we end up going back to The Art Garage to check out Craig Greenberg, Eric McFadden and friends, DJ. Williams Shots Fired, and Voodoo Visionary. Something about the art in this place just kept me coming back. Got a late night sweet treat at Cafe Du Monde, coffee and beignets served as fuel for the late night music extravaganza. A coin toss landed us right inside the Maison to see Galactiphunk with the Ivan and Ian Neville, Stanton Moore, Tony Hall, Nick Daniels, Robert Mercurio, Alvin Ford JR., and The Naughty Professor Horns. Whew, what a set!! It was on fire! Oh yeah, another level achieved, the sun came up.
For the final day we decided to just do the fairgrounds and what a day. Very hot outside, lots of beautiful smiles and great music from artists such as, George Porter JR. and the Run-in Pardoners, Cyril Neville’s Swamp Funk, Hardhead Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Little Feat, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band, The Radiators, Chaka Kahn, Trombone Shorty, John Fogerty, And Herbie Hancock! Lots of dancing in there enjoying the day all the way to the end!! What a treat. We ended the night at a lovely little restaurant called, Melba’s with some great friends and the family.
This was such a true pleasure of getting to let the Big Easy guide me to what I needed the most, the full experience of NOLA. I’ll be heading back for sure. Road trip anyone?