I know its Jazzfest weekend, but I just have to write about my amazing weekend at French Quarter Fest, April 9 – 11. Along with hearing some great musicians who are friends, I also had the privilege to be introduced to some new musicians who literally knocked me out. Now, we all know New Orleans musicians are the best in the world but seeing them up close and having an opportunity to talk to them makes the experience that much richer.
As I mentioned in my last blog, Tom Hook was out and about all weekend playing. He presented a tribute to Louis Prima on Friday afternoon in Dutch Alley and by the time I arrived, you couldn’t get in the room. People were five deep out the door. Luckily Tom performed for those in and outside and we enjoyed a great tribute. Louis Prima’s daughter was in attendance, what a treat for her to hear some of her dad’s favorite songs. Keep your eye out to see if he’s doing it around town, it’s a must for any Louis Prima fan! Each evening I ended the Fest with a nice trio with Tom at Scarlett O’Hara’s on Decatur St. This is a nice small restaurant located right next to the firehouse. Tom will be playing a regular gig here, so check it out.
Sunday morning I was invited to join Sharon and her sister-in-law Kathy at the Royal Sonesta for Glen David Andrews and a Gospel Hour. Kathy and Sharon tell me Glen led the “Aint’s Funeral Second Line” after the Superbowl. He’s an amazing trombone player who played his heart out and took our hearts with his moving lyrics and high energy. He featured British pianist John Richardson, Dewon Scott on drums and a kick butt virtuoso on the Sousaphone Julis McKee. Glen David Andrews has a facebook and myspace page, I encourage everyone to check him out and support another great New Orleans musician. Sunday afternoon Rick Trolsen and the New Orleans Po-Boys took center stage in the French Market. Rich has assembled an amazing group of musicians and the crowd responded with a full dance floor. A big congratulation goes out to Rick on his Big Easy Music Award for World Music!
I spent a weekend with great friends, great music in a great city..what more can you ask for?
Peace,
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
French Quarter Festival
French Quarter Fest is this weekend and I’m ready for a good time! Be sure to check out my good friend Tom Hook on Friday from 3-4 in Jazz Park. A Musical Tribute to Louis Prima,
My pick for the start of the festival on Friday is 11 – 12 in Jackson Square where Connie Jones & the French Quarter Festival All-Stars kick off the festival with some great traditional New Orleans music. You can’t go wrong with the Jackson Square stage on Friday, all great acts and lots of room to stretch out on the lawn.
Saturday, I’ll be starting off from 11-12 in Jackson Square listening to Tim Laughlin. I’ll be catching Tom McDermott & His Jazz Hellions from 1-2 on Bourbon Street. From 4-5, I’ll be in Woldenberg Riverfront Park listing to Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque swingers. Closing the day will be Bonerama in Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
Sunday, 1-2 the Pfister Sisters are in Jackson Square. My good friend Rick Trolsen & the New Orleans Po-Boys will be playing in the French Market from 4-5 followed by Astral Project at the Louisiana State Museum (Old U.S. Mint).
I’ll be all over the quarter everyday enjoying a festival that is truly a New Orleans spirit. Only local musicians are selected to perform and this shows the tourist just what makes the city special.
I’ll also be checking out a new Wine Bar & Courtyard while in town. Vine & Dine at 141 Delaronde Street in Algiers Point is opening a Wine Bar & Courtyard. I met owner Vanessa Thurber when I was last in town. She has a wonderful selection of reasonably priced wines. I picked up a very nice French Champagne for my friends Barb & Rick Trolsen’s wedding anniversary. You can contact Vanessa at 504-361-1402 or check out the website at www.vine-dine.com
I look forward to seeing y’all this weekend.
Peace
“Under the direction of pianist Tom Hook, this forty five minute performance will include an eight piece band, plus a vocalist, for a swinging set of Louis Prima favorites.”You can also catch him from 5-6 in Jackson Square the WWII museum presents “The Victory Belles & The Victory 6”. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can catch him at Scarlett O’Haras in the quarter from 7-11pm. You’ll find me wherever Tom is playing because he is “My Favorite!”
My pick for the start of the festival on Friday is 11 – 12 in Jackson Square where Connie Jones & the French Quarter Festival All-Stars kick off the festival with some great traditional New Orleans music. You can’t go wrong with the Jackson Square stage on Friday, all great acts and lots of room to stretch out on the lawn.
Saturday, I’ll be starting off from 11-12 in Jackson Square listening to Tim Laughlin. I’ll be catching Tom McDermott & His Jazz Hellions from 1-2 on Bourbon Street. From 4-5, I’ll be in Woldenberg Riverfront Park listing to Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque swingers. Closing the day will be Bonerama in Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
Sunday, 1-2 the Pfister Sisters are in Jackson Square. My good friend Rick Trolsen & the New Orleans Po-Boys will be playing in the French Market from 4-5 followed by Astral Project at the Louisiana State Museum (Old U.S. Mint).
I’ll be all over the quarter everyday enjoying a festival that is truly a New Orleans spirit. Only local musicians are selected to perform and this shows the tourist just what makes the city special.
I’ll also be checking out a new Wine Bar & Courtyard while in town. Vine & Dine at 141 Delaronde Street in Algiers Point is opening a Wine Bar & Courtyard. I met owner Vanessa Thurber when I was last in town. She has a wonderful selection of reasonably priced wines. I picked up a very nice French Champagne for my friends Barb & Rick Trolsen’s wedding anniversary. You can contact Vanessa at 504-361-1402 or check out the website at www.vine-dine.com
I look forward to seeing y’all this weekend.
Peace
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