Bill's Jazz Fest Picks - Day VII

BILL’S JAZZ FEST PICKS – DAY VII

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No Andy Williams, not Christmas, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the unchallenged greatest music and culture event on the planet. People say it is the coolest sloppiest Fest on record… maybe, but the music and the spirit of the guests are warm and welcoming as always.

My hot picks, dedicated to Callie –

Kick off the day with the guys from the Creole String Beans; as a matter of fact, you could spend the entire day right there at Gentilly (following CSB, N. O. Classic R&B Review, Irma “The Soul Queen of N. O.” Thomas, and Hall & Oates – if you are not tired of 70s & 80s Pop from yesterday). Aaron Neville closes the stage if it just is not Jazz Fest for you unless you finish by hearing his unique and beautiful voice. The first big wave goes from 1:30 to 2:45ish: James Andrews, the N. O. Nightcrawlers, Doreen’s Jazz N. O., Feufollet, and the Meter Men. John Boutte’ kicks off the next wave followed by “Wolfman” Washington, the TBC Brass Band, the irrepressible Bobby Lounge, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, and Pete Fountain. Wrap it up with the Del McCoury and Preservation Hall Jazz Bands, the N. O. Klezmer All-Stars, the debut Acura closeout of Trombone Shorty. Today’s “Who dat?” pick is Brushy One-String of Jamaica.

Remember to practice the “Walk By”, stroll by the many different stages to see bands that you have never heard of for a song or two. I promise that you will discover something fabulous you never even know existed.

One other thing LA culture lovers, the latest issue of Louisiana Kitchen and Culture (MyLouisianaKitchen.com) has hit the stands and is available at Rouse’s and other fine local establishments. Enjoy my story in it about a Saturday Night Fish Fry – the song, not the meal!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to peek at my picks, I hope you discovered some aural pleasure previously unknown!