As I reflected on my eighth JazzFest experience, I thought about the previous seven and how each of them stands out in my mind in special ways. However, I’ve got to be honest…this was my favorite ever. Last year, I named my column “There’s something about New Orleans.” Well, I’ve got to put a little emphasis on that…there’s NOTHING like New Orleans. Yes, she has an extra spring in her step because the Saints deservingly won the Super Bowl, but the vibe down south this year was greater than before.
More people than imaginable flocked to the beautiful city with pure intentions…listening to the fabulous music, eating the unparallelled food, visiting the angelic sites and just taking in a little of the intangible magic.
I brought Cloud 9’s new marketing coordinator with me. She’s never been to New Orleans and I wanted to show her the ropes…and boy did I! Spending six days down there, we really got a chance to take advantage of all the great city had to offer.
From the moment we got off the plane, it was go time. We headed to the hotel to drop our stuff off, pick up Col Bruce Hampton, the birthday boy, and head to the famous Jaques-Imos for a unique experience and DELICIOUS cuisine. Along with a cast of characters 25 deep, we ate and ate while celebrating life.
Leanne and I had a lovely time with one of our favorite dinner dates who sat across from us as we laughed the night away
Three hours later, it was time to hit the clubs. And the night wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t run into my good friend Ivan Neville
Thursday at the Fairgrounds was AMAZING. The weather was perfect, not hot at all, sunny and NOT CROWDED. I felt right a sense of relief as I crossed through that glorious gate
The Panic fans were in the house in full force that day….and boy do I love that view of the Acura stage with all the flags
We’re dancing on our blankets and all of a sudden, a little reminder that we are in the right place pops up in between the corners.
My good buddy Martin Sexton performed on the Fa Do-Do Stage and his majestic voice resonated throughout the fairgrounds
After Dr Klaw performed, Kraz, Brandi, Kofi & I posed for a cute shot
Scramble Campbell, Frenchy & John Bukaty painted incredible live art during Widespread Panic
Walking around at night in the French Quarter, I continue to be amazed at the sheer beauty of New Orleans. The city glows like an endless candle
Late night – KDTU at Tips. I love hanging with that band, and we always tend to get a little silly
The cuteness factor of Terence Higgins & Ron Johnson is at an ultimate high, even at 4:00am
Next day, back at the fairgrounds, I had to go backstage after the New Orleans Social Club played and meet Leo Nocentelli as he is a special guest on Jam Cruise 9. He’s quite a cool cat
With so much of New Orleans devastated after Katrina, rebuilding performing arts facilities took time and effort. The incredible Mahalia Jackson Theater was one of the effected locations that have just re-opened. It’s GORGEOUS inside and a perfect venue for Gov’t Mule to shine
The backstage hang was great and Scott Metzger and I took a moment to hug
I definitely wasn’t going to miss out on a friendly moment with Danny Louis
Although I didn’t take photos of every show we went to that night, we hit five from 9pm – 5am. Here, Nigel had just finished playing with Some Cat From Japan at Tips French Quarter. We were all outside figuring out our next move…I mean, the night was young at only 4:00am, right? For the record, I fully support the career of Nigel Hall. He’s one to watch.
Now onto my favorite artist of the week…….Anders Osborne. I have been seeing this man perform since college in 1994. He’s one of the most angelic, talented, passionate, soulful musicians EVER. His career is FINALLY hitting an all-time high and keeps soaring as his soul continues to ignite. I can’t say enough about Anders Osborne except giving advice to my readers: GET TO KNOW ANDERS’S MUSIC!
He NAILED it at the fairgrounds on Saturday to a crowd of about 30,000 deep on the Acura Stage. We had a GREAT spot behind the jumbotron & speaker and I was in heaven.
All I can say with this photo is I’m Livin The Life and I know it….
Big Sam (or since he lost so much weight, I like to call him Medium Sam) is a simply delightful human being. He’s so real that when we were talking to him, you could sense that he was listening to every word, truly taking everything we said to heart. And of course, on top of that, he’s a STELLAR musician with a career that has JUST gotten started.
Musical explosion was hitting the Howlin Wolf late night as Galactic took the stage at 2:00am. Their new album Ya-Ka-May is OUTSTANDING and hosts numerous special guests. Here, the powerful stage lights emphasize the electric performance.
So it’s 5:00am….what to do now…OK Robert, we’ll go to Café Du Monde for beignets and milk….honestly, this was one of my highlights of JazzFest. It was SUCH a fun New Orleans thing to do….
Sunday night – RAGE! Lettuce & Soulive and the Royal Family Ball lit up the Wolf until LATE. I teased a bunch of information about Jam Cruise and loved hanging with Deitch and Shmeeans backstage. These two bands continue to transform funk music coupled with intense energy and soul.
Topaz, one of my old skool friends, showed up at around 4:00am. Better late than never, buddy!
As we were walking in the French Quarter, a comfortable smile was fixated on my face. I feel right at home at JazzFest in New Orleans. There are so many friends that go every year that I can’t stand outside a venue without throwing my hands up with joy at another familiar face. I can’t dance at a show without shaking it next to a companion I have shared so many nights with before. I can’t walk 10 feet at the fairgrounds without hearing my name called and immediately being drawn to their warm blankets, their colorful flags, their open hearts.
As we were walking in the French Quarter, a comfortable feeling entered my soul as I reflected on what New Orleans has been through over the past five years and what they have overcome. This city and its people have developed a brand new sense of dignity & honor. They have triumphed over tragedy on such a deep level that most of us will never even comprehend how bad it was when Katrina hit.
So when we came around the corner and I saw the glitter Fleur-de-lis on the sidewalk in the French Quarter, my eyes lit up knowing that whomever took the time to draw the symbolic flower, I believe, was making a powerful statement of courage and pride.
There’s nothing like New Orleans…really, it’s true.
