On April 28, 2023, Axial Tilt took the stage for their first of two unforgettable nights of music at the intimate Café Istanbul in New Orleans. The band featured an all-star lineup that included Jay Lane–who will rock the fairground of Jazz Fest with Dead & Company later this week–John Kadlecik and Rob Eaton on guitars, Mitch Stein on keyboards, Lisa Mackey on vocals, Skip Vangelas on bass, and Wally Ingram on percussion.

The night, which was comprised of one acoustic set and two electric sets per night and lasted five hours all in all, kicked off with a collection of acoustic classics like “The Wheel,” “Candyman,” and “From the Heart of Me.” The raw frame also featured heartfelt ballads, including “To Lay Me Down,” warming up the crowd with the soft light of the Grateful Dead’s enduring flame.

The band then took that energy to launch into an electric set that showcased their diverse range of musical talent and the power of groove. The set included fan favorites like “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Tennessee Jed,” and “Bird Song,” along with other iconic jams like “Black Throated Wind” and “Ramble On Rose.” The frame concluded with a penultimate “Cassidy” and a closing, “Bird Song.”

After a brief intermission, Axial Tilt returned for an electric Lane boosted into the infectious funk fills behind “Shakedown Street.” After flowing through “Greatest Story Ever Told,” and “Stagger Lee,” The outfit locked into a non-stop jam that melded “Corrina” > “Drums” > “I Need A Miracle” > “Wharf Rat” a rousing rendition of “Sugar Magnolia,” followed by “Liberty” which left the crowd begging still wanting more despite the hour. Luckily for them, Axial Tilt will showcase their jamming blend of rock, funk and blues tonight.

Notably, Melvin Seals and GB will perform at the venue on May 5 and 6, while the Gatorators featuring the Radiator’s Dave Malone, Mamile Baudin, Reggie Scanlan and more will perform on Sunday, May 7. The shows can be livestreamed on FANS.Live here.

See Cafe Instabul’s full schedule for Jazz Fest below.

Axial Telt
Cafe Istanbul – New Orleans
April 28, 2023
Acoustic Set: The Wheel, New Speedway Boogie, From The Heart Of Me, Candyman, To Lay Me Down, Mr. Charlie

Electric Set I: Mississippi Half-Step, Looks Like Rain, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali Blues, Row Jimmy, Black Throated Wind, Ramble On Rose, Cassidy, Bird Song

Electric Set II: Shakedown Street, Greatest Story Ever Told, Stagger Lee, Corrina > Drums > I Need A Miracle > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia, Liberty