As for music...Even if there are no bands playing that you like (which should be impossible) just walk around and you will find something you'll love. I fell in love with all the bands I barely knew, mostly the local NOLA guys such as Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers, Galactic, Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Dumpstaphunk, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Boutte, Meschiya Lake and the Little Bighorn, Hot 8 Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Shamarr Allen and many more.
Now here is where I might lose you. It doesn't matter who the headliner is—trust me on this. I don't care if they form a power group with the ghosts of Elvis, Tupac, Biggie, the Big Bopper and Johnny Cash. I'll admit I am not a dancer, but when a group of Mardi Gras Indians is performing, you're bound to at least sway side to side. Other sure bets are the tents. Even if you don't like blues or gospel, the tents are cooler and have places to sit. I promise you'll enjoy yourself even if you are just looking for a place to rest. Those performers may not be on the Acura Stage, but they put their all into the show.
I like to discover new music at the Jazzfest. This year I stumbled onto a band called Vintage Trouble. I was not sure if I was listening to ’50s rock and roll or a newer version of it, but the lead singer Ty Taylor blew me away. Jerry Lee Lewis sounded as good this weekend as he did 40 years ago with songs like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On" and "Great Balls of Fire." No Doubt with Gwen Stefani was a high-energy performance; No Doubt was so much better live than spinning some vinyl. Lenny Kravitz was the ladies’ man for the day; he could make love to a mike stand. Sir Elton John had the stage presence of the current king of rock and roll. In his five-decade career John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. It was an honor to be standing 10 feet in front of “Rocketman.” The jam band Widespread Panic played on locals’ day Thursday. The “Nite Tripper” Dr. John, an iconic name in New Orleans, was one of the few closing out the festival on Sunday. More bands worth noting are Alison Krauss and Union Station, Macy Gray and Ed Sheeran.
New Orleans – Jazzfest: once you go and experience it, you will keep going back.
Text and photos by Thomas Long
*Disclaimer: The words expressed in photo blog reviews do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Music Connection Magazine.
