OffBeat Magazine April 2019 by OffBeat Magazine

OFFICIAL

FQ FEST GUIDE

PULL OUT STAGE SCHEDULES, MAP, FOOD & MORE!

DWAYNE DOPSIE HERE TO PUMP YOU UP!

NEW ORLEANS MUSIC, FOOD, CULTURE—APRIL 2019

Free In Metro New Orleans US $5.99 CAN $6.99 £UK 3.50

MIKE HARVEY'S HOT CLUB BRUCE DAIGREPONT COREY HENRY JAMES RIVERS MAINLINE GALACTIC COLE WILLIAMS MARGIE PEREZ GEORGE BENSON

INSIDE:

PHoto: NOE CUGNY

Offical French Quar t Festival Guider e

.BLAST FROM THE PAST

Stage Schedu le Map, FoOd & Mors, e!

Bourbon Renewal: They work hard for their money By Christopher Blagg November 2002

Everybody’s Talking Letters 6 Mojo Mouth

Fresh 10 My Music with Gina Leslie; Five Questions with Leon Chavis, Sweet Tweets and more.

Obituaries Eric Traub

Ready, Set, Go!

Galactic makes its French Quarter Festival debut.

NOLA Gypsy Jazz

Restaurant Review

Reviews 56

Bruce Daigrepont is back at Tipitina’s.

Ooh Baby!

Margie Perez will wow the crowd at French Quarter Festival.

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FESTIVAL FOCUS James Rivers Movement 37 Big 6 Brass Band 39 Tommy Sancton’s New Orleans Legacy Band 41 Them Ol’ Ghosts 43 MainLine 47 Carl LeBlanc 51

Corey Henry carries on the tradition.

Fais Do-Do

Our A to Z guide to French Quarter Festival.

Cole Williams, the punk empress of African rock.

A Trombone-Lovin’ City

FQF IQ

OffBeat Eats

Mike Harvey could not live without performing.

Right Here, Right Now

Dwayne Dopsie’s here to pump you up. Page 26

Michael Dominici reviews Justine.

Bonerama, Charlie Dennard, Benny Amón, Garden District Trio, Little Freddie King, Steve Conn, Norbert Susemihl, Belton Richard and more.

Listings 62 Backtalk with George Benson

Our cover feature on Bourbon Street highlighted four artists making a living on the street—Dwayne Dopsie, Gary Brown, Brian Lee and Pat Cohen. In our conversation with Dopsie he admitted to making a slew of contacts: “You have to be always at the top of your game because you never know who will show up at your gig. Everyone goes to Bourbon Street.” (To read more this issue can be purchased at http:// www.offbeat.com/issues/ november-2002/) A PRI L 2019

Letters

Louisiana Music, Food & Culture

“Why can’t we, as residents of this city, have just ONE event for us? Isn’t that what French Quarter Festival started out to be?” —Carol Jo Black, Algiers, Louisiana

April 2019 Volume 32, Number 4 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jan V. Ramsey, janramsey@offbeat.com

Havana Jazz Festival Great to see a review of the peerless Havana Jazz Festival in the March 2019 issue and the heads up about Cuban artists performing at Jazz Fest this year. I know OffBeat is for Louisiana musicians, but Cuba is definitely family, at least as far as New Orleans is concerned. —Ken McCarthy, Tivoli, New York

Marketing Music The following letter is in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post, “We Got a Good Thing” [March 2019] discussing developing a music industry to benefit both the French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.—Ed. I disagree with your point that French Quarter Festival should be “marketed.” I agree that this wonderful event has gotten too big. Why can’t we, as residents of this city, have just ONE event for us? Isn’t that what French Quarter Festival started out to be? —Carol Jo Black, Algiers, Louisiana

Cover Charges The following letter is in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post, “Mandatory Music Surcharges Could Pay Musicians More” [February 2019] advocating nominal cover charges at venues on Frenchmen Street so that musicians could be better paid (in lieu of a percentage of the bar or a tip jar).—Ed. I think it’s a wonderful idea. Naturally, and as you said, it would not be easy to get it through, unless you could recruit enough musicians to make their situation clear to enough people, market the hell out of the idea, and hope that it begins an un-ignorable groundswell. —Bob (Dr. Bob) Shaffer, New Orleans, Louisiana

Consulting Editor John Swenson Layout and design Eric Gernhauser, eric@offbeat.com Listings Editor Katie Walenter, listings@offbeat.com Contributors Stacey Leigh Bridewell, Noe Cugny, Michael Dominici, Robert Fontenot, Bill Forman, Ken Franckling, Jeff Hannusch, Tom McDermott, Amanda Mester, Brett Milano, Christopher Weddle, Dan Willging, John Wirt, Geraldine Wyckoff Cover Noe Cugny Web Editor Amanda Mester, amanda@offbeat.com Videographer/Web Specialist Noe Cugny, noecugny@offbeat.com Copy Editor Theo Schell-Lambert, theo@offbeat.com Michael Patrick Welch, michael@offbeat.com Advertising Sales/Promotions Coordinator Melinda Koslowsky (tutti@offbeat.com) Camille A. Ramsey (camille@offbeat.com)

Mardi Gras

Advertising Design PressWorks, 504-944-4300

The following letters are in response to Jan Ramsey’s blog post, “Mardi Gras Mixed Emotions” [March 2019] indicating being bored with Mardi Gras—been there, done that.—Ed. Mardi Gras doesn’t sound like my type of thing either. Visiting New Orleans is on my bucket list but, if and when I do go, it won’t be during Mardi Gras. —Donald Collier Proctor, Vero Beach, Florida As a relative newcomer to the madness or Mardi Gras (4th year here), we’ve always enjoyed the day and have done some pretty cool things that were on our bucket list. At 70 parades, it does tiresome and it’s a relief when Ash Wednesday rolls around. Given the cool conditions this year, we’ll probably wander down to hear some music from friends in the afternoon and enjoy the day(s) off! —Thomas E. Perlic, New Orleans, Louisiana

Managing Editor Joseph L. Irrera, josephirrera@offbeat.com

Interns Mia Fenice, Lucy Foreman, Catie Sanders Distribution Patti Carrigan, Doug Jackson OffBeat (ISSN# 1090-0810) is published monthly in New Orleans by OffBeat, Inc., 421 Frenchmen St., Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 944-4300 • fax (504) 944-4306 e-mail: offbeat@offbeat.com, web site: www.offbeat.com

OMISSION We failed to acknowledge everyone involved with our March 2019 cover photo of Boyfriend. They are: Piper Marie (makeup); Olivia Kessler (set decoration); Bambi DeVille (wardrobe). Glasses were by Krewe. We offer our sincere thank you to everyone.—Ed.

/offbeatmagazine Copyright © 2019, OffBeat, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. OffBeat is a registered trademark of OffBeat, Inc. First class subscriptions to OffBeat in the U.S. are available for $65 per year ($70 Canada, $140 foreign airmail). Back issues are available for $10, except for the Jazz Fest Bible for $15 (for foreign delivery add $5) Submission of photos and articles on Louisiana artists are welcomed, but unfortunately material cannot be returned.

OffBeat welcomes letters from its readers—both comments and criticisms. To be considered for publication, all letters must be signed and contain the current address and phone number of the writer. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for length or content deemed objectionable to OffBeat readers. Please send letters to Editor, OffBeat Publications, 421 Frenchmen St., Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70116.

APRIL 2019

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MOJO MOUTH

Honorarily Deserved By Jan Ramsey

rench Quarter Festival takes over the city’s oldest neighborhood in mid-April every year, and thank goodness it does. With 23 stages of alllocal music of all kinds, FQF is a welcome celebration of local musicians and bands. With the larger venues that have opened in New Orleans in the past few years to focus on bringing national and headline acts to the city, the FQF offers attendees— many of them from outside New Orleans—the opportunity to experience local bands in a big festival setting where all of our local musicians are rightfully seen as “headliners.” One of those headliners (at 2:00 p.m. on the Tropical Isle© Main Stage) is a very old friend of

APRIL 2019

mine. In fact, I used to go listen to his band when I was a teenager, whenever his band played at local dances. He was also one of the musicians I got to know early on, when I first became involved with New Orleans music. That is Deacon John Moore, a consummate musician and vocalist, an astounding performer and band leader, a passionate supporter of musicians’ rights, and an empathic friend. Deacon John will receive a well-deserved honorary Doctorate of Music this year at Loyola University’s commencement ceremony on May 11. Our sincere and heartiest congratulations to him on this once-in-a lifetime achievement. If you happen to read Deac’s

bio, you’d be astounded at his accomplishments over his more than 50-year -long career. “If New Orleans has such a thing as a musical chameleon, it is certainly Deacon John,” OffBeat writer Jeff Hannusch has said. Blessed with a great voice trained in church, Deacon John began singing with his first R&B band in the seventh grade. He learned to play guitar by ear, and started playing professionally in 1957 while still in high school. In the 1960s, he played on many of the classic R&B hits during recording sessions with Allen Toussaint, Dave Bartholomew, Harold Battiste, Wardell Quezergue and Eddie Bo. He has performed at every New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and his sets are legendary.

He’s played in movies, television shows (including HBO’s Treme), in numerous television commercials, and has taught blues in Louisiana schools. Deac has won innumerable awards, including OffBeat’s Best of The Beat Lifetime Achievement Award in Music. He has performed for U.S. presidents and Louisiana mayors and governors. He was the star of the critically-acclaimed documentary movie, Going Back to New Orleans: The Deacon John Film, and a live concert DVD and CD, Deacon John’s Jump Blues. Is there anything that Deacon John can’t do or hasn’t done? An honorary doctorate? This man should be President! We love you, Deac. May we call you Dr. Deac now? O

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FRESH

Soundcheck

My Music

Five Questions with Gina Leslie

Leon Chavis

photo: Noe Cugny

APRIL 2019

“B

oozoo [Chavis] was my great-uncle and all his brothers played. My grandfather also played but people didn’t know him because my grandmother didn’t want him to play in the clubs. It was a big deal in the family but Boozoo was the one who recorded and dedicated his life to building a career in zydeco. When [my] dad [Joe “Chopper” Chavis] started playing [rubboard] with Keith Frank and T-Broussard, that’s when I really got into it. Before then, I thought it was old people’s music. I liked it but didn’t give it a chance because that was for old folks. But when he started playing with Keith Frank and T-Broussard, they were young guys. They dressed young. They incorporated some of the young music and that’s when the whole thing changed. I fell in love with it. I became friends with Brad Randall. He used to play accordion and dress cool. When I saw Brad and T-Broussard playing accordion, I said ’man, give me that accordion.‘ I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. I was already playing trumpet and piano so it was easier to figure out the accordion. The thing about the accordion is that you really can’t get lessons. You just have to be around it. I learned one song and when T-Broussard put me on stage, that was it. In the beginning, I just did Boozoo’s music. I studied it note for note. People used to tell me I was playing for Boozoo’s audience. They didn’t know Leon. I didn’t know Leon. As I started writing more, my audience and zydeco really evolved to this young generation. I felt that’s how I was able to survive because I went with them. It’s what I wanted to do. The Champ Is Here [Chavis’ fourth CD] was a turning point. I threw out the self-doubt and locked in on my fans. I know who my fans are and what they like. It took me a long time to figure that out because I wanted everybody to like every song. With All I Know [Chavis’ most recent CD], I was able to go more into my own lane and do my thing. Before then it was such a struggle mentally, like oh, I can’t say that. I can’t put a song out like that because no one is going to hire me. ”I guess that was the journey for me to figure it all out and be brave enough to say, 'you know what. I’m going to do it.‘ I realize I can’t please everybody. Right now you either love me or you hate me. There’s no walking the fence.” —Dan Willging www.OFFBEAT.com

photo: COURTSEY OF THE ARTIST

Gina Leslie has been hosting Sidney’s Saloon Sundays for the last two years. The weekly late-night series features two local bands before Leslie closes out with a set of her own, which often turns into a joyful jam session. How did it get started? Dave Hammer, Ric Robertson and I formed a band called Damn Gina. We weren’t established enough to get a gig in the big venues. We found Sidney’s as a place to host us, but wanted it to be a community event, not just about our band. Why did it work the way it did? It’s a place where many bands have played their first gig. Some bands were formed at Sidney’s. Most musicians who play all the time play what the tourist economy demands of them—but have side projects they just haven’t found a setting for. People have learned that this is an experimental place where people can bring those projects in and try them out. How do you find musicians? I have a running list of musicians I like and ask them if they have a side project or passion project that they’d like to showcase. Word also spreads, so people approach me and say they want to play. What brings people back every Sunday? It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what it is that brings people back. Because this has all been an experiment from the beginning, there’s unpredictability to it, and it has a relaxed atmosphere. It feels organic and you never quite know what’s going to happen. Each one is different but they all have the common thread of this being a supportive environment for whatever kind of music and whatever people may come through the door. It’s always fun to catch something before it’s blown up. It still feels like a community event that’s somewhat unknown. It’s known by musicians and people in the scene, but tourists don’t really know about it. That’s good for the intimate feeling, there’s a happy medium where we can funnel people in but still maintain that feeling. Why Sidney’s? There’s nowhere else in the city where you’ll hear a country band, a Brazilian band and a jazz band playing and have the same crowd, same dancers. A lot of times this is people’s last stop on their way home after their gigs, so it’s a room full of musicians who all have their instruments. At the end of the night, it just turns into a spontaneous jam where we open it up to the musicians to let them play so people can keep dancing. It’s a place to blow off steam at the end of the week. —Noe Cugny

FRESH

IN MEMORIAM

photo by Kim Welch

OffBeat.com news photos

Eric Traub (1947 - 2019)

“T

photo by Brian Bennett

he more flexible you are, the more you work—that’s the way it’s done down here,” saxophonist Eric Traub once said. He lived his life by those words, adeptly blowing modern and traditional jazz, R&B, blues and soul, as well as performing what he described as “tuxedo jobs”—shows, weddings and conventions. Eric Traub, who grew up in Buffalo, New York and landed in New Orleans in 1982, died on Friday, February 15, 2019 at the age of 72. By age 14, Traub already knew he was destined to be a musician. His hometown boasted a healthy jazz scene and Traub checked out artists like saxophonist John Coltrane and organist Jack McDuff and studied music at school and with private teachers. He attended the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he majored in music education, and was drafted into the army following graduation, becoming a member of the field band. He received his master’s degree from the University of Miami and soon after headed out to tour with the noted bandleader and trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Traub remained with Ferguson for four years and is heard on his 1977 album New Vintage. After touring with Ferguson, Traub was looking for a place to land and was encouraged to come to New Orleans to join the swampy rock band Lil’ Queenie and the Percolators. “It was the best introduction to the city,” Traub once remembered, “because they were playin’ all the joints.” Through the years, Traub’s horn was heard in numerous settings and he quickly discovered spots like Tyler’s Beer Garden, where some of this city’s top jazzers frequently performed, to get down on some modern jazz. At the Storyville Jazz Hall (now B.B. King’s Blues Club), the saxophonist would riff in the horn section behind blues shouter Luther Kent. Traub enjoyed the spirit of traditional jazz and was a regular playing with drummer Bob French’s band on Monday nights at Donna’s Bar and Grill. Sticking to his philosophy of remaining flexible, Traub was a much called upon sideman with notables such as drummer Johnny Vidacovich and bassist/vocalist George French. He would also fill out the ranks of the funk/jam band Galactic and the brassy New Orleans Nightcrawlers. Traub’s recording credits—which include Dr. John’s masterpiece, Goin’ Back to New Orleans; vocalist Johnny Adams’ Johnny Adams Sings Doc Pomus: The Real Me; trumpeter Kermit Ruffins’ Swing This!; renowned vocalist Solomon Burke’s Soul of the Blues; and albums by the legendary Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and the collaborative brass ensemble the Forgotten Souls—speak volumes of both his talent and versatility. A humble man, Traub once described playing music as “an act of giving.“ “I personally feel that the most important thing is that the audience walks out with more than they walked in with.” —Geraldine Wyckoff

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Samantha Fox at the New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival.

SWEET TWEETS Mikey the DJ @JustGCue It hurts my soul when i listen to Q93 and hear shit like: We got the city on lock” Or “Number 1 for hip hop and r&b” Like, no shit. Y’all the only one for hip hop n r&b now... Michael Tisserand @m_tisserand facebook is down and we are all staggering out into the street meeting our neighbors Scott Shilstone @shilstonescott Years ago I got to act with Luke Perry in a chemistry read for a film. I had just moved to LA, was terrified and he could tell. I remember how patient he was with me and kind. He was just such a genuine person and I never forgot that. Rest In Peace. jon cleary @jonclearymusic Great fun playing with legendary James Rivers. No one plays sax like this anymore. Best part was hanging backstage and hearing stories about Huey Smith, Smiley Lewis, Professor Longhair et al Wendell Pierce @WendellPierce We will judge our candidates by the content of their character and not the color of their skin or by their gender. To the media: do the same. Jeff Albert @jeffalbert I have an urge to practice jazz standards. Should I seek professional help? WWOZ 90.7 FM @wwoz_neworleans Attention, 2019 Brass Pass purchasers! Brass Passes are in.

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Thursday, April 11, 3:45p Abita Beer Stage

Galactic

Ready, Set, Go!

t’s been a long time coming. Galactic, the New Orleans funk-rock-jazz band that plays 100 tour dates a year, is finally making its French Quarter Festival debut. “We’ve talked to them for years,” Galactic saxophone and harmonica player Ben Ellman said. “But we’ve been out of town almost every time the festival goes on.” Last April, when Galactic found itself in New Orleans during the French Quarter Festival, members of the band attended the popular springtime event for the first time in years. Purely as spectators, they loved the local music–filled festival, which typically draws more than a half-million people to stages throughout the French Quarter. This year, the timing worked for Galactic to play the festival’s opening day, April 11. “We’re super excited to add French Quarter Fest to the list of festivals we’ve performed at,” Ellman said. Galactic’s French Quarter Fest debut follows the band’s November purchase of Tipitina’s, the historic New Orleans music venue founded in 1977 by fans of Professor Longhair. Big news locally and noteworthy nationwide, the purchase helped land Galactic on the cover of DownBeat magazine, NPR’s Weekend Edition and Gwen Thompkins’ WWNO radio show, Music Inside Out. Despite the February release of Already Ready Already—Galactic’s slamming, guest star–packed tenth album—Tipitina’s is still the elephant in the room during any discussion with the band. Galactic prefers to think of the club at 501 Napoleon Avenue as the unicorn in the room. It’s a place where musical magic happened, the cultural institution where Professor Longhair reigned and

MARCH 2019

classic local acts the Meters, the Neville Brothers, the Radiators and generations of succeeding New Orleans musicians performed. Of course, those local musicians include Galactic, plus thousands of touring acts, too. Galactic bassist and guitarist Robert Mercurio can remember

other legal issues, Ellman said, “added a lot of stress to the process for us.” “We really didn’t believe it was going to happen,” Mercurio added. “It seemed like a pipe dream—until a few months before we closed.” Showing much respect for Tipitina’s, an informal shrine to

that Galactic debuted at Tipitina’s in 1996. Ellman’s Tip’s connections also date to his first job in New Orleans, working as a cook in the club. Galactic pursued its purchase of Tipitina’s for nearly three years. “We had been talking about opening a bar or a nightclub,” Mercurio recalled. “Of course, we’ve played Tip’s so many times and we love it. Taking Tip’s over seemed to make the most sense.” Galactic and select others finally bought Tipitina’s in late November from real estate developer Roland Von Kurnatowski and his, wife, Mary. The couple had owned the venue since 1997. The sale followed recent lawsuits against Kurnatowski that allege he swindled investors in a bond fund out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The suits and Kurnatowski’s

Professor Longhair, Galactic is exercising cautious stewardship. “It’s not a giant corporate business,” Ellman said. “It’s sort of a mom and pop and there’s a lot of history. That side of it and the vibe feel really good now.” Galactic retained the venue’s staff and management. “Everyone who’s there really gets the place,” Ellman said. “And they love it like we do. That’s important, that they understand the history and what the club means to the city.” Three months into their ownership, the members of Galactic function as overseers who aren’t involved in day-to-day operations. “The staff knows what they’re doing way better than any of us,” Mercurio said. “We’re making the bigger decisions and advising on booking, but we’re not in there every day polishing the bar.”

by John Wirt

Conveniently, Tipitina’s is in the same Uptown area as Galactic’s recording studio, Number C. Opened in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the studio gives Galactic members Ellman, Mercurio, drummer Stanton Moore, guitarist Jeffrey Raines and keyboardist Richard Vogel as much creative time in the studio as they want. “Because we’re not on the clock, we can experiment,” Ellman said. “That’s our process. The hard part is deciding when something is done.” Galactic’s new album, Already Ready Already, delivers a compact, powerful punch—eight songs and instrumentals that feature highperformance funk, neo-soul and rap, all flavored by New Orleans touches. Ellman and Mercurio, the album’s co-producers, went for a contemporary sound in production and songwriting. “Even the instrumentals have separation and tones that lean more modern than retro,” Mercurio said. As usual, the band members leave the album’s singing to others, a tradition that began with Galactic’s longtime vocalist, the late Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet. The almost exclusively local and female all-stars on Already Ready Already include Erica Falls, the New Orleans neo-soul singer who’s been the band’s touring vocalist for the past four years; soulful YouTube star Princess Shaw; rap-cabaret performer Boyfriend; and previous studio collaborators Ms. Charm Taylor and the Revivalists’ David Shaw. On the road with Galactic, the versatile Falls sings all of the studio guests’ parts, including the Mavis Staples and Macy Gray songs on the band’s 2015 album, Into the Deep. “Erica can even sing David Shaw’s parts,” Ellman said. “And she makes them her own. We’re just lucky to be in her world.” O www.OFFBEAT.com

photo: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Galactic makes its French Quarter Festival debut.

Sunday, April 14, 2:45p Omni Royal Orleans Stage

Mike Har vey’s Hot Club

NOLA Gypsy Jazz

fter 12 years of gigs and two albums, gypsy jazz band the Courtyard Kings became Mike Harvey’s Hot Club. Of course, the Quintet of the Hot Club of France—that 1930s European jazz string band led by violinist Stéphane Grappelli and guitarist Django Reinhardt— inspired both bands. Despite their shared musical foundation and three musicians in common, Mike Harvey’s Hot Club is an expansion of the Courtyard Kings. The Kings specialized in classic Hot Club of France repertoire. The Hot Club, formed in 2017, performs Hot Club of France music plus interpretations of the Games of Thrones theme, David Bowie’s “Life on Mars” and Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” arranged in Hot Club of France style. “We’re applying that instrumentation to modern repertoire,” leader and violinist Harvey explained. “We go all over the place to find music, things people might recognize. But everything we play, audiences have never heard it played the way we play it.” In addition to the selections mentioned above, Mike Harvey’s Hot Club performs Irving Berlin’s “Blues Skies,” the Lost Bayou Ramblers’ “The Bathtub” (featured in the Beasts of the Southern Wild movie soundtrack) and original compositions. Harvey, guitarist Mark Weliky and upright acoustic bass player Nathan Lambertson all moved from the Courtyard Kings to Harvey’s Hot Club. Guitarist Brett Gardner completes the new lineup. They recorded the band’s self-titled album debut in a single day at Harvey’s NOLA

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Recording Studios. The album received OffBeat’s Best of the Beat nomination for Best Traditional Jazz Album. The band received a Best of the Beat nomination for best traditional jazz artist. “Right

he genuinely respects ensembles that perform jazz standards as authentically as possible. He performs with one such band, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra. “Those bands are

next to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dr. Michael White, Mark Braud, Tuba Skinny and all these amazing, respectable entities and institutions,” Harvey said. Harvey calls his Hot Club music “progressive New Orleans gypsy jazz.” On the surface, his modulation from the Courtyard Kings’ set lists to the Hot Club’s arrangements of contemporary music appears to be a bid for larger audiences. In reality, Harvey said, many listeners prefer the Hot Club of France standards. “It was the opposite of a commercial concern,” Harvey said of the change. “A lot of the gigs we do are society and privateevent things. They want classic New Orleans tunes. And the Hot Club’s instrumentation is something people want because drums and horns are too loud for many occasions.” Despite Harvey’s expanded horizons for his Hot Club quartet,

wonderful and I’m glad that they are there,” he said. “But I want to do my own thing. That’s what the Hot Club allows me to do.” When Harvey was growing up in the St. Charles Parish community of Luling, he and his parents, both New Orleans natives, made the short drive to New Orleans every weekend. Harvey followed his mother, a piano teacher, into music, playing violin. At 18, he moved to New Orleans to be a performance major in violin at Loyola University. At Loyola, Harvey’s guitar lessons with John Rankin introduced him to jazz and the Hot Club of France. “I learned some jazz and New Orleans standards from John,” he said. “And then I started applying guitar things to violin and learned about Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. I fell in love with their music and immersed myself in it.” During the Courtyard Kings’ 2005 to 2017 run, Harvey played as many as 200 gigs a year. His new

by John Wirth

Hot Club band plays less often, at least temporarily, because he’s recovering from a recent shoulder injury. He’s also busy with his NOLA Recording Studios. A prolific recording engineer, Harvey opened the Mid-City recording facility in 2007. He received OffBeat’s 2018 Best of the Beat Award for Best Studio Sound Engineer. The dozens of artists Harvey has recorded at NOLA Recordings Studios include the Hot 8 Brass Band (the Grammy-nominated The Life & Times of…), Shamarr Allen, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Jason Neville and Mike Zito. Recent projects include albums by Baton Rouge blues-rocker Jonathon Long and an upcoming project from The Voice finalist Nicholas David. Singer-guitarist Samantha Fish produced the latter projects for Wild Heart Records, the new label she founded with veteran south Louisiana artist-manager Rueben Williams. While studio and engineering work are Harvey’s full-time job, he makes time to perform with Mike Harvey’s Hot Club and Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, as well as the Southern-blues-bluegrass-rock-funk band Bogue Chitto, “Louisiana Americana” group Marshland and Cajun-zydeco band the Big Easy Playboys. “The studio engineering provides me a job during the day, doing something I love,” Harvey said. “I’ve honed my skills enough to attract professional artist clients, so I get to have fun making great records every day. I’m currently not interested in the night-afternight hustle of playing gigs for a living, but I could not live without performing. I play in the bands I play in for love.” O www.OFFBEAT.com

photo: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Mike Harvey could not live without performing.

Cole Williams

Sunday, April 14, 2p GE Digital Big River Stage

Right Here, Right Now

ole Williams was once described as a cross between Grace Jones and the girl next door, an unlikely combination that only makes sense if your neighbor is one of the most accomplished up-andcoming musicians in New Orleans. A Brooklyn native, Williams moved to the Crescent City in 2014, and within two years was performing onstage at the Jazz Fest. Her local profile rose further when she began hosting WWOZ’s New Orleans Music Show, ushering in 2017 with a playlist that included legendary soul queen Irma Thomas, the Hot 8 Brass Band and avant-garde cellist Helen Gillet—all of whom will, like Williams, be playing main stages at this year’s French Quarter Festival. As for the other side of the equation, Williams happily acknowledges her love for Grace Jones, the early ’80s musician whose deeply distinctive voice, avant-disco production and elegantly idiosyncratic image made her one of the most intriguing figures on the early New Wave scene. “I’d always listened to songs like ‘Pull Up to the Bumper,’” says Williams, “but I really got into her more recently—I would say the last eight years—just through friends telling me that I remind them of Grace Jones. We also share a similar story: Her family grew up in the same part of Jamaica that my family is from. We both had strict religious upbringings. I just think that we come from the same tribe, and so there’s going to always be those similarities.” So much so, in fact, that Williams gave her mixing engineer a copy of Jones’s most recent album to use as the sonic template for Believe, her forthcoming release on Louisiana Red Hot Records,

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a label that’s also home to Dumpstaphunk, Chubby Carrier and the New Orleans Suspects. While the self-described Punk Empress of African Rock is clearly fond of the prominent synthesizers, gated reverb and other sonic paraphernalia of ’80s pop, Believe is anything but one-dimensional. Various acoustic elements, from African percussion to a traditional horn section, are woven into a mix that perfectly complements Williams’ impressive range, gorgeously layered vocals and artfully crafted pop hooks. In its best moments, the album brings to mind classic Prince or latter-day Janelle Monáe. The artist also tips her hat to Terence Trent D’Arby as she quotes a line from “Sign Your Name” during the chorus of the album’s title track. While Williams usually writes, arranges and produces her own material, she’s never lost sight of the early soul and gospel music with which she grew up. In 2017, she released a slightly modified cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” changing the refrain from “I know a change is gonna come” to “I know you know a change is gonna come,” and closing with a self-assured by Bill Forman

“It’s right here, right now.” “I think that, because I’m from the Church, I always have optimism,” Williams says. “I

believe that it might just take that one person who says ‘I don’t want to be treated this way and I don’t feel that people that look like me should be treated this way,’ and then comes the civil rights movement. Or that one person who says, ‘It’s my body, my choice.’ I just believe that we don’t really emphasize just how important one person can be to our getting away from that mob mentality. So when I say ‘It’s right here, right now,’ it’s like I’m talking to myself, to empower and inspire myself to keep moving forward.”

Williams says she also continues to be inspired by her adopted city’s music scene, and the degree to which it’s welcomed her in such a short period of time. “In New York, you have all these different scenes but, to be honest, there’s not a lot of overlap. But down here, there definitely is. One of my drummers is part of the jazz scene, but he also plays my music. And I know musicians who are part of the singersongwriter scene or are in punk bands, and you’ll go see them and there’ll be this horn player sitting in with them. It’s like we’re all connected by the music.” So what will it take to bring New Orleans the same level of media attention that helped turn her native Brooklyn into a music mecca? “We have a lot of musicians, but there’s not a big music industry here,” says Williams. “I started out as a songwriter in New York, and I remember going to Sony Studios, to all these production studios, to Warner/Chappell and Universal. And we don’t have those down here. I think that once we get our own Warner Brothers New Orleans, our own Universal Music New Orleans, our own Blue Note New Orleans, that’s what’s really going to put us on the map. I think that’s what will make us recognized as a music industry town, and not just a town that has some of the best musicians in the world.” O www.OFFBEAT.com

BILL WADMAN PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Cole Williams, the punk empress of African rock.

Saturday, April 13, 7:15p GE Digital Big River Stage

COREY HENRY

A Trombone-Lovin’ City

rombonist Corey Henry hails from a family full of noted drummers including his grandfather, Chester Jones; his uncle, Treme Brass Band leader Benny Jones; and an uncle who played with Tuba Fats & the Chosen Few Brass Band. Even Corey played drums when he was first coming up and when, in the late 1980s, he formed the Li’l Rascals Brass Band. So why didn’t Henry follow the drumbeat? His father, Oswald “Bo Monkey” Jones, is a grand marshal so there’s no trombone DNA there. “First I was inspired by the trombone by being from New Orleans, a great city for trombone players,” says Henry, a wicked ’bone player whether he’s leading his Treme Funktet, blowin’ with the Treme Brass Band or digging in with Galactic. “Back when I was coming up, there were so many young cats that were real hot trombone players, like Keith ‘Wolf’ Anderson, he played with the Rebirth and a couple of other brass bands during that period. He was one of the guys who really stuck out. I just loved the way he voiced the trombone and posed. His whole style was real attractive to a young musician.” Those fans and friends who know Henry are well aware of his deep respect for Fred Wesley, the trombonist best known for his work with James Brown and George Clinton's ParliamentFunkadelic. It might come as a surprise, however, that Henry was first introduced to Wesley’s sound not via these funk masters but on the trombonist’s fine 1988 jazz album, To Someone, on which he leads a quartet. “It touched me in a way that nothing had ever touched me,” Henry declares. “He’s probably my greatest

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influence on trombone.” Several years after founding the Li’l Rascal, Henry finally made the switch to trombone, an instrument that he’s dedicated himself to ever since. It suits him especially well as it marries his two primary musical specialties, brass band music and funk, which is reflected in the Funktet. “It speaks a ton of funk,” Henry declares. “It has its own effect on the music and it definitely has a heavy sound. You can do great things in funk music on the trombone and do things that other instruments can’t do. With the slide we create different sounds.” “It’s one of the most popular instruments to play right now especially in New Orleans,” says Henry, who, like many others who follow the social aid and pleasure clubs’ anniversary parades, has noticed the increased use of the instrument in the young brass bands. He points out, too, that the huge success of Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, whom he calls “a talented young genius,” has probably spurred its prevalence among up-coming musicians. Henry naturally credits the wealth of trombonists—“the ones that came before us”— like Waldren “Frog” Joseph, Freddie Lonzo, Charles Joseph, Revert Andrews and others for the instrument’s traditional importance in the music. “We’re just happy to be connected to it,” Henry sincerely offers. “We walk by Geraldine Wyckoff

with the torch a little bit and offer what we can to the music.” In 2012, after an extended stint playing with Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, a gig Henry thoroughly relished, the

trombonist put together his own Treme Funktet in order to perform at the Candlelight Lounge, which is owned by his cousin, Leona “Chine” Grandison. (The band recently returned to liven up the Treme landmark on Sunday nights.) The following year, the Funktet took over Ruffins' popular Thursday night gig at Vaughan's in the Bywater. The Treme Funktet is just a gas in the way it brings together the power of the street sounds and New Orleans’ version of funk that incorporates the freedom of jazz music. “Brass band music is a kind of funk music as well,” says Henry, whose playing verifies the truth of the statement. Schooled by his elders and intense personal study, the trombonist commands a certain brilliant sophistication in his approach to his horn.

Henry modeled aspects of his band’s sound, he says, to be reminiscent of the JB’s, the horn section that backed James Brown, with legendary artists Wesley and saxophonists Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker. “It comes out more like we’re living in New Orleans,” Henry explains. “That’s what you’ve got to stick to.” Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet, which is well-named in celebrating its musical roots, includes the amazing guitarist June Yamagishi, who tears it up every outing; bassist Manus Tilton, the nephew of the late great bassist Richard Payne with whom Henry performed many times during his days with Ruffins at Vaughan’s; drummer Walter Lundy, known for his work with Bonerama; trumpeter Antonio Gambrell; keyboardist Beck Burger; and violinist Donald Surtain, who, in this setting, becomes one with the horn section. As Henry’s elders like Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen paid it forward by teaching him the music and its traditions, he is doing the same. He works closely with his daughter, Jazz Henry, who plays trumpet with the Original Pinettes Brass Band, and has mentored trombonist Revon Andrews, now the leader of his own group, the Funk Griots. “I’m always open to helping out younger cats like that. That’s our job—to make sure the next generation is equipped. They’ve got to be prepared and take that shit and run with it.” O www.OFFBEAT.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Corey Henry carries on the tradition.

Thursday, April 11, 2p Chevron Stage

Bruce Daigrepont

Fais Do-Do

f it’s true that history repeats itself, then a portion of Cajun musician Bruce Daigrepont’s life is “déjà vu all over again,” as Yankees legend Yogi Berra once quipped. After a three-year absence, Daigrepont’s Sunday afternoon Fais Do-Do dances at Tipitina’s are back. But instead of being weekly, as they had been during their 30-year marathon run from 1986 to 2016, they’re now monthly, starting in January of this year. Around a year ago, Tipitina’s general manager Brian “Tank” Greenberg began calling Daigrepont about the possibility of firing up the dances, since people were inquiring about them. “He said ‘I would really like to get you back here and get the Fais Do-Do’s going again in some capacity,’” says Daigrepont. “He’s the reason why I went back.” So far the response has been great. “We’ve had very good crowds,” says Daigrepont. “People seem to want us back.” “I figured I probably played Tipitina’s 1300–1400 times,” Daigrepont explains about the Sunday Fais Do-Do’s legacy. He estimates he played Tipitina’s 40plus times in 2016 before sadly pulling the plug due to dwindling crowds. Of course, he didn’t play every Sunday due to occasional touring conflicts or when Tipitina’s had a special event. Before Tipitina’s, Daigrepont had a five-and-a-half year run on Thursday nights at the Maple Leaf Bar, starting in 1980 when he was 22 years old. Just like any other longstanding Crescent City music tradition, Daigrepont’s Fais Do-Dos are essential to the musical fabric of New Orleans. They introduced the cherished cultural music of

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Southwest Louisiana to many non-Cajuns who may have been unfamiliar with it otherwise. “When we played the dances at the Maple Leaf on Thursday nights, we were the only ones playing Cajun music in the city of New Orleans on a regular basis,” Daigrepont says. “Allen Fontenot was in the area but played mostly in Kenner and on

watermelon. Nobody ever stopped it. They had to have stopped traffic because it was in the middle of street.” Daigrepont never participated in any of this, other than to observe with amazement. “When I got offstage, I didn’t feel like dancing around a watermelon,” Daigrepont said. During one break, he met his future wife.

the outskirts of town.” Among the regulars at the Maple Leaf Fais Do-Do’s were Jack “Tutu Man” Varuso and Ralph Marchese, the spiritual leaders and high priests of the legendary watermelon sacrifices that occurred during the break. “They would take the watermelon and put it in the middle of Oak Street and about 20–30 people would dance in a circle, chanting the watermelon song for five, ten minutes until they went almost into a trance,” Daigrepont describes. “And then Jack and Ralph would start carving circles around the watermelon until eventually they cut it up and everybody ate

Later on, when Daigrepont moved the Fais Do-Do dance to Tipitina’s, the gang performed its sacrificial ceremony on Napoleon Avenue’s neutral ground. For a while they took their show on the road and performed it at Jazz Fest and Festivals Acadiens. Though Daigrepont appreciated having Sundays off during the hiatus, he recognizes the fruits of his labor by playing weekly, starting with the dance community. “The dance community becomes like a family. The regular people get to know each other and become good friends,” says Daigrepont. “I don’t know how many couples have met at our dance and got married and to this day, still have

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great relationships.” Additionally, the weekly Fais DoDos helped his longstanding band of fiddler Gina Forsyth, bassist Jim Markway and drummer Mike Barras be one well-tuned machine. Since there were no rehearsals, Daigrepont introduced his new songs to the band before the gig and then gave it a shot during the second set. “Of course, some of it was pretty good and other parts had a kink that needed to be worked out,” Daigrepont explains. “Then the next Sunday I would play that song again and it started getting better from week to week. After six months, you had a song that was really gelling.” Daigrepont is considered to be one of the most prolific songwriters in Cajun music, having recorded 55 originals in French. “To be honest with you, I don’t know anyone that would come close to having 55 original Cajun songs,” he says. “But when I write these songs, it’s me by myself. I’m totally isolated from the mainstream of Cajun music in Lafayette. It’s not like I’m getting together with a bunch of other Cajun musicians sharing ideas.” Whether it’s the locals or visiting tourists, Daigrepont says there is an audience for Cajun music in New Orleans. Often when he’s playing during the week at the Tropical Isle Bayou Club on Bourbon Street with the Cajun Drifters, tourists tell him they came to New Orleans to experience the culture. “A lot of times they don’t know about [our gig],” Daigrepont says regarding those who just found him by happenstance. “It’s just a matter of getting the word out.” “I think it would be sad if there was not a regular fais do-do dance in New Orleans anymore,” he says. O www.OFFBEAT.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Bruce Daigrepont is back at Tipitina’s.

Kumasi, Friday, April 12, 7p House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage

Margie Perez Muevelo, Saturday, April 13, 5:45p Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage

Margie Perez, Sunday, April 14, 4p Songwriters Stage

Ooh Baby!

here was a time when Margie Perez didn’t think of herself as a performer, aiming instead for a gig writing songs behind the scenes. Those days are long gone, and during French Quarter Fest she’ll be performing all over the place: with the Afrobeat orchestra Kumasi on Friday, with the Latin band Muevelo on Saturday, and then playing her own material—which combines funky rock with both the above influences—at the songwriters’ stage on Sunday. Perez has been a musical explorer since childhood, absorbing her parents’ records from an early age. “My parents were Cuban, so I grew up with that Latin music. But I grew up at a time when a lot of different music was on the radio, so I heard a lot of funk and a lot of rock ‘n’ roll. I became a little bit of a musical historian as I was growing up.” Indeed, one of the details about her life that isn’t widely known is that she was a winning contestant on VH1’s Rock & Roll Jeopardy in 1999. “The last question was about which American group had the most number one singles—I got the answer wrong [it was the Supremes], but I was so far ahead that I only bet five dollars and won anyway.” She saw her musical future when she first visited New Orleans for Jazz Fest in 1994, at which time she was already singing in a worldbeat band in her native D.C. “That first trip was pretty incredible. A friend took me to the stage where Allen Toussaint was playing, and I was blown away—‘Oh, you mean he wrote that Pointer Sisters song and that Robert Palmer song?’ We closed out with the Nevilles, and that second-line beat was in my head

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for the rest of my time there. That’s what started me writing the song ‘Ooh Baby La La’” [which appeared on her Singing For My Supper CD 15 years later]. But she resisted the temptation to move to town right away, instead heading for Los Angeles where she sang backup for Harriet Schock (a songwriter who had some success with Helen Reddy) and building her own songbook. “I learned a lot from the people I met in L.A., even if it turned out not to be the place for me.” After a temporary return to D.C.— “a quick story, I got married and divorced”— Perez finally moved to New Orleans in 2004. “I started hanging out on Frenchmen Street immediately, just meeting people and sitting in with bands. One of the first people I sang with was John Lisi, and he was the one that told me, ‘Margie, you don’t need to be singing backup.’” And it was here that she first stepped up from the backupsinger role, getting the onstage confidence she evinces now. “I describe myself as an introverted extrovert—really shy and very quiet, unless I’m onstage. My performance style was really by Brett Milano

developed here, and I have a friend that’s described me as a little candle that lights up when I’m onstage. It’s so much fun for me to be surrounded by all this music and I’m dancing, I’m groovin’.”

As a songwriter Perez tends to put a positive spin on the parts of her life that need one. “I write about heartache, but I give it an amusing twist because you have to smile through your pain, that’s how comedians do it. When I wrote ‘He’s Just Not That into You,’ I was in the process of moving on—and I love that book, so I’d always wanted to write a song called that. So I went on Facebook and asked people about the first time they realized someone wasn’t into them. I got so many answers,

some were tragic and some were hilarious, and I put a bunch of them into the song. It was one of those few moments where you could say that Facebook is a beautiful thing.” On the more upbeat side, “Love is All”—the title track from her most recent CD—was one of last year’s great local songs. “That was one of the songs I started writing in L.A.—the chorus, ‘Love is all we need to get by’ was in my head forever. Then I got together and had a songwriting session with Paul Sanchez, and he knew just what questions to ask—‘What is the message that you really want to convey in this song?’ What I wanted to say was, ‘Don’t look back on yesterday, you’ve got a bright future ahead of you, so let’s do it.’” Perez has also contributed to the Tulane exhibit Per(Sister), for which she and other local writers (including Lynn Drury and Sarah Quintana) wrote songs around the experiences of incarcerated women. And she’s fronting the 11-piece Muevelo, which, for lovers of the vintage Celia Cruz/ Tito Puente sound, is a blast and a half. It should sound even better on the moonwalk by the river, where they’re playing for French Quarter Fest: “We’re going to wow the crowd with a lot of danceable stuff.” O www.OFFBEAT.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Margie Perez will wow the crowd at French Quarter Festival.

SATURDAY, April 13, 5:30p Chevron Stage

Everybody’s Talking Dway n e D o p s i e ’ s here to pump yo u u p. by Geraldine Wyckoff Photographs by Noe Cugny

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“After my father passed away [in 1993], when I was 14, that kind of ignited me like a fire—I need to get this going! I was never into school, and after he passed, I dropped out of school in the ninth grade. I just figured this [zydeco] was my calling.”

“I wanted to be the main taco,” Dwayne Dopsie says with a laugh, of his very early desire to not only play the accordion but also lead his own band like his father, the late Alton “Rockin’ Dopsie” Rubin. “I always loved how people gave him so much attention—watching him playing, watching his fingers. So I wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Whenever Dwayne, 40, takes center stage leading his band, the Zydeco Hellraisers, he continues to display the same kind of tenacity and drive he exhibited as a youngster in his pursuit of his childhood dream of becoming a force in zydeco music. Today, he’s a powerhouse accordion player and emotionally strong vocalist who just doesn’t ever let up, pushing and pulling at his three-row button accordion, the same style of instrument his father used to play to maximum effect. Dwayne’s always-exuberant attack on the accordion is heard on the very first cut, “Andree Jones,” off his red-hot new album, Bon Ton. It’s one of 12 of his original songs, and acts as an introduction to Dwayne’s stylistic approach that is rooted in the old school style of zydeco perfected by his father and Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco, yet his solos speak of today. The lyrics, which describe the main character—“He tells a lie every day of the week”—are hilarious, in keeping with the comedic elements that have often been staples of zydeco music. A personable performer, Dwayne delivers this tune as well as his “Give Me Want I Want,” on which he tells his girl, “Don’t give me your crawfish if it ain’t got no pepper,” with a certain honest charm and a wink. “I think it comes with the music in general,” Dwayne explains of incorporating humor and warmth into zydeco. “The music is like family music. It’s just like being home and getting along and joking around with your family—your brothers, your mom, your sisters or whatever. It’s making you feel like you’re home.” “If you tell a good story and make whoever is listening to the song feel that they’re part of it—or they are looking at a movie—you get a better response,” continues Dwayne, who has been writing both music and lyrics since he was a young boy. “I can’t read music and I can’t write

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music notes, but if you let me hear it, I can play it. I write songs out of what I hear it in my head.” Dwayne grew up in Lafayette, as the youngest of eight children in a home filled with music. “My father sometimes would take his accordion out and clean and play it,” he remembers. “When I’d see him grab his case, I’d stop what I was doing and sit down on the floor Indian style and watch. I was mesmerized. I think of those memories a lot. Even [while] eating dinner and listening to his stories, some of the things that he’d say would sound like a song. It was always a good time.” “I was much younger than everybody else,” says Dwayne, explaining that, in his early years, there were just two of his brothers at home, rubboard player David, now known as Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., and accordionist Anthony. The rest of his siblings, including drummer Alton, nicknamed Tiger, had already left. At age six, Dwayne was playing rubboard, and made several appearances with his father’s band, Rockin’ Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters. By the time he was seven, he’d already taken up the accordion. “My father had an accordion that he let Anthony and me play,” says Dwayne, who upon arriving home from school would jump right on it. “We had a big camcorder and a tripod and I’d record myself for five hours playing and go back and watch it. That’s what got my motivation.” He remembers thinking to himself that he wasn’t playing it right and that he needed to do better. “After my father passed away [in 1993], when I was 14, that kind of ignited me like a fire—I need to get this going! I was never into school, and after he passed, I dropped out of school in the ninth grade. I just figured this [zydeco] was my calling.” Though his father was gone, his words of wisdom stuck with his youngest son: “If you’re going to do it, do it right. Don’t do it halfway.” “I think about his words on a regular basis. That’s why, from my shows to my CDs and even at home, I don’t cut corners.” As the youngest child in the Rubin family, Dwayne was home with his parents a lot and heard them speaking Creole French, and so he learned www.OFFBEAT.com

to both speak and understand the language. “In school they’d teach French but I’d go, ‘Hmm, that’s not what I heard at home’ because it was Paris French.” Being fluent in Creole French, Dwayne helps keep the language of his ancestors alive by incorporating it in his music. On the two-step number “Hey La Ba,” off the new release, he starts out singing in Creole French and later he translates (we assume) the lyrics into English. He mixes it up similarly on the waltz-time “Everybody Talking,” from his 2017 Grammy-nominated album Top of the Mountain, where he also sings “Ma ti femme” entirely in Creole French. Dwayne’s only beef is that there are now so few people that he can talk to in the language that he loves. “When I go home and visit my mom, we’ll speak French,” he says, adding that he also has conversations with some of the older people in his hometown who are shocked that he remains fluent in the language. “My brothers understand more than they speak [it],” he adds. What really got Dwayne’s career kick-started was when, in 1999, he won the “America’s Hottest Accordionist” national competition, presented by American Accordion Association. “I was never shy to take a jump,” says Dwayne of entering the contest that included traditional and classical musicians. “I was the only oddball there that could play the blues.” That same year, Dwayne formed his own band and initially named it Dwayne Dopsie and the Rollers. While performing at Bourbon Street’s La Strada club, a man came up to the bandstand and said, “Man, you guys are really raising hell—you’re hell raisers!” “I thought, ‘ding’ that’s it.’” From then on, the group has very appropriately been called Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers. Just an aside… Dwayne’s father, Alton Rubin, embraced the name Dopsie years ago, a moniker carried on by his musical sons. Dwayne tells the story that a guy from Chicago, who was known as Dopsie, would come to Lafayette and he was hailed as a great dancer, especially doing the jitterbug. Alton started imitating him and folks began calling him Lil Dopsie. That evolved into Good Rockin’ Dopsie, which eventually led to the shortened version, Rockin’ Dospie. His first band, called Rockin’ Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, is now led by his son, David “Rockin Dopsie Jr.” on rubboard and vocals. Bourbon Street clubs were central to Dwayne’s career and development as an artist, and also played an important role in establishing connections with audiences and business people from around the country and the world. Zydeco was a rarity on the famous street, and for many visitors it was the first time experiencing the style. Dwayne’s powerful and energized shows certainly made for a dynamic introduction to zydeco music. He and his Hellraisers played on Bourbon until Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, when he headed to Baton Rouge and the band did some touring. After getting messages urging him to come back to the French Quarter, he returned to play at the Old Opera House. That Bourbon Street venue became too small for the large crowds the band drew, so the party moved just down the block to the larger Krazy Korner club. The Hellraisers’ last show on “the street” was in 2014. Dwayne felt ready to move on. www.OFFBEAT.com

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“Zydeco is a little bit like old rock ’n’ roll, like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis—it’s blues-based.” “I had enough contacts and notoriety from people from out-oftown,” remembers Dwayne, “so we got on the road and we started doing more and more festivals and concerts.” The band now also has the opportunity to play a variety of club dates in New Orleans at spots like d.b.a., the Ace and, of course, at the French Quarter Festival and the Jazz & Heritage Festival. Last year at the Cajun-Zydeco Festival held in Armstrong Park, Dwayne and the Hellraisers were joined by his brothers, David, Anthony and Alton. The show appeared to be as much fun for the guys on stage as it was for the excited audience. The siblings, backed by the Hellraisers, all shared a stage again last March to pay tribute to their father. It was a first of its kind event, celebrating Alton “Rockin’ Dopsie” Rubin in the family’s hometown of Lafayette. At 40, Dwayne is at the top of his game as a musician and is now celebrating the Hellraisers’ 20th anniversary and the release of his tenth album. It might be surprising to some that he credits his years gigging on Bourbon Street for preparing him for his rise. “Bourbon really was my teacher,” says Dwayne, who would play five—sometimes six—nights a week from 8 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. “It helped me develop my skills, and it helped me learn how to entertain a crowd. I learned so many songs in those days, it’s unbelievable. I have to thank Bourbon and the French Quarter a lot for my success. If there wasn’t no Krazy Korner, or no Old Opera House or La Strada, I wouldn’t exist. Bourbon was my gym. It really put me into shape.” When Dwayne, a very muscular man with eye-popping biceps, refers to Bourbon Street clubs as his “gym,” he means it more literally than one would think. Despite his strapping physique, Dwayne does not and never did work out—no bench presses, lifts, treadmills, pushups, nothing. He credits playing the accordion, the pressure to open it and push it closed(particularly during those long, strenuous nights on Bourbon) for the size of his arms. “It’s a heavy instrument,” says Dwayne, estimating it weighs about 20 pounds. “That’s what developed me to have stamina and endurance. It will pump you up.”

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Needless to say, the alwaysin-action Dwayne Dopsie was and is a vision to watch perform. He doesn’t mess around or take anything for granted. He’s full on as an accordionist, vocalist, and showman. Visually, he’s also always been uniquely stylish. “I always wanted to look different,” he admits. “I looked at performers and entertainers from years ago, and everybody had a flamboyant look: Elvis, Little Richard, and Clifton Chenier with his headband.” Presently, Dwayne sports a very clean and precisely designed hairstyle that he describes as his “Native American look.” At one time, a similar coiffeur included a ponytail. “I do it myself,” Dwayne explains. “I haven’t had my hair cut by a barber since I was probably 15. So it’s been a long time. I like my hair to look a certain way and I never did like people messin’ with my hair.” Many folks will surely remember when Dwayne went through a period of time when he wore slightly bizarre blue contact lenses. When he appeared on both “CBS This Morning” and NBC’s “Good Morning America” after winning the accordion contest, millions of people saw Dwayne sporting the blue contacts. It’s likely that most television viewers and those in the audience at his live shows figured Dwayne was simply just trying to draw attention to himself. Surprisingly, his intent held a much deeper and significant meaning. “I started wearing contacts when I was 19—after my father passed way,” Dwayne explains. “I was very hurt for a long time. When I moved to New Orleans from Lafayette, I met a man in the French Quarter and he said, ‘People can look into your eyes and they see your soul and I can tell that you’re hurting.’ And I thought, ‘I don’t want anybody to look in my soul, and I don’t want anybody seeing that my playing is like anger—even though I love it.’ So I covered up my eyes to deter them away from that. After I got past a lot of things, I stopped wearing them in 2005. I decided it was time to let it go. It had become gimmick and people couldn’t remember my name or the band’s name, I just became the guy with the blue eyes.” In keeping with the zydeco tradition of his father and Clifton Chenier, www.OFFBEAT.com

Dwayne is noted for having a strong rubboard player out front with him. On the new album, the man working hard on the rhythms is Paul Lafleur. “I’ve been fortunate to have two good rubboard players, because I’m very out there,” Dwayne offers, adding that spontaneity between the accordion and the rubboard comes from paying attention. “It’s hard to be next to somebody who is shy. I need somebody that’s going to be out there enough to push with us. What I require is for them to just do their job and make sure people are entertained.” Naturally, Dwayne reflects back on some of the legendary rubboard players he admired from the past including his father’s main man Chester Zeno, who he describes as “the only one-handed rubboard player.” “He was better than some people with two hands.” Dwayne’s brother David, “Rockin’ Dopsie Jr.,” played rubboard with their father for many years and today continues to get a crowd going, not only with his full-on technique, but also his dance moves and slammin’ splits. Of rubboard master Cleveland Chenier, the brother of the King of Zydeco Clifton Chenier, Dwayne says, “His style was impeccable.” Dwayne’s father’s influence, which remains a part of most everything he does, shines brightly not only when he’s playing straight-up zydeco, but when he incorporates the blues, as he does on two lovely cuts from the album, the standard 12-bar of “I’m Your Man,” and the old-school style of the moving “Such a Good Man,” which includes a soulful sax solo. “Every chance I got, I always had a sax—it gives the music extra spice,” says Dwayne, who advised his saxophonists to listen to the great John Hart, the longtime sax man with Clifton Chenier. “He used to come to my father’s house and play with my father. He’d sit down and tell me stories.” Vocally and instrumentally, Dwayne shows his sweet side on the swaying “Such a Good Man,” a highlight of the album for those who enjoy zydeco at its most gentle. “Zydeco is blues,” Dwayne definitively states. “Zydeco is a little bit like old rock ’n’ roll, like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis—it’s blues-based. “My father loved blues,” Dwayne recalls. “He listened to a lot of Clifton’s music, and he was friends with and listened to B.B. King. He loved that old feel. I would say my playing is like his, because of the blues lines in the music. I loved listening to him play, and he always incorporated blues licks and blues hits in his songs, and also in his singing. What’s different about his playing and my playing is that I’m a little more aggressive.” “A little more aggressive” is certainly an understatement coming from one of the fiercest zydeco musicians, accordionists, and performers to ever hit a stage. “The button is always on,” admits Dwayne who, since his youth, has been relentless in his pursuit of the music that was lovingly handed down to him from his father, the brilliant Rockin’ Dopsie. When you first see the man, Dwayne Dopsie’s commanding presence might at first make him appear furiously hip—and he is. Yet underlying his often breakneck flurry of notes, and a philosophy that he and the band should play “like there’s a pit bull chasing us,” he keeps zydeco’s tradition, the love of his life, close to his heart. O www.OFFBEAT.com

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Photo by Brian Bennett

FQF IQ

Your French Quarter Festival from A to Z

elebrating its 36th anniversary, the 2019 French Quarter Festival has a total of 23 stages with music that represents just about every genre from traditional jazz, brass band, funk, Latin, zydeco, gospel, cabaret, dance, Cajun, rock, funk, classical and much more. New Orleans’ finest restaurants will serve classic New Orleans fare; there are 67 great restaurant vendors at this year’s Festival. Over the almost four decades of its existence, the French Quarter Festival has grown increasingly popular with locals while it also attracts a tremendous out-oftown audience. A huge part of the appeal is that attendees get a true, authentic New Orleans experience—a broad range of Louisiana artists and a diverse variety of musical styles and genres—in the heart of New Orleans’ most historic district, with a free ticket price.

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Stage CODES (ABS) Abita Beer Stage (Riverfront – Berger Lawn) (CHV) Chevron Stage (Bienville Triangle) (DOR) Dorignac’s Food Center Stage (100 Bourbon Street) (DOW) Dow Chemical Stage (500 Bourbon Street) (GE) GE Digital Big River Stage (Riverfront – Canal Street entrance) (HIL) Hilton Stage (Jackson Square) (HOB) House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage (225 Decatur Street) (HWS) Hancock Whitney Stage (400 Royal Street) (INT) French Market International Stage (Dutch Alley) (JD) Jack Daniel’s Stage (Jax Brewery Lot) (JW) Jones Walker Let Them Talk Stage (3rd floor U.S. Mint) (JW) (KID) Chevron Children’s HQ (National Park Service Kids Stage) (LFF) Louisiana Fish Fry Stage

(U.S. Mint - Barracks Street) (OMN) Omni Royal Orleans Stage (500 Royal Street) (PAN) Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage (Moonwalk extension) (PAR) Parade (PH) The Helis Foundation Preservation Hall Stage (726 St Peter Street) (SCH) Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage (1000 Royal Street) (SON) Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel (300 Bourbon Street) (SS) Songwriters Stage (Big Mama’s Lounge at House of Blues) (TJ) French Market Traditional Jazz Stage (French Market Place at Gov. Nichols Street) (TRO) Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage (Riverfront – Pavilion) (WWL) WWL-TV Esplanade in the Shade Stage (U.S. Mint Esplanade Avenue) (ZAP) Zapp’s Potato Chip Stage (600 Bourbon Street) * Festival debuts

A2D2 Experience with Antoine Diel & Arséne DeLay, 4/13, PAN, 12:30p: * Antoine Diel was born in Manila, Philippines. Diel’s credits range from operas, musicals, plays as well as solo and choral concerts in both secular and sacred music. He now calls New Orleans home and astounds audiences with his outstanding soulful singing. DeLay incorporates rage and catharsis of rock, along with a passion for the power of words. The result is a very particular Louisiana roots rock style, with an emphasis on the message. She co-leads the A2D2 experience with Antoine Diel. The duo focuses on jazz and R&B. Al “Carnival Time” Johnson: see Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar Band. Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, 4/13, TRO, 12:30p: * At a young age, Alvin E. Jackson had accomplished the mastering of rhythm and blues in the New www.OFFBEAT.com

Orleans style. Al’s grandmother owned the “Vet’s Club” roadhouse where she booked Fats Domino, Lloyd Price and Tommy Ridgely. Jackson pursued a musical career that has brought him the nickname “Lil Fats” for his indistinguishable voice to Fats Domino. Alex McMurray, 4/12, JD, 11a: McMurray’s wit-spiked and often gleefully dark songwriting takes center stage in a band that both showcases new work and harkens back to the guitarist’s Royal Fingerbowl days, lineup and repertoire-wise. Alexandra Scott, 4/14, SS, 1:30p: The quirky, versatile folk guitarist spins out songs that can be heartrending, achingly lovely, and optimistic all at once. Alfred Banks w/Live Band, 4/13, WWL, 2p; (interview), 4/13, JW, 5p: * The Uptown native rapper earned tremendous accolades for The Beautiful, a 2017 album inspired by his brother’s schizophrenia. The lyrically elite MC is poised to expand his artistry this year with a live band and new music. Alfred Banks received OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist in 2018. Alice M. Harte Middle School Band “The Heartbeat of the South,” 4/14, SCH, 1:45p: * This middle school band known as the Heartbeat of the South often performs at New Orleans Pelicans games. Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory, 4/13, WWL, 5:30p: This Grammy-winning singer, guitarist and mandolin player was inspired in his youth by the sound of Mississippi country blues, which he makes his own by adding elements of roots rock and a deep knowledge of folk and Americana. Amanda Ducorbier, 4/13, JD, 12:30p: New Orleans based singersongwriter who was a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice.” She performs at the Roosevelt Hotel and NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans. Amanda Shaw, 4/14, CHV, 3:30p: This Cajun fiddle prodigy

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Irma Thomas: Abita Beer Stage, April 12, 5:30p

has been in the spotlight since age ten. Her sets can jump from teenfriendly pop to straight-up Cajun, with a classic rock cover or two thrown in. Anaïs St. John, 4/14, PAN, 4:30p: St. John is an accomplished singer specializing in jazz, torch songs, and cabaret tunes. She currently plays Saturday nights at the Windsor Court Hotel. Andrew Duhon, 4/13, JD, 11a: With his tender voice and penchant for lyrical depth, folk-pop singer-songwriter Duhon’s lyrics tap into personal experience as he strums his way through original music that echoes the blues. Andrew Hall’s Society Brass Band, 4/14, LFF, 11:15a: Hall is a skilled traditional jazz and rhythm and blues pianist who has performed with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dr. John, and the Olympia Brass Band. Ashlin Parker Quartet, 4/12, SON, 5p: Ashlin Parker takes charge of a trumpet onslaught as leader of Trumpet Mafia, but his quartet finds him taking a different approach with his horn. He was featured on the OffBeat Magazine cover last August. Astral Project, 4/14, WWL, 5:30p: All four members of this band—guitarist Steve Masakowski, saxophonist Tony Dagradi, bassist James Singleton and drummer Johnny Vidacovich—are influential bandleaders in their own right. Together, they’ve been one of New Orleans’ premier jazz groups for

three decades. Audacity Brass Band, 4/12, LFF, 11:15a: This traditional group formed to play at French Quarter Fest 2008 and includes talented locals Tom Fischer, Charlie Fardella and Freddie Lonzo. Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses, 4/14, DOW, 3p: Inspired by Sidney Bechet and Django Reinhardt, singer/saxophonist Nealand is a bright young player whose non-Roses work spans performance art-inspired improvisation and the rockabilly of Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers. Babineaux Sisters Band, 4/12, CHV, 2p: Sisters and songwriters Gracie and Julie Babineaux lead this south Louisiana roots rock band. Their first CD All Along the Watchtower (“Le Tour de Garde”) was inspired more by the Hendrix version than Dylan’s original and featured lyrics sung in Cajun French. Bag of Donuts, 4/11, TRO, 5:25p: Known for their outlandish costumes, Bag of Donuts delivers an unusual take on popular songs of the ’60s onward, as well as tunes from TV, film and commercials. The band has taken home the Best of the Beat Award for Best Cover Band for the last two years. Bamboula 2000, 4/14, PAN, 3p: “Bamboula” was originally a form of drum and dance ceremony held in Congo Square. Bamboula 2000’s leader Luther Gray brings

that spirit into the present with a troupe of players and dancers. Banu Gibson, 4/12, HIL, 12:45p: A singer/dancer who specializes in the Great American Songbook and has been captured by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, Gibson has been instrumental in popularizing the New Orleans Traditional Jazz Camp. The Legendary Barbara Shorts, 4/14, DOW, 1:30p: Vocalist Barbara Shorts has appeared in One Mo’ Time and fronted the Gospel Soul Children. Benny Grunch & the Bunch, 4/12, WWL, 12:30p: This jovial crew is responsible for the carnival sendup “Ain’t No Place to Pee on Mardi Gras Day,” plus a bunch of seasonal albums built around the regional standard “12 Yats of Christmas.” Beth Patterson, 4/14, SS, 11a: A native of Lafayette, multiinstrumentalist Patterson performs Celtic-inspired folk music with a dollop of humor and sting. Her collaboration with pianist Josh Paxton, Zoükeys, is another interesting project. Betty Winn & One A-Chord, 4/14, TRO, 11a: Formed in 1995 by Betty Winn and her husband Thomas, this sprawling choir traces the history of gospel from slave spirituals to new compositions. They perform with as many as 40 singers. Big 6 Brass Band, 4/14, LFF, 5:45p: * Big 6 Brass Band was formed in 2017 and has already become hugely popular in the city’s second line community. With a repertoire bridging traditional with hip-hop, R&B, gospel and more, the group will perform a set of New Orleans classics plus original material from their forthcoming album. See Fest Focus in this issue. Big Al Carson: see Blues Masters. Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. & the Wild Magnolias, 4/14, GE, 5:20p: Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. carries on the legacy of his father, leading the Wild Magnolias’ impassioned, funk-inspired Mardi Gras Indian music.

www.OFFBEAT.com

Photo by Brian Bennett

FQF IQ

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, 4/13, GE, 5:30p: Local legend and reggae aficionado Big Chief Monk Boudreaux plays some of the city’s most esteemed Mardi Gras Indian music with his tribe, the Golden Eagles. Big Frank & Lil Frank and the Dirty Old Men, 4/12, TRO, 5:45p: This father and son singing duo combines modern day hip-hop sensibilities with old school R&B flavors. Biglemoi, 4/13, HOB, 3:30p: * New Orleans based Biglemoi named themselves after a fantastical dance which, if performed properly, creates an atmosphere of flowing energy that invites everybody to join. Biglemoi music is a mix of all the best rock ’n’ roll ingredients. Bill Summers & Jazalsa, 4/13, JD, 5:30p: Known for his membership in Los Hombres Calientes and Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, legendary percussionist Summers explores Latin and world music with his Jazalsa band. Blonde Roses, 4/13, HOB, 5:30p: * Pulling inspiration from their strong Louisiana roots, they are heavily influenced by the ’60s and ’70s. The band delivers honest, raw lyrics about overcoming life’s obstacles and gaining strength from destruction. The Blues Masters featuring “Big Al” Carson, 4/11, TRO, 11a: Alton “Big Al” Carson returns to French Quarter Fest with the Blues Masters after being absent for a few years. A staple of Bourbon Street, he frequently performs at the Funky Pirate club. Carson, primarily a singer, played tuba and has worked with Doc Paulin, Lars Edegran and Dr. Michael White. Bon Bon Vivant, 4/14, JD, 12:30p: Formed in 2013 Bon Bon Vivant is a collection of musicians steeped in the traditional jazz of New Orleans. Their original songwriting includes blues and folk that makes for a unique sound. Bon www.OFFBEAT.com

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FQF IQ Bon Vivant won the Best of the Beat Award for Emerging Band this year. Bonerama, 4/14, ABS, 5:20p: Mark Mullins and Craig Klein’s trombone-centric jazz/funk/rock combo is as comfortable with James Brown as it is with Black Sabbath. Their latest release Plays Zeppelin showcases the music of Led Zeppelin. Borderland Jazz Band (Austria), 4/12, INT, 2:15p: Traditional jazz by way of Austria. This band has hit town in the past to play at Fritzel’s. Borealis Rex, 4/14, HOB, 6p: * Borealis Rex is a five-member rock band from Louisiana. Their sound is girded by three guitars crosscut with banjo and fiddle. They are wholly new but reminiscent of ’70s rock icons. Brass-A-Holics, 4/11, JD, 5:15p: Formed by ex-Soul Rebels trombonist Winston Turner, this band created its own genre of “go-go brass funk,” combining

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New Orleans music elements with the strong grooves of Washington DC’s go-go scene. Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, 4/11, CHV, 2p: A New Orleans-reared Cajun, this selftaught accordion player has hosted the Sunday Cajun session at Tipitina’s for decades. His latest CD Jamais de la Vie was released to critical acclaim. Bucktown All-Stars, 4/14, ABS, 12:35p: This nine-piece rhythm and blues band from Metairie covers the soul classics, adding their own funky grooves. They have won OffBeat’s Best of the Beat award for best cover band nine times. Buku Broux, 4/12, HOB, 1:30p: * Formed in 2012 this New Orleans world fusion band features the African kora. Band members are Phillip Sylve, saxophone; Adrian Jusdanis, violin; Jonah Tobias, kora and Fernando Lima, percussion. Calvin Johnson & Native

Son, 4/14, DOW, 4:30p: Saxophonist/composer Calvin Johnson, Jr.’s latest CD Native Son includes Bechet’s “Petite Fleur.” He blows from his heart with knowledge of the New Orleans tradition. Cameron Dupuy & The Cajun Troubadours, 4/12, CHV, 12:30p:* Born and raised in a suburb of New Orleans, Cameron Dupuy became infatuated with the sounds of Cajun music at an early age, which is appropriate being the son of Cajun musician, Michael Dupuy. Their style blends the traditional songs of Southwest Louisiana with the feel and groove of a New Orleans backing band. The band includes guitarist Cranston Clements and drummer Brian Brignac. Carl LeBlanc, 4/13, DOW, 1:30p; (interview), 4/13, JW, 4p: This versatile and soulful banjo player and Preservation Hall regular has worked closely with the likes of Sun Ra, studied with Kidd Jordan

and mentored local jazz guitarists like Jonathan Freilich. Cha Wa, 4/11, ABS, 2:10p: Veteran Mardi Gras Indians (Irving “Honey” Bannister, J’Wan Boudreaux, Kerry “Boom Boom” Vessell) and local musicians (Joe Gelini, John Fohl, Wes Anderson) perform a mix of groove-soaked funk and soul. They were nominated for a Grammy Award and appeared on OffBeat’s May 2018 cover. Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires, 4/13, TJ, 12:45p: Tap dancer and singer Bushman leads this small combo through a mix of classic New Orleans jazz tunes like “Bourbon Street Parade” and the occasional rocker. Chapter Soul, 4/13, PH, 4p: New Orleans four-piece funk and soul band led by saxophonist Calvin Johnson, Jr. Charlie Halloran and the Quality 6, 4/13, DOW, 3p: Halloran, a prolific trombonist who also plays with the Panorama Brass

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Fest Focus

James Rivers Movement

Photo by Brian Bennett

Sunday, April 14, 5p The Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel This year is the fiftieth anniversary of James Rivers’ career as a crowd-pleasing front man. A remarkably versatile entertainer, he sings and plays tenor, alto and soprano sax, flute, harmonica and bagpipes. Rivers’ shows typically feature jazz, blues, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, country music and—performed with his bagpipes—the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” When Rivers was a young musician in the 1950s, he wanted to play modern jazz. “But when I saw some of the great jazz players, they might have ten people in the house,” he remembered. “So, I learned a lesson a long time ago. If you’re going to make music for a living, like I do, you better play for the people.” But pleasing people doesn’t mean he plays music he’d doesn’t like. “I like everything I do,” Rivers said. From New Orleans’ Tremé neighborhood, Rivers first appeared on local and national bandstands when he was a teenager. In the late 1950s, he performed with the Eddie Bo and Huey “Piano” Smith bands and played recording sessions for such classics as Bo’s “Every Dog Got His Day,” Al “Carnival Time” Johnson’s “Carnival Time” and the Smithcomposed Frankie Ford hit “Sea Cruise.” After stints with Bo and Smith, Rivers stayed with Deacon John Moore and the Ivories for a decade. In 1970, when Moore dropped the horns to play Jimi Hendrix–style rock, Moore suggested Rivers lead his own band. “I really thank Deacon John for suggesting that,” the irrepressible Rivers said. A 12 year association with movie star Clint Eastwood may be Rivers’ biggest claim to fame. In 1984, when Eastwood was filming the crime thriller Tightrope in New Orleans, the actor-director saw Rivers’ show at Tyler’s Beer Garden. “When he came in, everybody said, ‘Ooh. Clint Eastwood!’” Rivers said. “I went to meet him but the people had surrounded him. So, I just went to the bar. And then I get a tap on the shoulder. I turn around and it’s Clint. He said, ‘I like what you’re doing.’” Eastwood phoned Rivers two months later. “So, boom, we started doing the music to Tightrope,” Rivers said. “And Clint let me write a song for the movie. I got a royalty check from that the other day.” Rivers’ tenor and alto saxes, flute and harmonica are all in Tightrope. He also played soprano sax for the movie’s Eastwood-composed theme. His subsequent soundtrack work for Eastwood includes Ratboy; the Charlie Parker biopic Bird; A Perfect World and, featuring his cameo appearance on a nightclub bandstand, The Bridges of Madison County. In 1996, he participated in the all-star Eastwood After Hours concert at Carnegie Hall. Rivers will turn 82 on April 18. “I think 82 is the new 50,” he said. —John Wirt www.OFFBEAT.com

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Band among other bands, leads his own traditional jazz septet. Charlie Wooton’s Zydefunk, 4/14, GE, 11a: Bassist Charlie Wooton was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. He has worked with Chubby Carrier, Sean Costello, Doug Belote and many others. His band Zydefunk will take you on an exhilarating trip through Louisiana with bass-driven funk, hints of Latin, reggae, jazz and blues. Charmaine Neville, 4/13, HIL, 5:20p: This vocalist and bandleader, a part of the famed Neville family, dishes out spicy versions of New Orleans blues and R&B favorites. Her band played at the wedding of Jan Ramsey and Joseph Irrera. Cherry Blossom Blastaz (Japan), 4/12, INT, 12p: Japanese cherry blossoms are symbolic and have been utilized often in Japanese art, manga, anime, and film, as well as at musical performances for ambient effect. It’s no wonder that this traditional jazz band from Japan incorporates the cherry blossom name. Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, 4/13, TRO, 11a: This band plays “boot stompin’ American music,” with lots of revved-up, high-volume country twang. Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, 4/11, GE, 5:20p: One of the most energetic zydeco groups around, Carrier and his band won the 2010 Cajun/ Zydeco Grammy for their album Zydeco Junkie. His latest release Black Pot took home OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Award for best zydeco album for 2018. Chucky “C” & Band, 4/13, SON, 8p: * Chucky “C” and The Clearly Blue Band is a group of musicians performing New Orleans blues and jazz. Chucky “C” is an enthusiastic and infectious personality making his performances unforgettable. Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders, 4/14, ZAP, 3:30p: Known for their lively interpretations of old New Orleans classics by Armstrong, Kid Ory, and others, the members of the

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Ashlin Parker: Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta, April 12, 5p

Serenaders have played together in various musical contexts since the ’60s. Cole Williams Band, 4/14, GE, 2p: This soul and rock-loving Pimps of Joytime alum sings, writes, plays piano and percussion, teaches music and—since relocating from Brooklyn to New Orleans in 2015— volunteers as a DJ on WWOZ. Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet, 4/13, GE, 7:15p: Since founding the influential Lil’ Rascals Brass Band back in the ‘80s, this dexterous trombonist has collaborated regularly with Galactic and Rebirth, but he’s come into his own with the Funktet, which now holds down the Thursday night slot at Vaughan’s. Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band, 4/11, CHV, 3:45p: Corey Ledet’s music infuses old and new styles of zydeco. He finds joy in giving his listeners a true dance/ music experience in the ways of old-time house parties. Creole String Beans, 4/14, WWL, 2p: Fronted by photographer Rick Olivier alongside former Iguanas and Cowboy Mouth members, the Creole String Beans began as a “Yat cover band” doing vintage local gems, and moved on to write similarly styled originals. Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar Band featuring Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, 4/12, ABS, 11a: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee Cullen Landry (original bassist for the Jokers) and his band team up with Louisiana Music Hall

of Fame inductee Al “Carnival Time” Johnson for s set of oldfashioned R&B and rock ’n’ roll. Cupid & the Dance Party Express Band, 4/12, TRO, 7:20p: Born and raised in Lafayette, this R&B singer—whose given name is Bryson Bernard—is best known for spawning a dance craze with the 2007 hit “Cupid Shuffle.” Curtis Pierre “The Samba Man,” 4/14, KID, 12:15p: The self-professed “samba king of New Orleans” leads the AfroBrazilian troupe he founded in 1987 on a series of parades and performances. Cyril Neville’s Swamp Funk, 4/13, ABS, 2:10p: In addition to stints playing with the Meters and the Neville Brothers, reggae-loving percussionist and singer Cyril has helmed funk outfit the Uptown Allstars and conducted a successful solo career. The Daiquiri Queens, 4/14, CHV, 12:30p:* This female-fronted group brings influences ranging from early-era Cajun standards performs with twin fiddles and haunting vocal harmonies sung in Louisiana French to today’s Cajun hits. The group comes from Lafayette. Dancing at Dusk with Tom Saunders and the Tomcats, 4/14, PAN, 6p: Led by Tom Saunders, this classic-model big band does hot jazz and swing from the 1920s and ‘30s. Dancing Grounds, 4/13, KID, 1:30p: Dancing Grounds is a nonprofit community arts organization that provides dance

education in New Orleans and includes hip-hop and modern dance performances. Darcy Malone and The Tangle, 4/11, GE, 11a: Led by the daughter of the Radiators’ Dave Malone, husband-and-wife team Darcy Malone and Christopher Boye blend their tastes for soul and indie rock. OffBeat writer, Rory Callais, is a member of the band. Daria & The Hip Drops, 4/14, HOB, 4p: Taking their name from a ‘60s funk nugget, this band has a more modern dance-pop sound. Frontwoman Daria Dzurik is one of the few lead singers who doubles on steel drums. Dash Rip Rock, 4/14, JD, 3:30p: Known for their highoctane roots rock and founded by frontman and songwriter Bill Davis, Dash Rip Rock brings on a party every time. Dave Ferrato, 4/14, TRO, 12:40p: Dave Ferrato is a Quarter Rat with an eye for storytelling detail and an ear for the classic currents of New Orleans R&B. Ferrato’s cleverly written and engaging songs are featured on his last album Later, On Decatur. His band is horn heavy with a rocksolid rhythm section. Davis Rogan, 4/14, SS, 12:15p: Rogan (who inspired Steve Zahn’s character in HBO’s Treme), plays New Orleans rhythm and blues mixed with topical and political lyrics and witty comments. Dayna Kurtz (interview) 4/14, JW, 1p: see Lulu and the Broadsides. The DayWalkers, 4/11, CHV, 12:30p: * Featuring Janson Lohmeyer on keyboards, Alex MacDonald on washboard, Brandon Miller on accordion and Steve Randall on drums. Their three-part harmony can be heard playing Bourbon Street. Debbie Davis and the Mesmerizers, 4/14, HWS, 11:15a: Davis sings blues, jazz, and showtunes with brassy candor and a twinkle in her eye. Deacon John and the Ivories with special guests Hot Rod Lincoln, 4/13, TRO, 2p: The singer/guitarist’s long history

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Photo by Brian Bennett

FQF IQ

Fest Focus

Big 6 Brass Band Sunday, April 14, 5:45p Louisiana Fish Fry Stage Formed in 2017, the Big 6 Brass Band is a quickly rising star in the already brilliant brass-band space of the city. The group prides itself on being a small musical family of well-rounded musicians with “a big sound,” which explains their open-ended approach to music. Deft whether performing traditional New Orleans brass-band material or covers of hit songs like SZA’s “The Weekend,” the crew has earned a reputation for not only being on the pulse of brassband culture, but at times creating quite a surge in its popularity. Big 6 recently went viral on local media for bringing a second line inside the Elysian Fields Waffle House just hours after local rapper Theodore “Young Greatness” Jones was killed outside its doors. There, they played the revered spiritual “I’ll Fly Away.” Some may have seen the group’s other viral moment, when the band visited a Popeye’s to put on a classic New Orleans set for customers and staff. A video of that performance has garnered over 16,000 views. On Sunday, April 14, Big 6 Brass Band will make its French Quarter Festival debut. There, trombonists Dwayne Finne and Lamar Heard; trumpeters Chris Cotton, Eric Gordon and Chadrick Honore; saxophonist Utopia Francis; snare drummer Pierre Carter; tuba player Clifton Smith; bass drummer Thaddeus Ramsey; and cowbell percussionist Chris Tero will put on a set encompassing the hip-hop, reggae, R&B, funk, gospel and traditional influences of their repertoire. Finnie was previously a member of Hot 8 before joining Big 6, a move that allowed him to take part in some of the latter’s most memorable career highlights. Among them, he says, was the funeral for the New Orleans Saints owner, Tom Benson. Performing at last year’s Essence Festival was also a highlight for Finnie, who says the group is almost finished with a major project. “This is the joke,” he tells me. “Everybody calls us the radio band. We play everything off the radio. But we just finished an album of material we composed ourselves.” Though the band loves to play the music they grew up on, “things change … everybody plays traditional music. We try to be different.” The band’s upcoming appearance at French Quarter Fest is a harbinger of Big 6’s promising future, Finnie says. “We are very, very excited to be a part of French Quarter Fest. It’s a new beginning to everything. You never know who’s going to be out there. We could be playing and somebody might hear us who came and visited, and we may be away in California the next time. We’re going to have a lot of fun.” Folks can get a taste of Big 6 Brass Band’s original music by checking out their new single, “The Mind,” available on all major streaming platforms. —Amanda Mester www.OFFBEAT.com

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in New Orleans music includes leading the band at debutante balls, performing at the Dew Drop Inn and playing on some of the city’s classic records like Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is” and Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-In-Law.” Members of the oldies cover band Hot Rod Lincoln include lawyers, businessmen and politicians are special guests. DeJan’s Olympia Brass Band, 4/12, LFF, 12:45p: One of the most prominent brass bands in New Orleans was originally led by saxophonist Harold “Duke” Dejan who passed away in 2002. Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, 4/12, HIL, 5:20p: The trombonist, composer and producer recently intrigued with his release Make America Great Again! His energetic UJO sets balance humor and fun with tight ensemble interplay and memorable solos. The Dirty Rain Revelers, 4/13, SS, 4p: Based in New Orleans, the Dirty Rain Revelers are Matthew and Melissa DeOrazio. The band features original compositions along with creative interpretations of other artists’ songs. The Dixie Cups, 4/14, ABS, 3:45p: New Orleans’ contribution to the ’60s girl-group sound, the Dixie Cups scored nationally with “Chapel of Love,” the follow-up, “People Say” and the Mardi Gras Indian-derived “Iko Iko.” Dolores T. Aaron Academy Brass Band, 4/14, SCH, 4:30p: Dolores T. Aaron Academy is sponsored by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Preservation Hall Foundation. Trumpeter Kevin Louis worked with students and helped develop the brass band. Don Jamison Heritage School of Music (Citywide), 4/14, SCH, 12:30p: These student players aged 11 to 17 hail from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s principal education program and study under the artistic direction of Kidd Jordan. Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, 4/13, HIL, 3:50p: This eclectic banjo player and singer has made a career of exploring

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Lena Prima: Jack Daniels Stage, April 12, 12:30p

his Creole heritage through music, whether it’s traditional jazz, island music, or joining bluesmen in the Black Banjo Project. Doro Wat, 4/14, DOR, 12:45p: * Doro Wat, named after an Ethiopian stew, is trumpeter Ben Polcer, trombonist Charlie Halloran and reedman James Evans. Their repertoire includes Prima, Satchmo, Jelly Roll, Fats Waller and Juan Tizol. The Drom Blanchard Trio (France), 4/14, INT, 12p: Native of France, Drom Blanchard started to learn the guitar when he was very young. His father taught him the basics of jazz and gypsy music. Raised in the culture of the gypsies, he later developed his technique repeating on his guitar what he heard on the records of Django Reinhardt. His music remains largely imbued with the legacy of Django but also incorporates Mediterranean, flamenco, blues and funk harmonies. The Dukes of Dixieland, 4/11, JD, 2p: The Dukes are one of the most storied names in traditional jazz. This incarnation of the venerable jazz band was formed in 1974. For a few years afterward they ran their own club atop the Hotel Monteleone, taking the space over from Louis Prima. Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, 4/13, CHV, 5:30p: OffBeat’s cover subject is a second-generation accordion slinger who carries on the blues-infused style of his dad Dopsie Sr., often with a whole lot of added speed and volume. His latest CD Top of the Mountain was nominated for a

Grammy and won for Best Zydeco CD at the Best of the Beat Awards. Ecirb Müller’s Twisted Dixie, 4/14, JD, 11a: Trumpeter Dr. Brice Miller pays homage to fictional jazz pioneer Ecrib Müller as he leads this band through updated renditions of New Orleans trad jazz repertoire. Edna Karr Brass Band, 4/14, SCH, 3:15p: Edna Karr’s marching band is known as the “Marching Cougars” which includes instrumentalists, dancers (Cougar Dolls), a flag corp, and twirlers. The band was featured in Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album and in the upcoming film by Lily Keber Buckjumping. Egg Yolk Jubilee, 4/13, WWL, 3:45p: Egg Yolk’s brass-driven sound is a wild, anarchic mix of brass band, garage rock, vintage New Orleans R&B, Sun Ra-like jazz, and whatever else moves them at the moment. Ellis Marsalis Quintet, 4/11, HIL, 3:50p: The premier pianist, educator and patriarch of one of the city’s top musical families is an active performer who you can hear every Friday at Snug Harbor and at other venues around the city. Erica Falls, 4/14, TRO, 3:50p: This soulful R&B vocalist has sung with Allen Toussaint and Irma Thomas but her chops and songwriting skills demand attention on their own merit. She is often featured with Galactic and gave an electrifying performance singing with Walter “Wolfman” Washington at OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Award this last January.

Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road, 4/11, HIL, 12:45p: As the name suggests, Big Easyby-way-of-California clarinetist Evan Christopher is at the center of this project. With a versatile style that takes its cues from early greats like Sidney Bechet and Barney Bigard, Christopher offers a fresh take on traditional New Orleans jazz. Ever More Nest, 4/13, SS, 2:45p:* Singer songwriter-Kelcy Mae leads the band. Her music is alt-country folk rock with bluegrass influences. Her creative lyrics and evocative voice have resulted in multiple nominations to OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. Flow Tribe, 4/13, CHV, 7:30p: “Backbone cracking music” is the chosen genre of this party-friendly funk/rock band, which adds Red Hot Chili Peppers and hip-hop to the Meters on its list of funk influences. Frankie Boots, 4/13, HOB, 12p: * Raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Frankie Boots’ songs reflect the sultry Southern soul of New Orleans. The outcome is a unique brand of free-range Americana. Fredy Omar con su Banda, 4/12, GE, 12:30p: Once proclaimed the “Latin King of Frenchmen Street” by OffBeat, Omar is a Honduras-born singer with a sizzling band. The French Connection, 4/13, SON, 2p: * The French Connection is a hot jazz and gypsy jazz band from New York City. They play traditional jazz, chansons françaises, hot jazz, swing and beyond. The band comprises Adrien Chevalier on violin; Michael Valeanu on guitar; Olli Soikkeli on guitar and Philip Ambuel on bass. Funk Monkey, 4/11, ABS, 11a: This hard-grooving crew of local funk experts was conceived of by Bonerama’s Greg Hicks and Bert Cotton and features Jason Mingledorff (Papa Grows Funk), Rik Fletcher (Smilin’ Myron), David Pomerleau (Johnny Sketch), and Eddie Christmas (Jon Cleary).

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Photo by Brian Bennett

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Tommy Sancton’s New Orleans Legacy Band PHOTO: COURTESY OF the artist

Saturday, April 13, 12p Dow Chemical Stage Tommy Sancton makes his annual pilgrimage to his native New Orleans. Most of the year, the traditional jazz clarinetist, journalist and bestselling author lives in suburban Paris. But Sancton comes home every spring festival season to play music with his friends and enjoy the city he still loves. In 1962, several years before Sancton spent 22 years working for Time magazine in New York and Paris, he was a 13-year-old white youth in New Orleans captivated by the traditional jazz that black musicians played at Preservation Hall. “I heard George Lewis and was enthralled by the sound of his clarinet,” Sancton recalled. “I always say his tone was like molten silver.” A few months later, British clarinetist Sammy Rimington, a friend of Sancton’s journalist father, gave the boy a clarinet. Sancton soon took informal clarinet lessons with Lewis. “I started hanging around Preservation Hall, sitting in and having an informal apprenticeship with all the old guys,” Sancton said. “It was an incredible and unlikely experience.” Not only unlikely but illegal, because in 1962, Louisiana’s segregation laws forbade gatherings of whites and blacks in public spaces. Sancton’s father, however, a reporter who’d worked for magazines in New York City and the Item-Tribune newspaper in New Orleans, was an outspoken civil rights advocate. “People coming together, overcoming racial barriers, age barriers and cultural barriers, this fit with my dad’s values,” Sancton recalled. “I owe a big debt to him for instilling those values in me and giving me access to the jazz musicians of New Orleans.” Both Sancton’s biological father and the African-American musicians he considers his spiritual fathers inspired his 2006 memoir, Song for My Fathers. “The musicians’ world, their culture, humor, manner of speaking, warmth, I was brought in contact with that through music,” he said. “I felt like I was part of something greater than the white middle-class world that I’d been born into.” In addition to his presence at Preservation Hall, Sancton paraded through New Orleans neighborhoods with the Harold Dejan–led Olympia Brass Band. “The musicians were protective of me,” Sancton remembered. “They figured I was someone who could carry on their style of music.” As much as Sancton loved music, he left New Orleans at 18 to study American history and literature at Harvard. In Massachusetts, however, he co-founded the Black Eagle Jazz Band with some likeminded musicians. In 1974, during his graduate study at England’s Oxford University, Sancton stopped playing music to concentrate on his academic work. A Black Eagle Jazz Band reunion in 1986 promoted Sancton to play clarinet again. “I realized that I had suppressed my voice for 13 years,” he said. “The sound of my breath blowing through a horn, making the reed vibrate, it was not just music, it was my inner voice.” —John Wirt www.OFFBEAT.com

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G and The Swingin’ Gypsies, 4/12, TJ, 2p: This swing quartet is fronted by vocalist Giselle Anguizola, who incorporates tap dancing and other forms of dance from the first half of the 20th century into their show. Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue, 4/12, WWL, 2p: Bigvoiced Maryland native Vanessa Niemann fronts one of the city’s leading Western swing bands, which plays originals, honky-tonk favorites, and less obvious choices like Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” They were big winners at the 2018 OffBeat Best of the Beat Awards, taking home two awards for the best country artist and best country album for Lost and Found. Galactic, 4/11, ABS, 3:45p:* Approaching their music with open ears, Ben Ellman, Robert Mercurio, Stanton Moore, Jeff Raines and Rich Vogel draw inspiration from quintessential New Orleans musicians such as the Meters and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band as well as from each other. Brass-band elements, old-school soul and hard rock figure as prominently as the funk. These long-running jamband scene stalwarts are known for their high-energy sets that often feature guests including vocalist Erica Falls. Galactic’s first new studio album in more than three years, Already Ready Already, features guest vocalists including Miss Mojo, Princess Shaw, The Revivalists vocalist Dave Shaw, Boyfriend and of course Erica Falls. Garden District Jazz Band, 4/13, DOW, 4:30p: Drummer David Hansen’s trio plays traditional and Latin jazz along with standards from the Great American Songbook. His latest CD Upward with the Garden District Trio is reviewed in this issue. George Porter Jr. & the Runnin’ Pardners, 4/12, CHV, 7:30p: As a founding Meter and a jamming partner to just about everybody, bassist Porter is one of the cornerstones of New Orleans funk. The band’s latest disc, Can’t Beat the Funk, applies fresh spins to lesser-known nuggets from the

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Meters catalogue. Porter has been nominated for and won numerous Best of the Beat Awards. Gerald French and Friends, 4/13, TJ, 11a: The late drummer and colorful WWOZ personality Bob French led this band for 34 years, schooling young talents like Shamarr Allen and Kid Chocolate. When he retired from the band French passed the torch to his nephew Gerald, also a drummer. Germaine Bazzle, 4/14, SON, 8p: This locally prized jazz singer can caress a ballad or scat-sing an up-tempo number with the best. Her history includes a stint playing bass on Bourbon Street with Alvin “Red” Tyler; both OffBeat and the Jazz Journalism Association honored her 50-plus-years of work in music education with awards. Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras, 4/14, SCH, 11a: Directed by Dr. Jean Montes, the goal at GNOYO is to provide every willing young person in the area access to a quality and comprehensive orchestral program. Helen Gillet & Wazozo, 4/13, PAN, 2p: This Belgiumborn cellist and singer performs avant-garde jazz and French chansons with gusto. She’s become a cornerstone of the city’s music scene in recent years, lending her skills to multiple improvisational projects. Higher Heights Reggae Band, 4/13, TRO, 5:45p: Higher Heights combines reggae, dancehall and rocksteady into a heady mix of Jamaican sounds. His Eye Is On The Sparrow: A Jazz & Spiritual B3 Organ Session featuring Rickie Monie, 4/14, PH, 2p: Pianist Rickie Monie was raised in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. He performed with Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band and in 1982 he began sitting in for Emma Barrett on piano at Preservation Hall. He has performed with Dave Bartholomew, Dr. Michael White, Gregg Stafford, the Blind Boys of Alabama and many others. He regularly plays organ in churches around New Orleans. Homer A. Plessy Community School, 4/13, SCH, 11a: * Located

in the French Quarter, the school boasts alumnus Richard Simmons and is the setting for the movie King Creole featuring Elvis Presley. Rebecca Crenshaw teaches strings, guitar, and bucket drumming classes while encouraging students to express themselves through music. Honey Island Swamp Band, 4/14, TRO, 5:25p: Formed in San Francisco by Katrina exiles who’ve since returned to town, the HISB is a hard-driving rock band with roots in R&B, country and funk. Hot 8 Brass Band, 4/13, LFF, 5:45p: The storied Hot 8 is a study in survival, having lost three members in shooting deaths. But the band has endured, and they carry on traditional brass-band sounds and add elements of hiphop and jazz, touring worldwide. Their latest album, Take Cover, interprets classic tracks from Joy Division, Michael Jackson and George Benson. Hot Club of New Orleans, 4/14, DOR, 2:15p: Fronted by skilled and versatile clarinetist Chris Kohl, the Hot Club performs classics of the gypsy jazz songbook. The Iguanas, 4/12, ABS, 3:45p: With Tex-Mex rock as their base, the Iguanas can swing freely into jazz, country, garage and Caribbean music. Irene Sage, 4/14, ABS, 11a: Guitarist and vocalist Irene Sage has been going strong for nearly fifteen years. Sage was the front person for the band Irene and the Mikes. Sage sang and toured for many years with Allen Toussaint. In 2001 Sage was featured on the cover of OffBeat Magazine. Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans, 4/12, ABS, 5:30p: With a career that spans more than 50 years, Thomas earned her royal nickname through innumerable contributions to the development of soul and R&B. While she still plays early hits like “It’s Raining” and “Time is on My Side,” she continues to introduce new material. Jamal Batiste Band, 4/12, WWL, 3:45p: New Orleans’ Jamal Batiste Band plays charged

rock, funk, soul, gospel, hip-hop and R&B. Jamal Batiste performed in the movie Get On Up, The James Brown Story. James Andrews (interview), 4/14, JW, 3p; 4/14, HIL, 5:30p: Grandson of Jessie Hill and brother of Trombone Shorty, Andrews has gone in a funky, expansive direction. A neighborhood’s worth of players have joined the core band onstage. The James Martin Band, 4/13, SON, 5p: Saxophonist James Martin is a NOCCA graduate who began his professional music career performing with his school buddy Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. After seven years of playing with Trombone Shorty, James decided to pursue a solo career. He has released several albums and gained a nomination for Best Saxophonist at the Best of the Beat Awards. He is also a member of the Soul Brass Band with Derrick Freeman and was featured on OffBeat’s September 2018 cover. James Rivers Movement, 4/14, SON, 5p:* Perhaps the city’s only jazz/funk saxophonist who doubles as a bagpipe player, Rivers was also known for a longtime (now discontinued) Sunday brunch at the Hilton, and for scoring Clint Eastwood’s The Bridges of Madison County. See Fest Focus in this issue. Jamey St Pierre, 4/12, HOB, 12p: Frenchmen Street’s singer-songwriter and guitarist Jamey St. Pierre is joined by the Honeycreepers’ Kyle Cripps on saxophone and Dave Freeson on guitar. Jamey’s interpretations of Bill Withers, Nina Simone and Ray Charles, along with his original compositions, are soulful and exciting. Jamil Sharif, 4/14, OMN, 4:15p: This local trumpeter studied with Ellis Marsalis at NOCCA and went on to do a number of soundtracks, including the Ray Charles biopic Ray, for which he was music coordinator. Jason Marsalis & the 21st Century Trad Band, 4/14, PAN, 12:15p: Marsalis began as a vibraphonist but spends more time behind the drums; in both www.OFFBEAT.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OF the artist

Fest Focus

Them Ol’ Ghosts SATURDAY, April 13, 8p House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage Them Ol’ Ghosts are a four-piece rock band with roots buried deep in Southern soul. Their 2017 debut, Renegade, was recorded off the grid in a makeshift studio in the backwoods of Mississippi. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Theophile Bourgeois, the band features guitarist Justin Johnson, drummer Blair Champagne and bassist Aaron Younce. Recently, the band appeared at Gretna Fest and at Tipitina’s, where they opened up for Delta Revelry. With several appearances at the House of Blues New Orleans behind them, Them Ol’ Ghosts are gearing up for the release of a new five-song EP, recorded at the legendary Music Shed Studios. On May 24, they’ll celebrate the release of the as-yet untitled EP. But first, the fledgling group is focusing on their debut appearance at French Quarter Festival, where they’ll appear on Saturday, April 13. “To say we’re stoked would be an understatement,” Bourgeois tells me. The band is planning a 90-minute set replete with the “Southern progressive rock ’n’ roll” he says Them Ol’ Ghosts is all about. The band draws from soul, blues and folk as much as it does prog rock, but regardless of the source, what’s emitted from the musicians is authentic. “Everything we do truly pulls from sincere intent,” he explains. “Music to us is such an integral part of what it is to be human. I look at it as an auditory manifestation of human emotion and every song out there is an extremely acute experience of one person who was able to translate that message through arranging sounds and crafting language in such a way as to resonate that experience with an audience. It’s the most rewarding feeling to have strangers tell you how your lyrics have touched them. My songs are often very personal experiences and there’s therapeutic value in that process. I know I’ve saved countless dollars on therapy by just writing music.” Bourgeois lives in Barataria, a small town outside Lafitte. He says he can’t help but be inspired by his surroundings, but perhaps not in the more obvious ways. “There is a certain regional aspect to our sound, which is why I add ‘Southern’ to our title. But I don’t think of us as others might think of ‘Southern’ music. We’re not out here singing about whiskey and motorcycles or trucks or anything. For me, a big source of inspiration is the romance of South Louisiana. My backyard is the swamp—it’s home to me. There’s such rich cultural currency and unending inspiration here. The swamp is my muse and I could never escape her charm.” —Amanda Mester www.OFFBEAT.com

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situations, he expertly matches agile displays of technique with a deep sense of groove. His latest album Melody Reimagined book 1 was nominated for OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Album of the Year. Jason Marsalis took home the Best of the Beat Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist in 2018. Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, 4/12, CHV, 3:45p: Jeffery Broussard is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Creole culture and traditional Zydeco music. Although accordion is his main instrument, Jeffery plays guitar, bass, fiddle, and percussion instruments (drums, triangle, and scrubboard). Jelly Toast, 4/14, PH, 3p: Harmony fueled duet comprised of Tif “Teddy” Lamson and Julie Odell. Jeremy Davenport, 4/14, HIL, 2:20p: Schooled as the featured trumpeter in Harry Connick, Jr.’s band, the St. Louis native has carved out a solo career with a tender tone to both his playing and singing on romantic standards and originals. Jeremy Joyce, 4/13, SS, 11a: * Guitarist Jeremy Joyce music is a melting pot, from rock to blues to funk to jazz. The Philadelphia native and New Orleans resident brings in what sounds good to his ears and adds it to the pot. His music has been fully “funkified” by his adopted city. Jérôme Laborde (France), 4/13, INT, 12p: Trombonist Jérôme Laborde is a connoisseur of New Orleans traditional jazz. His band The Gumbo Jazz Band has performed at French Quarter Festival frequently and at Fritzel s on Bourbon Street. They wish you good jazz or bon jazz. Jesse Morrow Trio, 4/14, OMN, 12p: Bassist and composer Jesse Marrow has established himself as an industrious rhythmic dynamo in the New Orleans music scene, playing across a spectrum of genres. Joe Lastie’s New Orleans Sound, 4/12, TRO, 12:30p: Drummer Joe Lastie, a member of New Orleans musical Lastie

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Jeremy Davenport: Hilton Stage, April 14, 2:20p

family who perhaps remains most recognized for his years with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, steps out as leader of his New Orleans Sound band. “New Orleans in Me,” a tune penned by Lastie soon after Katrina, got a street beat that’s a blend of brass band with these lyrics: “You can take me out of New Orleans, but you can’t take New Orleans outta me.” John “Papa” Gros, 4/12, ABS, 7:30p: New Orleans funk scene stalwart “Papa Gros” took his music in a new direction after disbanding Papa Grows Funk in 2013. The powerhouse keyboardist, singer and French horn player recently released Live at Tipitina’s New Orleans with his Japanese touring band Funk on Da Table. John Boutté, 4/12, HIL, 11:15a; (interview), 4/13, JW, 3p: A local favorite with a high and haunting voice, Boutté is an inspired, passionate interpreter of songs; his acclaim spread widely after his tune Treme Song became the theme of the hit HBO series, Treme. John Royen’s New Orleans Rhythm Band, 4/14, ZAP, 12:30p: Royen is credited with bringing East-Coast style stride piano to Preservation Hall in the early ’80s, adding a syncopated ragtime beat to the traditional New Orleans sound. Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, 4/14, WWL, 3:45p: They’re a funky rock band with a few gonzoid touches. The band’s philosophy can best be summed up by the sentiments of the single and video, “Dance Dance Dance Dance Dance.” Jon Cleary, 4/11, CHV, 5:30p: Since moving over from the UK in

the ’80s, Cleary’s earned a place in the frontline of New Orleans blues singers and keyboardists. He won a Grammy Award for his CD GoGo Juice. At the 2018 Best of the Beat awards, Jon Cleary was named Songwriter of the Year and Best Pianist. Jon Roniger, 4/13, SS, 1:30p: Singer songwriter Jon Roniger is a Nashville music veteran. Roniger can be found frequently performing on Frenchmen Street. Josh Benitez Band, 4/12, HOB, 5p: * Josh Benitez Band is a rock ’n’ roll band with an affinity for funk and blues. The band includes Benitez on guitar, Gaton Daigle on bass and Jamey Thomason on drums. Juju Child & The Hypnotic Roots Band, 4/11, TRO, 2p: A bluesman that combines traditional African music with boogie from New Orleans, creating a unique blend of blues and soul afro music. Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band, 4/14, TJ, 11a: Frenchmen Street’s trad jazz all stars are more like one big, incestuous family than a collection of separate bands, and the particular combination known as Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band fronted by trombonist/ vocalist Colin Myers is one of the best. Katy Hobgood Ray, 4/13, KID, 2:45p: Singer songwriter Katy Hobgood Ray’s material is a mix of traditional New Orleans music, nursery rhymes, and songs by contemporary Louisiana

songwriters. Keith Burnstein’s Kettle Black, 4/13, SS, 12:15p: * The brainchild of Mumbles alum Keith Burnstein, along with members of Toubab Krewe and Antibalas, the band fans out the African and Cuban influences found in New Orleans music to create a new American songbook. Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, 4/11, ABS, 12:35p: One of New Orleans’ most beloved trumpeters and personalities, Ruffins digs swingin’, smokin’ and partyin’ traditional style. Kevin Louis Band, 4/14, PH, 1p: Trumpeter Kevin Louis is a graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. He has performed with Nicholas Payton, Henry Butler, Kermit Ruffins, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and many others. Kid Simmons Jazz Band, 4/14, ZAP, 11a: Trumpeter Simmons has been active in traditional jazz since he first came to came to New Orleans in 1966. He’s also a musicologist and WWOZ DJ who’s unearthed some overlooked classics of the ragtime era. Kim Carson & the Real Deal, 4/13, ABS, 11a: A longtime New Orleans local who now resides in Houston, Carson is a classicmodel honky-tonk angel, able to charm with bawdy humor and then break hearts with a ballad. Kinfolk Brass Band, 4/11, PAR, 10a: Formed in 2006, the Kinfolk are true to the traditional brass-band sound and perform “Bourbon Street Parade,” “I’ll Fly Away” and other standards along with their originals. Klezervation Hall, 4/14, HWS, 12:45p: Fronted by accordionist, composer and singer David C. Symons this klezmer band performs in various venues around New Orleans. Symons also founded and currently leads New Orleansbased folk cabaret ensemble The Salt Wives. Kumasi, 4/12, HOB, 7p: www.OFFBEAT.com

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New Orleans’ only Afrobeat orchestra brings high-energy dance music in the form of West African-inspired originals and Afro-funk, along with some Fela covers. Margie Perez is the vocalist. See feature in this issue. Lars Edegran’s New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, 4/14, PH, 12p: Formed in 1967 by Swedishborn pianist Lars Edegran, this band plays rags, cakewalks and other classic pieces from the original ragtime era. Lawrence Cotton Legendary Experience, 4/13, TJ, 4:15p: Guitar Slim’s longtime piano player and an alum of Dave Bartholomew’s band, among many others. Now in his 90s, Cotton remains devoted to his art and full of great stories. Lena Prima, 4/12, JD, 12:30p: The youngest daughter of Louis Prima performs her dad’s classics along with her own jazz-pop material. Her recent Basin Street Records release Prima La Famiglia interprets her father’s repertoire. She was featured on the February 2019 OffBeat cover. Leroy Jones & New Orleans’ Finest, 4/12, HIL, 2:20p: Trumpeter Jones is a protégé of the legendary Danny Barker and at 13 was leading the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band. In 1991 Jones joined Harry Connick, Jr.'s band; he's also appeared with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Dr. John. Leroy Jones’ Original Hurricane Brass Band, 4/13, LFF, 4p: Jones draws on his experience with the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band to play traditional New Orleans brass band music in this historic group. The Light Set, 4/13, WWL, 11a: * Fronted by songwriter and piano player Lauren Oglesby, this band features original tunes with lush

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harmonies. Lil’ Glenn & Backatown, 4/11, TRO, 12:30p: Trumpeter and vocalist Lil’ Glenn is joined by Peter Varnado on drums, Austin Clements on bass, Gregg Molinario on guitar and Jeronne Ansari on saxophone. The funk, rock and hip-hop band performs frequently in New Orleans. Linnzi Zaorski, 4/13, ZAP, 11a: Dubbed “the Ninth Ward’s torchiest torch singer” by OffBeat, the charismatic Zaorski mixes Betty Boop phrasing with a solid sense of ‘30s-style swing. Lisa Amos, 4/12, JD, 7:15p: Vocalist Lisa Amos was born and raised in New Orleans. She has appeared with hip hop artist Choppa but her vocal style is more R&B. Little Freddie King, 4/12, ABS, 2:10p: The Mississippi Delta-born King plays raw jukejoint blues with style, and he’s one of the best dressers you’ll see on any stage. His latest album, Absolutely the Best, compiles some of his very best songs including “Chicken Dance” and “Walking with Freddie.” Llareggub Brass Band (Great Britain), 4/13, INT, 2:15p: Influenced by brass bands from the slate mining villages of North Wales, they have evolved to include New Orleans marching bands with New York inspired hip-hop along with Welsh language pop music. Formed by bandleader Owain Roberts in 2015 they are Wales’ best live brass band. Lost Bayou Ramblers, 4/12, GE, 7:15p: This band typically plays traditional Cajun music but incorporates Western swing, rockabilly, and punk rock aesthetics. Leader Louis Michot has revived forgotten classics and sings almost entirely in Cajun French. They have collaborated with many artists including Spider Stacey of the Pogues. Their 2017 CD Kalenda received a Grammy for the Best Regional Roots Music Album. Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs, 4/14, ZAP, A PRI L 2019

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2p: Clarinetist and saxophonist Ford is a second generation New Orleans jazz man dedicated to the preservation of the genre. Louisiana’s LeRoux, 4/13, ABS, 12:35p: Founded in 1978, these Baton Rouge natives released minor hits like “Take a Ride On a Riverboat,” “New Orleans Ladies” and “Nobody Said It Was Easy (Lookin’ For the Lights)” in the late ’70s and early ’80s. They continue to tour with original members Tony Haselden and Rod Roddy. Love Evolution, 4/14, WWL, 12:30p: Comprised of singer Semaj and and guitarist Mr. Lorrius, this duo delivers the message that peace will triumph over destruction. The pair blends a variety of styles into a sound they call “urban-folk.” Luke Spurr Allen (interview), 4/13, JW, 2p; 4/14, SS, 2:45p: Luke Spur Allen’s raw and literary approach to songwriting, along with his perfectly rasp-tinged voice, front this New Orleans-style alt-country pack of Bywater rock all-stars. Lulu and the Broadsides (feat. Dayna Kurtz), 4/14, WWL, 11a: * New Jersey born vocalist and songwriter Dayna Kurtz is joined by drummer Carlo Nuccio (Royal Fingerbowl), pianist Casey McAllister (Hurray for the Riff Raff / King James & the Special Men) and guitarist Robert Mache. Luna Mora, 4/14, OMN, 1:15p: * Latin band from New Orleans with frequent performances at local venues. Luther Kent Jazz Quartet, 4/12, SON, 7:30p: This Southernfried soul man, who fronted Blood, Sweat & Tears for a short stint in the ’70s, is best known for leading the funky Trickbag. Lynn Drury, 4/13, GE, 11a: A singer-songwriter steeped in both her Mississippi heritage and her adopted home of New Orleans, this frequent Best of the Beat Awards nominee teamed up with veteran British producer John Porter for her CD Come to My House. Maggie Koerner (interview) 4/14. JW, 12p,

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4/14, GE, 3:30p: Louisiana native singer-songwriter has frequently performed with Galactic. Her CD Quarter Life received positive reviews. Magnolia Sisters, 4/13, CHV, 2p: * A Cajun music band comprised of four diversely talented singers and musicians. The group’s musical collaboration gives a woman’s voice to Cajun music while maintaining a soulful, gutsy feeling to it. Each member brings her own rich individual experience as Louisiana musicians, parents, and women in the real world. The common ground is the music, the heritage and the feeling that comes across. The members of the group are Ann Savoy, Jane Vidrine, Anya Burgess, and Lisa Trahan. MainLine, 4/14, GE, 12:30p: Having dropped the “brass band” moniker in recent years, this eightpiece credits Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s Kirk Joseph with inspiring the funk, rock and jam band-style approach they layer onto their brass band horns instrumentation. See Fest Focus in this issue. Margie Perez, 4/14, SS, 4p: Singer and songwriter specializing in a versatile blend of blues, pop, and Latin with a New Orleans funky touch. See feature in this issue. Mario Abney, 4/12, SON, 2p: Born and raised in Chicago, trumpeter Mario Abney’s contemporary jazz sound and penchant for extended solos have made him a fixture of the New Orleans scene. Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, 4/14, PH, 4p: The musical director of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, this trumpeter and vocalist leads a different cast of traditional jazz players for a change of pace. Mark Brooks, 4/13, DOR, 2:15p: An acoustic bassist specializing in the classic New Orleans jazz repertoire as well as blues, gospel and modern jazz, Brooks has worked with Dr. John, the Neville Brothers and Fats Domino. Mason Ruffner, 4/12, TRO, 4p: When he first came to New

Orleans in the late ‘70s, this Texasborn, blues-obsessed guitarist backed the likes of John Lee Hooker and Memphis Slim. He went on to work with Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan, Daniel Lanois and U2 while maintaining an acclaimed solo career. Mayumi Shara & New Orleans Jazz Letters, 4/13, ZAP, 2p: This master of Japanese taiko drumming has become equally adept at historically New Orleanian music styles ranging from traditional jazz to blues to R&B. Mia Borders, 4/13, GE, 3:45p: A singer, songwriter, and guitarist from New Orleans, her release, Quarter-Life Crisis, was produced by Anders Osborne and described by OffBeat Magazine as “a record of great music and great intensity.” Michot’s Melody Makers, 4/13, PH, 3p: Louis Michot is a dynamic Cajun fiddler best known as the frontman of the Lost Bayou Ramblers. He performs with a slew of popular musicians from the Lafayette scene. Mike Harvey’s Hot Club, 4/14, OMN, 2:45p: Violinist Mike Harvey formerly of the Courtyard Kings fronts this band. Inspired by Quintette de Hot Club du France, Mike Harvey’s Hot Club’s repertoire includes classic gypsy jazz. Mikhala “Jazz Muffin” Iversen, 4/14, HWS, 3:45p: Vocalist Iverson is a DanishAmerican whose life-long dream was to sing jazz in the Crescent City. Her sultry style makes her right at home in New Orleans. Minokan RaRa Group featuring Damas “Fan Fan” Louis, 4/13, PH, 2p: Originally from Haiti but now living in New Orleans, Louis Damas’ group Minokan RaRa plays traditional Haitian RaRa music. Miss Sophie Lee, 4/13, OMN, 1:15p: One of the proprietors of the restaurant Three Muses and the newly relocated Seoul Shack, Lee applies a sultry vocal style to her chosen mixture of swing and traditional jazz. Her CD Love Street Lullaby shows off her songwriting as well as interpretive skills. Muevelo, 4/13, PAN, 5:45p:

Muevelo means “move it” in Spanish. This band, which specializes in Cuban music, has become a New Orleans Latin sensation. Members include Margie Perez on vocals, Brent Rose on saxophone and flute, Eric Lucero on trumpet, Gabriel Velasco on percussion and many others. Mykia Jovan, 4/11, GE, 12:30p:* A distinctive vocalist and songwriter from New Orleans who draws comparison to Billie Holiday and Erykah Badu. She has been nominated for OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. Her debut album was named a Top 50 album of the year by OffBeat. The Nation of Gumbollia, 4/12, TRO, 11a: The Nation of Gumbollia is comprised of members from various Mardi Gras Indian groups. Eric Burt, who has been a stage manager at French Quarter Festival for the last 25 years, put together this group. Naydja CoJoe, 4/13, WWL, 12:30p: Singer and New Orleans native Naydja CoJoe’s sound dabbles in the vintage and the more recent mainstream, while her lovely voice is bolstered by her confident stage presence. The Nayo Jones Experience, 4/13, OMN, 4:15p: Kermit Ruffins’ go-to guest vocalist hails from Chicago, attended Spelman and brings plenty of fire to her mix of jazz standards and R&B hits. Nebula Rosa, 4/12, HOB, 3p: * A creation of singer-songwriter George Elizondo and guitarist Josh Starkman, the band Nebula Rosa is a unique amalgam of musical influences from both North and Latin American cultures. Their debut album Bengala contains carefully crafted songs sung in both English and Spanish. New Birth Brass Band, 4/13, LFF, 11:15a: Featuring trumpeter Will Smith and other former students of the famed Olympia Brass Band, this long-running ensemble boasts Glen David Andrews and Trombone Shorty among its alumni. New Breed Brass Band, 4/11, JD, 3:30p: These high school marching band alums fold hip-

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PHOTO: Xiomara Blanco

Fest Focus

MainLine Sunday, April 14, 12:30p GE Digital Big River Stage “We started the band around 2010. We were doing a lot of brass band music, but we wanted to go in a different direction when it came to incorporating horns into guitar, drums and stuff like that,” Edward Lee tells me. He’s the musical director of MainLine and the self-proclaimed “Sousafunk Prince.” He tips his hat to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose unorthodox approach to brass-band music served as a blueprint for MainLine. “Dirty Dozen has been making this type of music for a long time, and it just takes one person to evolve it. One of my mentors in this game is Kirk Joseph,” Lee says of Dirty Dozen’s sousaphonist. “When I told him that we were trying to do something like a Dirty Dozen, but a little more contemporary, he said ‘Yeah. New Orleans needs someone to use a different type of style in brass-band music.’” Joseph left Lee with some sage advice: “Don’t call yourselves a brass band.” For Lee, the decision to shake loose of the term was an obvious choice. “We really don’t play any contemporary brass-band music, or any type of Rebirth [Brass Band] or Hot 8 [Brass Band]. Most of our music is original songs, so we have our own original repertoire. That’s been a challenge in itself—trying to cross over from being called a brass band.” As such, MainLine brands itself as a funk/hip-hop/soul band that just so happens to feature a heavy brass section. They source inspiration from the music they listen to on their own time, which includes everything from Chicago to Migos. Together, the seven-piece ensemble (the current lineup of the band is comprised of saxophonists Douane Waples and Erion Williams; trombonist Christopher Miller; guitarist Matt Galloway; keyboardist Kashonda Bailey; drummer Donald Magee; and trumpeter Harry Morter) will appear at this year’s French Quarter Festival, a gig which the band has played before but which is never anything less than a big deal. “It’s always a pleasure playing at French Quarter Fest,” says Lee. “I believe this is our fourth year in a row performing there. It always gives us an opportunity to present our band to new people. It always pleases me when somebody says ‘I heard you guys from all the way up the street! I had to come over here and see what was goin’ on.’” One of French Quarter Fest’s greatest strengths, he says, is that it’s free. “It gives everyone an opportunity, young and old, to come experience what we can do. It really tests us, as well, because we have to be able to adapt our set. It’s always a complex set of people at French Quarter Fest.” —Amanda Mester www.OFFBEAT.com

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hop, funk, and soul into the brass tradition in clubs and second lines around the city. New Orleans Classic Jazz Orchestra, 4/13, DOR, 11:15a: Led by Eddie Baynard, this septet performs the music of influential ‘20s-era New Orleans bands like the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, 4/13, TJ, 2:30p: Rulers of the lower French Quarter and the Faubourg Marigny, the Cottonmouth Kings play a loose and fun style of traditional jazz. The New Orleans Jazz Vipers, 4/13, DOR, 3:45p: This swinging drum-less quintet brings a mix of still-timely standards like “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” and lesser known swing tunes to their frequent gigs in New Orleans. The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars, 4/12, GE, 2p: Innovators of a funked-up localized take on traditional Jewish music, this band’s past and present members include scions of the city’s jazz and funk scenes. New Orleans Nightcrawlers, 4/12, LFF, 2:15p: This funky brass-meets-rock outfit represents the genre’s adventurous edge and includes familiar faces from Bonerama and Galactic. Their album, Slither Slice, combined funk, hip-hop, Indian chants and a general spirit of rejuvenation. New Orleans Suspects, 4/13, JD, 7:15p: The New Orleans Suspects were formed in 2009 for a jam session. Comprised of some of the most seasoned players, the group called themselves The Unusual Suspects. They have established themselves as one of New Orleans’ best supergroups. The band consists of Neville Brothers drummer “Mean” Willie Green, Dirty Dozen guitarist Jake Eckert, James Brown’s bandleader saxophonist Jeff Watkins, keyboardist CR Gruver and bassist Eric Vogel. New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, 4/13, PAN, 4:05p: The Swamp Donkeys’ creative mix of traditional jazz, blues, vaudeville and modern jazz styles gained a

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worldwide legion of fans when a video of their rendition of the Game of Thrones theme went viral online. N’Fungola Sibo African Dance and Drum Company, 4/13, KID, 12:15p: N’Fungola Sibo African Dance and Drum Company’s mission is to educate the general population through the promotion of positive energy, character and ethnicity, using African song, drum, dance, and folklore. NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, 4/13, SCH, 3p: Student group from the secondary school whose graduates include Harry Connick, Jr., Nicholas Payton, Trombone Shorty and the Marsalis brothers. On the Levee Jazz Band, 4/13, ZAP, 3:30p: On the Levee Jazz Band plays many of the songs associated with New Orleans’ own Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band with an intimate knowledge of Ory’s attention to dynamics, danceable tempos and swinging rhythm. Hal Smith’s On the Levee Jazz Band features trombonist Clint Baker. Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, 4/12, TJ, 4p: Clarinetist Kellin has been helping to keep the traditional New Orleans jazz scene alive in the Crescent City since he moved here from Sweden in 1966. A longtime associate of pianist Lars Edegran, Kellin’s also known for his central involvement in the musical One Mo’ Time. Original Dixieland Jazz Band, 4/14, DOR, 11:15a: Bandleader and trumpeter Nick LaRocca leads this traditional New Orleans jazz band, founded nearly a century ago by his father. The Original Pinettes Brass Band, 4/12, LFF, 4p: Billed as “The World’s Only All Female Brass Band,” the Pinettes were formed by a group of students at St. Mary’s Academy in 1991. They won the Red Bull Street Kings brass competition in 2013 and appeared on OffBeat’s cover. Otra, 4/11, TRO, 3:50p: Led by bassist Sam Price, this local Afro-Cuban band stands out from the crowd with its strong, original

compositions; they also do a heavily rearranged “Nature Boy.” Ovi-G Froggies, 4/12, TRO, 2p: Ovidio Giron leads this third generation riff on the Guatemalan marimba band Los Ranas. Along with his three children, Giron performs a mix of soca, marimba and tropical styles of Central American music. Palmetto Bug Stompers, 4/14, TJ, 4:15p: Traditional jazz sextet with some familiar players, including the ubiquitous Washboard Chaz. They are a dance band staple on Frenchmen Street. Panorama Jazz Band, 4/11, JD, 11a; Ben Schenck, (interview), 4/13, JW, 3p: Influenced by styles from around the globe, this hip band comprised of top local instrumentalists blends New Orleans jazz traditions with klezmer, Latin and Balkan sounds. Papa Mali, 4/12, WWL, 5:30p: Best known as frontman for 7 Walkers (a band that includes Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and the Meters’ founding bassist, George Porter Jr.), Papa Mali is an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist who picked up two Best of the Beat Awards in 2015. Papo y Son Mandao, 4/14, PAN, 1:30p: Cuban guitarist Alexis “Papo” Guevara and his band perform repertoire that includes Latin jazz, salsa, cha-cha-cha, and son Cubano. Partners N Crime & The Big Easy Band, 4/12, JD, 5:30p: Legendary local rap “partners” since their days growing up in the 17th Ward, Kango Slim and Mr. Meana will perform with the Big Easy Band for a lively set featuring their bounce hits and much more. Patrice Fisher and Arpa, 4/13, PAN, 11a: This Latin jazz ensemble is led by versatile professional harpist Fisher, who has been performing and recording her original compositions since the early ’80s. Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show, 4/13, GE, 12:30p: Cowboy Mouth alum Sanchez has since been a friendly godfather to the local songwriter scene, and

the co-writer of the post-Katrina musical Nine Lives. Paul Sanchez transforms audiences with a unique blend of music and storytelling. At the 2018 Best of the Beat Awards Paul Sanchez was awarded Best Roots Rock Artist and Album. The song cowritten with John Rankin “One More Trip Around the Sun” was awarded Song of the Year. Paulin Brothers Jazz Band, 4/14, DOR, 3:45p: Ernest “Doc” Paulin founded this band in the 1920s; his sons now perform strictly traditional brass-band music, complete with the longstanding black-and-white uniforms and spiffy white caps. The Pfister Sisters, 4/14, PAN, 11a: Inspired by the close harmonies and lively personalities of New Orleans’ Boswell Sisters, the Pfister Sisters are all about the ‘30s in both sound and look. Ponchartrain Owls (International), 4/14, INT, 2:15p: This multinational traditional jazz group has made regular appearances at French Quarter Fest. Preservation All-Stars, 4/11, HIL, 11:15a: From Preservation Hall, the Preservation All-Stars are directed by Ben Jaffe of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Quiana Lynell, 4/12, HIL, 3:50p; (interview), 4/13, JW, 12p: Jazz vocalist Quiana Lynell won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2017 and was featured on OffBeat’s cover. Her debut Concord album A Little Love was released on April 5. The Quickening, 4/14, JD, 2p: After parting ways with the Flow Tribe in 2012, guitarist and songwriter Blake Quick has assembled a group of musicians including vocalist Rachel “Mama Ray” Murray. The rhythm section boasts bassist Al Small and drummer Scott Sibley. Other instruments (which are always changing) include horns, pedal steel guitar, and various other woodwind and string instruments.

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Rebirth Brass Band, 4/11, ABS, 5:20p: Rebirth was one of the first bands to modernize and funkify the New Orleans brass band sound. They won their first Grammy in 2012 for the CD Rebirth of New Orleans and are frequent award winners at OffBeat’s Best of the Beat. Rechelle Cook and the Regeneration Band, 4/14, JD, 5:15p: Vocalist Rechelle Cook was born and raised in New Orleans. Cook formed the Regeneration Band in 1991. Her powerhouse vocals include old school R&B, jazz and blues. Red Hot Brass Band, 4/14, LFF, 2:15p: Student musicians from the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, the Red Hots play standards from the traditional New Orleans jazz repertoire. Red Wolf Brass Band, 4/14, LFF, 12:45p: Music teacher and band director Desmond Venable leads this energetic young band of music students who recently released their first album, 7th Period. The Revealers, 4/12, JD, 2p: Long-running reggae band with a funkified New Orleans feel, the Revealers are known for the local hit, “I Like the Sound of That.” They recently released a new CD Pray Chant Sing and have returned to Frenchmen Street playing every Saturday night at Favela Chic. Rhodes Spedale & Live Jazz Group, 4/14, DOW, 12p: In addition to performing as a jazz pianist in and around New Orleans since the mid-‘60s, Spedale has worked as a jazz journalist, authoring a guide to New Orleans jazz in the ‘80s and hosting numerous radio programs over the years. Ricardo Pascal Orchestra, 4/14, SON, 2p: Marcus Roberts’ “The Modern Jazz Generation” incorporated a core group of very talented, younger musicians at the beginning of their careers. In that number was tenor and

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soprano saxophonist Ricardo Pascal, now leading his own orchestra. Richard “Piano” Scott and Friends, 4/13, DOR, 12:45p: Born Scott Obenshain, pianist Richard Scott began playing the piano at four years old. He loved listening to early New Orleans jazz band music and his latest CD French Quarter Concert showcases that music. Rickie Monie: see His Eye Is On The Sparrow: A Jazz & Spiritual B3 Organ Session. Riverdale High School R-Project Brass Band, 4/13, SCH, 12:15p: * From Jefferson Parish, the R-Project Brass Band has gained notoriety performing for WWOZ’s School Groove. Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds (interview) 4/14, JW, 2p; 4/14, HIL, 3:50p: Steeped in R&B, this self-professed “soul pop” vocalist first sang in the choirs at St. Phillip and St. David Catholic Churches, and later with her family’s jazz band the Soul Heirs. Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, 4/14, CHV, 5:30p: One of the few rubboard players to lead a zydeco band, Dopsie Jr. plays it wilder than his accordionist dad, and his sets are guaranteed party-starters. His brother Dwayne graces our cover this month. The Ronnie Kole Show featuring John Perkins, 4/13, HIL, 2:20p: This award-winning jazz pianist, old-school Bourbon Street staple and protégé of Al Hirt has been performing Great American Songbook classics and Big Band tunes in New Orleans for decades. Rory Danger & the Danger Dangers, (interview), 4/13, JW, 1p; 4/13, JD, 3:45p: Danger is saxophonist and clarinetist Aurora Nealand’s alter ego. The rockabilly ensemble includes Spencer Bohren, his son, Andre Bohren, Marc Paradis, Casey Coleman, Bill Malchow and Scott Potts. Their relentless enthusiasm and dedication to their bizarre characters make A PRI L 2019

FQF IQ their performances some of the most fun in town. Royal Teeth, 4/13, ABS, 3:45p: This young indie rock outfit’s melodic yet danceable pop, highlighted by the pure vocals of Nora Patterson, has been racking up national buzz for a few years. In the summer of 2018 their dance rock single “Never Gonna Quit” with Valerie Sassyfrass spurred a new start for the indie rockers. Their latest single “Show You What I Can Do,” features Tunde Olaniran. The Russell Welch Hot Quartet, 4/13, HWS, 2:15p:* One of the best guitarists in New Orleans, Russell Welch has frequently been nominated for OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. The group combines Russell Welch’s original compositions with hot jazz in the tradition of legendary European jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush, 4/13, CHV, 3:45p: From Lake Charles, Louisiana, this band plays everything from traditional Creole French songs to nouveau zydeco music. Rusty Metoyer is a self-taught musician playing accordion as well as drums, guitar and scrub board. Sasha Masakowski and Art Market, 4/11, JD, 12:30p: The daughter of Astral Project guitarist Steve Masakowski has emerged as one of the city’s brightest young jazz vocalists, with a lively style that touches on torch songs and samba. Scorpedos, 4/13, HOB, 1:45p: * Scorpedos is Jake McGregor and Duz Mancini. They formed in New Orleans in 2018. After playing in various rock bands around New Orleans, the duo has teamed up to write new songs and perform. Sean Ardoin, 4/14, CHV, 2p: Sean Ardoin’s family connections in zydeco go back to one of the originators, Amede Ardoin. After leading the zydeco band Double Clutchin, he also rocks the house with Christian-oriented zydeco. He was nominated for two Grammy awards in 2018. Shake Em’ Up Jazz Band, 4/14, TJ, 2:30p: All-female traditional jazz band. The members

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are Chloe Feoranzo on clarinet, Marla Dixon on trumpet, Haruka Kikuchi on trombone, Molly Reeves on guitar and Julie Schexnayder on string bass. Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, 4/13, ABS, 5:25p: Jazz-funk-hip-hop trumpeter Allen resists categorization, having performed with Willie Nelson and written the local anthem “Meet Me on Frenchmen Street.” Shannon Powell Traditional All-Star Band, 4/14, HIL, 12:45p: Billed as the “King of Treme,” Shannon Powell is a master drummer and Preservation Hall staple who began his career with Danny Barker and has since played with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. John and Harry Connick Jr. Shawan Rice, 4/14, HOB, 12p: * Soul songstress Shawan Rice invites the crowd into her world of poetic lyrics and haunting melodies. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences ranging from love, loss, grief and acceptance, concertgoers easily connect to her sound and story. Shotgun Jazz Band, 4/13, PH, 1p: Trumpeter Marla Dixon and six-string banjoist John Dixon began as a busking duo before expanding to their current sevenpiece, traditional New Orleans jazz incarnation. Smitty Dee’s Brass Band featuring Dimitri Smith, 4/13, PH, 12p: This band was formed in 1991 by former Olympia Brass Band sousaphonist Dimitri Smith. They play regularly at Preservation Hall and on the Creole Queen riverboat. Some Like it Hot Traditional Jazz Band, 4/13, ZAP, 12:30p: Trumpeter Kaye Caldwell leads this traditional jazz group, which unlike most ensembles of its type features several female musicians. Songs for Junior Rangers featuring Richard Scott, 4/14, KID, 4p. See Richard “Piano” Scott. Soul Brass Band, 4/14, LFF, 4p: Drummer Derrick Freeman and saxophonist James Martin lead the Soul Brass Band, which was formed in 2015. They were recently featured on the cover of OffBeat.

Soul Heirs Band, 4/13, KID, 4p: Soul Heirs Brass Band is under the direction of Desmian Barnes. They are a popular wedding band and have performed at midnight mass on Christmas. The Soul Rebels, 4/12, ABS, 12:35p: Arguably one of the most popular brass bands in the city, the seven-piece Soul Rebels have performed with hip-hop giants like Rakim, Nas and Talib Kweli and recently backed Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA at his Tiny Desk Concert. Their repertoire includes original material and covers of everything from Marilyn Manson to Chance The Rapper. Stephanie Jordan, 4/11, HIL, 5:30p: This popular New Orleans jazz singer hails from the esteemed Jordan family (her father is the award-winning saxophonist Kidd Jordan). In 2012, her big band performed a critically acclaimed tribute to Lena Horne at the Fair Grounds. Steve Pistorius & the Southern Syncopators, 4/12, TJ, 12p: Pianist Steve Pistorius, who plays with a dexterous, ragtime piano style, is complemented by a crew of seasoned traditional jazz musicians in a band named after a song by Henry “Red” Allen. Their repertoire includes tunes by Sidney Bechet, Natty Dominique, Bill Whitmore, Tony Jackson and others. Stone Rabbits, 4/14, HOB, 2p: * A group of young musicians from New Orleans. Their influences combine the classic roots of contemporary rock greats such as Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, and The Grateful Dead, combined with more contemporary artists such as Dave Matthews, The Black Keys, Wolf Mother and Phish. Storyville Stompers Brass Band, 4/13, LFF, 12:45p: This long-running and prolific traditional New Orleans brass band has a knack for reinvigorating rare, vintage jazz songs. Sullivan Dabney’s Muzik Jazz Band, 4/13, HWS, 12:45p: Jazz musician Sullivan Dabney has performed with The Muzik Jazz Band all over the world. Dabney has played with Irma Thomas, Jean

Knight and many others. Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, 4/12, CHV, 5:30p: Accordionist and harmonica player Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, who grew up surrounded by blues masters like Sonny Boy Williamson in Arkansas, infuses plenty of R&B into his brand of contemporary zydeco. Susan Cowsill, 4/13, TRO, 4p: This local treasure, renowned in different circles for her years with the Continental Drifters and her early life as a preteen ’60s pop star performing with her family band the Cowsills, will be joined by husband and drummer Russ Broussard. Sweet Crude, 4/14, ABS, 2:10p: New Orleans indie pop septet Sweet Crude plays an energetic brand of percussiondriven, sparkly rock, often sung in French. Sweet Olive String Band, 4/13, HWS, 11:15a: * This selfdescribed “old tyme” string band performs country, blues and bluegrass from eras past. The band includes old time fiddling, soulful slide guitar, bluesy mandolin and guitar picking anchored by steady pulse string bass. The Swing Setters, 4/14, KID, 1:30p: The band is comprised of all professional jazz musicians, whose goal is to entertain you and your children through fun, interactive music. Tack Tom Drumsville, 4/13, KID, 11a: Tack Tom Drumsville is led by Japanese drummer Mayumi Yamazaki. She moved to the United States in 2005 and has been performing with Cyril Neville, Kermit Ruffins and others. She is the drummer for the James Rivers Movement and has formed the all Japanese female blues band Pink Magnolias. Tango on Cello featuring Dr. Jee Yeoun Ko and Friends, 4/14, HWS, 2:15p: Dr. Jee Yeoun Ko is an award-winning Korean cellist who now makes New Orleans her home and has held an assistant chair position at NOCCA for nearly a decade. Taylor Smith and The Roamin’ Jasmine, 4/13, OMN, 12p: * New Orleans-based Taylor Smith

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Carl LeBlanc

PHOTO: COURTESY OF the artist

Saturday, April 13, 1:30p Dow Chemical Stage From Sun Ra’s cosmic explorations to Preservation Hall’s traditional New Orleans jazz, Carl LeBlanc travels the sonic universe. He’s a jazz guitarist, a banjo player and a multi-genre singer-songwriter. LeBlanc’s sideman credits include Fats Domino, Sun Ra, Allen Toussaint, Bo Diddley, Ellis Marsalis, James Rivers, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Blind Boys of Alabama. And whether he’s working his Sunday gig at Bamboula’s, his Wednesday duet with Ellen Smith at Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, or Thursdays at the Pontchartrain Hotel, LeBlanc always puts his audience first. He’ll focus on traditional New Orleans jazz when he plays April 13 at the French Quarter Festival. “Music is for the listener,” LeBlanc said. “It’s not for me to show what I can do or what I know or what I like. It’s really to touch the listener.” LeBlanc’s repertoire runs from his George Benson–inspired take on “On Broadway” to the spiritually minded songs on his latest album, Those Who Have Ears. “When people ask me what kind of music I play, I shy away from that question,” he said. “There’s two kinds of music—good music and the other kind.” LeBlanc lives in the same New Orleans neighborhood he grew up in. “Where I live, here in the Seventh Ward, music was all around me. I could walk from my house to three or four different clubs in a threeblock radius.” But seeing the Beatles’ American television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show inspired LeBlanc to ask his mother for a guitar. “Anything that could have all those girls going crazy over you,” he said of the instrument’s initial appeal. After a month of lessons, LeBlanc didn’t play the guitar again until a few years later, when a band of high school musicians recruited him for their soul and rhythm and blues group, the Sonics. In 1969, LeBlanc and some musicians his own age formed Stop Inc. “In the ’70s, we played for everybody’s prom,” he said. Stop Inc. later recorded the Mardi Gras standard “Second Line,” but LeBlanc had moved on by then to music education studies at Columbia University in New York City. During summer break after his sophomore year at Columbia, LeBlanc attended a neighborhood concert performed by saxophonist Kidd Jordan and his Southern University students. The performance convinced him to transfer to SUNO. Jordan, a former member of Sun Ra’s band, recommended LeBlanc to the avant-garde bandleader and Afrofuturist pioneer. A one-off gig with Sun Ra at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival evolved into eight years with Sun Ra’s Arkestra. The many things LeBlanc learned from Sun Ra include “how to make the music true to the AfricanAmerican experience,” he said. “That whole trend now, Afrofuturism, that’s from Sun Ra.” —John Wirt www.OFFBEAT.com

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FQF IQ

& The Roamin’ Jasmine present interpretations of 1920s country blues, 1950s New Orleans R&B, vintage Calypso from Trinidad, 1930s swing, and even some 1950s country tunes, mixed in with original songs. The songs are arranged for a powerful horn section, upright bass, guitar and drums. TBC Brass Band, 4/12, LFF, 5:45p: If a brass band on Bourbon Street ever stopped you in your tracks, it was probably TBC Brass Band. Thais Clark & her JAZZsters, 4/14, TJ, 12:45p: Hailing from New Orleans’ Seventh Ward, Clark often hews to the ribald, fun, old-school blues of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith and has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White and the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. Them Ol’ Ghosts, 4/13, HOB, 8p: * Them Ol’ Ghosts are a Southern soul alternative rock band from New Orleans. Their sound is a familiar yet novel offering to American songwriting. Catchy and straight-forward, laced with just the right amount of substance and complexity, their music adopts elements of soul, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. Tim Laughlin, 4/13, HIL, 11:15a: Clarinetist Laughlin’s compositions fit within the classic traditional jazz idiom, but his skill in bringing traditional New Orleans jazz into the 21st Century gives them a more modern feel. He was the first and only New Orleans clarinetist to write and record an entire album of originals. The Tin Men, 4/11, GE, 2p: This rocking and swinging trio doesn’t appear together much these days, but with Alex McMurray, Matt Perrine and Washboard Chaz all playing separate sets this year the time is right. Tom McDermott and His Jazz Hellions, 4/13, HWS, 3:45p: McDermott is a virtuoso pianist whose skill and deep knowledge of music history allow him to play everything from

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New Orleans jazz and blues to Caribbean and classical music. His latest CD Tom McDermott Meets Scott Joplin is on Arbors Records. Tom Saunders and the Tomcats: see Dancing at Dusk. Tommy Sancton’s New Orleans Legacy Band, 4/13, DOW, 12p: This clarinetist served as Time Magazine’s Paris bureau chief for 22 years. As a child, he took music lessons from Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s George Lewis, an experience he documents in the book Song for My Fathers. Tonya Boyd-Cannon, 4/11, GE, 3:30p: This New Orleans-based singer boasts a powerful contralto voice. Her delivery is sharp yet inspirational, contemporary and authentic. She has lots of soul and a near-winning run on The Voice. Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony, 4/11, HIL, 2:20p: Topsy Chapman leads the all-female group with a gospel-inspired vocal blend called Solid Harmony Treme Brass Band, 4/13, LFF, 2:15p: Led by Benny Jones, the Treme Brass Band is one of the longest-running traditional brass bands in town. The Treme Brass Band contributed to the Carnival repertoire with “Gimme My Money Back.” Tricentennial High School Band, 4/13, SCH, 4:15p: * To celebrate New Orleans’ 300 years, this band consists of high school students from across New Orleans. Tricia Boutté & Nordic Swing, 4/12, GE, 3:45p: New Orleansborn Tricia Boutté performed as Sister Teedy for many years before moving to Norway. She has a rich and textured voice. Her repertoire covers jazz, standards, R&B, pop, soul, gospel and Caribbean music. Troy Sawyer and the Elementz, 4/13, JD, 2p: Trumpeter and composer Troy Sawyer, whose family lineage includes Buddy Bolden co-writer and Louis Armstrong collaborator Louis D. James, will perform material from his as-yet untitled album. Along with his band the Elementz, he’ll play a fusion of funk, Latin and soul.

Tuba Skinny, 4/14, HIL, 11:15a: This band of New Orleans street musicians specialize in traditional jazz, Depression-era blues and spirituals. Their latest CD Nigel’s Dream received OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Award for best traditional jazz album for 2018. Valerie Sassyfras, 4/12, GE, 11a: Valerie Sassyfras’ eclectic onewoman show transcends any easy classifications. Suffice it to say, her off-kilter performances are as sassy as her name suggests, blending disparate styles like zydeco and electro-pop with a heavy dose of showmanship. The Vettes, 4/12, JD, 3:45p: This band takes its name from the surname shared by all of its members, who happen to be siblings (well, one of them was “adopted” when the group formed). Fronted by singer/guitarist Rachel Vette, the band is known for its energetic blend of new-wave and alternative rock. Vivaz Quartet, 4/14, KID, 2:45p: This energetic and dance inspiring Caribbean/Latin jazz fusion band led by the Bolivianborn guitarist Javier Gutierrez highlights the Cuban tres (a double three-stringed Cuban guitar). Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters, 4/13, ABS, 7:15p: A local institution, the Wolfman puts plenty of hot guitar and soulful horns into his funky brand of blues. His latest CD My Future is My Past received OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Award for Album of the Year in 2018. Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans, 4/14, TRO, 2:20p: A lifetime New Orleanian, Wanda cut her first single as part of the Rouzan Sisters and has since distinguished herself as a stage actress, educator and champion of the city’s R&B tradition. Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, 4/13, OMN, 2:45p: When not tackling Western swing with Washboard Rodeo, rocking acoustically with the Tin Men or presiding over Chazfest, Washboard Chaz airs his blues roots with this group.

Water Seed, 4/13, TRO, 7:20p: Keen to steer clear of the genre label, “neo-soul,” the band’s five to eight pieces create the thick, rich sonic fabric only true soul groups possess. Perhaps R&B is a more appropriate label for their sound— original R&B, that is. Waylon Thibodeaux Band, 4/13, CHV, 12:30p: A Bourbon Street fixture for years, Waylon is an energetic fiddler who specializes in zydeco and Cajun music. He’s also a member of the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars. Wendell Brunious, 4/13, HIL, 12:45p: Trumpeter Brunious took over as the leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in 1987 and remained a Hall regular for many years (his nephew Mark Braud is the current leader). Brunious has played regularly with Lionel Hampton, Linda Hopkins and Sammy Rimington. Wynton (a.k.a. Kevin Stylez), 4/12, GE, 5:30p:* Kevin Stylez credits his musical styling to some of his favorite artists including Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Darryl Coley and Michael Jackson. Stylez has opened for Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Cameo and Jeffery Osborne. Young Starz of NOLA, 4/13, SCH, 1:45p: Young Starz of NOLA started in 2015. Their moto: Giving wings to kids’ dreams. Youth Empowerment Festival featuring Big Queen Mary Kay, 4/14, KID, 11a: Mary Kay Stevenson, the Big Queen of the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas, hosts the Youth Empowerment Festival which empowers students to make positive choices while combating the bullying crisis. The Zion Harmonizers, 4/13, GE, 2p: This venerable group has been a Jazz Fest favorite since the beginning. The group’s history goes back to 1939, when the first lineup was formed in the Zion City neighborhood. Zoe K, 4/12, WWL, 11a: * Zoe K’s remarkable voice pays tribute to the bygone greats of soul, jazz, and blues. Her 2017 CD release It’s Just What I Like received positive reviews. O

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MEDITERRANEAN Mona’s Café: 504 Frenchmen St., 949-4115

MEXICAN/CARIBBEAN/SPANISH Barú Bistro & Tapas: 3700 Magazine St., 895-2225 El Gato Negro: 81 French Market Place, 525-9846; 300 Harrison Ave., 488-0107; 800 S Peters St., 309-8804

MUSIC ON THE MENU

AMERICAN Port of Call: 838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120

BARBECUE The Joint: 701 Mazant St., 949-3232

COFFEE HOUSE Café du Monde: 800 Decatur St., 525-4544; 56 Dreyfous Dr.,(504) 300-1157

CREOLE/CAJUN Cochon: 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123 Cornet: 700 Bourbon St., 523-1485 Galatoire’s: 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021 Gumbo Shop: 630 St. Peter St., 525-1486 New Orleans Creole Cookery: 508 Toulouse St., 524-9632

FINE DINING Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221 Josephine Estelle: Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St., 930-3070 Justine: 225 Chartres St., 218-8833 Mr. B’s Bistro: 201 Royal St. 523-2078

FRENCH Café Degas: 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635 La Crepe Nanou: 1410 Robert St., 899-2670

GERMAN Bratz Y'all: 617-B Piety St., 301-3222

GROCERY STORES Breaux Mart: 3233 Magazine St., 262-6017; 2904 Severn Ave. Metarie, 885-5565; 9647 Jefferson Hwy. River Ridge, 7378146; 315 E Judge Perez, Chalmette, 262-0750 Mardi Gras Zone: 2706 Royal St., 947-8787

INDIAN Nirvana: 4308 Magazine St., 894-9797

JAPANESE/THAI/CHINESE Bao & Noodle: 2700 Chartres St., 272-0004 Sukho Thai: 4519 Magazine St., 373-6471; 2200 Royal St., 948-9309 Wasabi: 900 Frenchmen St., 943-9433

LOUISIANA / SOUTHERN Balise Tavern: 640 Carondelet St., 459-4449 La Petite Grocery: 4238 Magazine St., 891-3377 Mondo: 900 Harrison Ave., 224-2633

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Banks Street Bar & Grill: 4401 Banks St., 486-0258 Buffa’s: 1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038 Chickie Wah Wah: 2828 Canal St., 304-4714 Gattuso’s: 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, 368-1114 House of Blues: 225 Decatur St., 412-8068 Howlin’ Wolf’s Wolf Den: 907 S. Peters St., 529-5844 Le Bon Temps Roule: 4801 Magazine St., 895-8117 Little Gem Saloon: 445 S. Rampart St., 267-4863 Maison: 508 Frenchmen St., 289-5648 Mid City Lanes Rock ‘N’ Bowl: 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3133 NOLA Cantina: 437 Esplanade Ave Palm Court: 1204 Decatur St., 525-0200 Rivershack Tavern: 3449 River Rd., 834-4938 Siberia Lounge: 2227 St. Claude Ave., 265-8865 Southport Hall: 200 Monticello Ave., 8352903 Snug Harbor: 626 Frenchmen St., 949-0696 Three Muses: 536 Frenchmen St., 298-8746

NEIGHBORHOOD JOINTS Cake Café: 2440 Chartres St., 943-0010 Dat Dog: 601 Frenchmen St., 309-3362; 5030 Freret St., 899-6883; 3336 Magazine St., 324-2226 Junction: 3021 St. Claude Ave., 272-0205 Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: 701 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995 Parkway Bakery and Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047 Piece of Meat: 3301 Bienville St., 372-2289 Sammy’s Food Services: 3000 Elysian Fields Ave., 948-7361 Tracey’s: 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413 Ye Olde College Inn: 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683

PIZZA Midway Pizza: 4725 Freret St., 322-2815 Pizza Delicious: 617 Piety St., 676-8482 Slice Pizzeria: 1513 St. Charles Ave., 525-7437 Theo’s Pizza: 4218 Magazine St., 894-8554; 4024 Canal St., 302-1133; 1212 S Clearview, 733-3803

SEAFOOD Briquette: 701 S Peters St., 302-7496 Deanie’s Seafood: 841 Iberville St., 581-1316; 1713 Lake Ave. Metairie, 834-1225; 2200 Magazine St., 962-7760

VIETNAMESE Namese: 4077 Tulane Ave., 483-8899

WEE HOURS Buffa’s Restaurant & Lounge: 1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038

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PHOTO: courtesy of JUSTINE

DINING OUT

Justine Review by Michael Dominici

n one of the most stunning transformations in recent memory, the 200 block of Chartres Street in the French Quarter has gone from being a gloomy ghost town of shuttered storefronts to a thriving hotspot peppered with local businesses, capped off by the lavish Justine—a Parisian-inspired brasserie created by 2016 James Beard Award winner Justin Devillier and his wife and business partner Mia Freiberger-Devillier. Guests are seduced from the street by hot pink neon cabaret-inspired signage. The open-aired, lofty parlor space evokes a Parisian café scene spilling into the street with only bikes, scooters and motorcycles missing. The intrigue blossoms into chic opulence where one is greeted and seated by the unflappable and exuberant maître d’ Robbie Robertson, who sports an enormous boutonnière festooned with pastel flowers that he arranges fresh every day. Just behind the host stand, some of the city’s most renowned DJs (Brice Nice, DJ Pasta and DJ Soul Sister, to name a few) spin tasty licks, adding subtle touches to the ambiance created by beautiful customized lighting and impeccable design elements. Justine was designed by Farouki Farouki, the company that also designed Warbucks, Saffron NOLA and Maypop. The layout features a heady combination of brass, marble, exposed brick, tile and hand-crafted wood flooring. The owners also brought a few special items from their own personal collection, such as a cow’s-head relief covered in roses framed in a neon halo. The ambiance at Justine does not stop there. As the evening progresses, the dining experience is further enhanced by the presence of “ambiant burlesque” showcased by Trixie www.OFFBEAT.com

Minx who has enlisted an all-star roster including Darla James, Cherry Bombshell, Chère Noble, and more. This adds an extra layer of effervescent and sensual intrigue that sets Justine apart. The menu at Justine is a celebration of classic Parisian fare done exceptionally well, presided over by Chef de Cuisine Daniel Causgrove, who had previously worked at Devillier’s La Petite Grocery, and most recently at Seaworthy. For starters, the steak tartare was the best I’ve ever had. Likewise, the deftly arranged tuna salade niçoise, arranged with haricots verts, heirloom tomatoes and a softboiled egg was a symphony of blessed simplicity. The lobster tartine served on toasted brioche, and garnished with caviar and a beautiful tarragon emulsion, was a masterpiece of understatement. Besides being impeccably fresh and perfectly seasoned it was served with gaufrette potatoes. While the bone marrow bordelaise with mashed potatoes doesn’t read as particularly exciting, it was bursting with flavor and pillowy pommes turned out to be a delightful accompaniment to the marrow, richly flavored

with an incredible bordelaise sauce. Foie gras gets a classical turn here, presented as a slab of chilled torchon set over brioche and served with pears poached in Riesling—another smash. The octopus appetizer is another beautiful presentation garnished with delicate herbs, hints of local citrus and roasted peppers. Justine’s onion soup gratinée was another impressive show-stopper: hedonistic, rich and deeply satisfying. Justine also offers an impressive array of chilled seafood ‘plateaus’ including king crab, lobster, a West Indian–flavored crab salad, Gulf shrimp and raw oysters from either coast. Prices range from $15 to $165 for the Grand Plateau. Entrees run the gamut from a brioche bun peppercorn-crusted burger served with melted Emmental cheese, arugula and fries to a 40-ounce prime ribeye. The 14-ounce entrecôte of beef with herbed butter was really good, served with a generous portion of hand-cut fries. An adjacent table ordered the Moroccan spiced short rib and the aroma almost made me regret the delicious Gulf shrimp en papillote with baby vegetables

and a delicate artichoke barigoule. The duck confit is irresistible, with unctuous fat oozing underneath a layer of salty, crispy skin served with accompaniments of white beans and braised pork. Justine also features daily specials including lobster ravioli, braised lamb shank, bouillabaisse, prime rib au jus, French dip and coq au vin. Desserts are not to be missed, especially the honey vanilla pot de crème, the Gâteau Basque, pavlova with coconut sorbet and passionfruit pastry cream and French meringue, and the homemade glacée. If sweets are not your thing, a selection of artisanal cheeses is available. Both lunch and late-night service have recently become available, which makes Justine the go-to dining destination late nights, serving up until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Justine has quickly established itself as a rising star in the competitive restaurant scene in New Orleans. Chapeau! Justine, 225 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 218-8533. Open daily for dinner 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Late-night dinners Friday and Saturday, 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. O MARC H 2 019

REVIEWS

Reviews

CDs reviewed are available now at 421 Frenchmen Street in the Marigny 504-586-1094 or online at LouisianaMusicFactory.com

When submitting CDs for consideration, please send two copies to OffBeat Reviews, 421 Frenchmen Street, Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70116

Audacious Zeppelin Arrangements

Bonerama Bonerama Plays Zeppelin (Basin Street Records) The world is overcrowded with reverent tributes to tired classicrock material, but Bonerama’s all–Led Zeppelin album isn’t one of those. It’s full of audacious arrangements that turn the classic tunes every which way, yet remain entirely true to the Zeppelin spirit. Bonerama have been doing this sort of thing for a while (“The Ocean” from 2007’s Bringing It Home is here as a bonus track), but a full album gives them a better chance to flex their arrangement muscles. A few songs are still done in more-or-less faithful Zep style, with the horns taking the guitar parts—fair enough, you can’t do a Zeppelin album without some rock ‘n’ roll. But the most transformed songs are also the most fun: Zep’s mightiest riff-rocker, “Heartbreaker,” starts out as Meters funk but gives you a tuba solo when Jimmy Page’s unaccompanied guitar part would begin; the song’s central instrumental gets into some outthere improv before the funk kicks in again. “Hey, Hey, What Can

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I Do” also gets an infusion of funk—and remember, this used to be an acoustic number—while “The Crunge” becomes a more spot-on James Brown homage than Zeppelin could pull off in 1973. “When the Levee Breaks” is dense and ominous, as a New Orleans version needs to be, while “Good Times Bad Times” throws some Mardi Gras Indian percussion onto John Bonham’s original drum part. This album would make a good bridge into New Orleans music for Zeppelin fans, though a few will probably take it as sacrilege. Yet the Zeps themselves have always preferred it when musicians take creative liberties with their music. Next time I’m at a Bonerama show, I’ll be checking to see if Robert Plant has snuck in incognito. —Brett Milano

Norbert Susemihl, Chloe Feoranzo, Barnaby Gold and Harry Mayronne The New Orleans Dance Hall Quartet (Independent) Its springtime again, festival season is upon us, and just as the crawfish boils get going Norbert Susemihl will come to town, as he has for over 30 years. A longtime devotee of traditional New Orleans music, Susemihl has a new album this year featuring some of the best players on the scene in New Orleans. This time around he’s focusing on music played in New Orleans dance halls of the ’40s/’50s revival era. Leading on trumpet

and vocals, Norbert has enlisted Chloe Feoranzo on clarinet and vocals, Harry Mayronne on piano and Barnaby Gold on drums. The New Orleans Dance Hall Quartet features classics like “Milenburg Joys” and “I’m Alone Because I Love You,” as well as less-oftenheard tunes like “Willie’s Cabbage Song” and “Wait ’Til the Sun Shines, Nellie.” Norbert knows how to pick a band. Harry and Barnaby lay a solid foundation while Chloe complements him beautifully. As New Orleans music goes out into the world, it sometimes comes back to us like an echo. While the revival era is all the rage in Europe, it is largely overlooked here at home. Recorded at the brand-new Tricentennial Hall of the American Federation of Musicians, this album is sure to delight revival fans and (hopefully) make a few new ones too. —Stacey Leigh Bridewell

Steve Conn Flesh and Bone (Not Really Records) Steve Conn is a brutally honest songwriter. For his fifth album,

Flesh and Bone, he discloses dark secrets that others would rather croak first than reveal. There isn’t much the gifted pianist holds back on these dozen originals that delve into lost loves, crying days and a miserable protagonist you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. The songs are largely autobiographical with vivid imagery unfolding before your very eyes. The shuffling title track represents the overarching theme—Conn questioning his existence while striving to be

the best person possible. His most outwardly brilliant and wittiest composition is the rollicking “Famous,” on which a protagonist reflects on his career with a jaded perspective. He realizes time is running out and will settle for any posthumous recognition but, of course, with overinflated illusions of grandeur. That is until he’s jolted back to reality by the demoralizing punch line: “There’s a clean-up on aisle two.” Sure, it’s heavy in places, but it’s ingenious in others. “Good Times Are Coming” is based www.OFFBEAT.com

REVIEWS

on a 2003 original, “Down on Rigolette,” but is told from a different perspective. On “You Don’t Know,” the arrangement shifts into a momentary cinematic swirl as the protagonist dreams about better days. Just because Conn’s a longtime Nashville denizen doesn’t mean the Louisiana expat has lost his groove thing. Check out the funky zydeco number “Around and Around” (one of two tunes featuring Sonny Landreth), the best rug cutter of the disc. Lyrically, it’s an unusual pairing, with the subject matter being the unending debate between religions. Overall, Flesh and Bone offers a thinking set of tracks. —Dan Willging

Charlie Dennard Deep Blue (Deneaux) Though New Orleans has been his home base for 20 years, keyboard ace Charlie Dennard knows quite a bit about travel. He has performed as a musical director for Cirque du Soleil shows that have brought him to more than a dozen countries over 15 years, and he’s still at it. His newest recording, Deep Blue, bubbles with a zest for travel, with musical imagery of strutting through New Orleans’ Garden District in weekend finery, coursing through a Middle Eastern desert or the urge to explore someplace still on one’s bucket list. The all-originals project features Dennard’s trio with bassist Max Moran and drummer Doug Belote on three tracks. Guitarist Brian www.OFFBEAT.com

Seeger co-wrote two tracks and is one of 11 collaborators who expand the band to a quartet, quintet or octet on the other compositions. The opener by the trio, “St. Charles Strut,” sets the travel tone with its sprightly secondline beat. It also makes it clear that Dennard learned much from mentor Ellis Marsalis about never overplaying. “Mojave” is an exotic desert tapestry in its musical imagery, featuring Eric Lucero on trumpet, Andrew McLean on tabla and sarod, and three of Dennard’s Cirque bandmates: Josh Geisler on bansuri flute, Marc Solis on flute, saxes and clarinet, and Carlos Lopez on percussion. “Wanderlust” (co-written with Seeger) is a quartet piece with a different vibe. Dennard and guitarist Steve Masakowski trade solos and variations built around its distinctive five-note melodic vamp, shifting into moods that are pensive at times, restless and searching at others. Lucero and tenor saxophonist Brad Walker join the trio on the shimmering title track, “Deep Blue.” To my ears, Dennard’s playing here touches on the beauty, the power and the mystery of the oceans that surround us. The trio returns for the elegant and laid-back gem “Trois Fois.” Dennard moves away from his beloved 1927 Steinway Model L grand piano for the last two tracks. He shifts to electric piano for a trio exploration of “Joe’s Crusade,” a genteel tip of the hat to the late Joe Sample. He brings an organ into the mix on “Father,” a soulful and stirring tribute to his dad, who passed away while the project was in production. There’s stunning guitar work from co-writer Seeger. The four-man horn line that digs into its spirit includes Lucero on trumpet and flugelhorn, Jason Mingledorf and Ray Moore on a variety of saxes, flute and clarinet, and Rick Trolsen on trombone. Dennard’s fourth CD is a gem from start to finish. —Ken Franckling A PRI L 2019

REVIEWS

Belton Richard The Essential Cajun Music Collection, Volume 2 (Swallow Records) With interest mounting in the musical legacy of Belton Richard, it seems criminal that not all his discography has been released on CD, since virtually every contemporary Cajun band has recorded at least one song of

the iconic legend, if not several. Some, like High Performance, the Pine Leaf Boys and T’Monde, have led this somewhat revivalist charge by introducing the charismatic baritone vocalist to the next generation. Though this mammoth two-disc, 49-track collection (1963–2003) contains fan-favorite selections from various LPs and CDs, the real centerpiece is the staggering 19 tunes, like “Aces Rock” and “Let the Little Girl Dance,” that were only released as 45s. Now casual fans can have what seasoned record collectors have all centralized in one place. Of those 45 rpm rarities, two Lefty Frizzell tunes (“I Love You a Thousand Ways,” “Look What Thoughts Will Do”) are from Richard’s previous label Chamo. Interestingly, on both of

these, Richard croons in English, something he rarely did. There are two versions of “Cherokee Waltz,” the released 1967 version and the original studio outtake where you hear the jovial banter and the false starts and stops. According to High Performance’s Jamey Bearb, nearly all of Richard’s songs were popular and over time, audiences have come to appreciate lesserknown tunes like “Funny Face,” “Wedding Bells” and “You Can’t Take My Wife,” all heard here. There’s certainly a ton to digest: classic originals, Cajun standards and adaptations of French-sung country songs. If someone tells you Belton Richard isn’t cool, disown them, immediately. —Dan Willging

The Abitals

A Solid Debut

The Abitals (Independent)

Benny Amón Benny Amón’s New Orleans Pearls (Independent) Drummer Benny Amón, transplanted here from California in 2011, has been digging into the sounds of New Orleans revival heroes Zutty Singleton and the Barbarin Brothers. Pearls was recorded in a large space (the now defunct Norwegian Seamen’s Church) and this reproduces that era’s sound perfectly—for the better, because playing live in a big room usually sounds better than being isolated in recording booths. For worse, in that some drum detail is lost. That is my only complaint. Amón has this style down cold, and has used his expertise to play Preservation Hall regularly and appear at several international festivals. Wendell Brunious is playing at his traditional best. Steve Pistorius jelly-rolls along nicely, and adds a lesser-known James P. Johnson waltz, “Eccentricity,” to the mix. Tom Fischer’s wit and Tim Laughlin’s exquisite sound show why they’ve been in demand for decades. Joe Goldberg, Freddie Lonzo, Tyler Thomson and Alex Belhaj all nail their roles. Most of the tunes may be familiar to fans of the genre, but the catchy “Give Me Your Telephone Number” is a nice surprise, as is “My Baby.” This is a solid debut, and a reminder of how this 75-year-old strain of New Orleans jazz keeps reaching out to young musicians and lures them to town. —Tom McDermott

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and Todd “Whisky T” McNulty. (Hence the name.) It’s probably not scandalous to suggest that it’s their cozy domesticity that the songs go on about, like “I Gained You” (“Two’s enough to make a scene”) or “Fire Evening” (“A beer, a fire, and my baby”) or “You and Me,” a date night which promises “Saturday night we’ll sit around the old kitchen table makin’ beautiful sounds.” —Robert Fontenot

Crazy Whisky Crazy Whisky (Independent) Most traditional bluegrass is gothic as, er, hell, staring death right in the face with a firm grounding of tradition and unshakeable faith. But for the members of Crazy Whisky, bluegrass is a creature comfort, a soundtrack for cozy domesticity. Even the lone cover on their debut, “Drunkard’s Special,” is a twee take on an ancient cuckold’s tale that’s more silly than sad. And aside from the original death ballad “12 Days,” these nine tunes are as comfortable but surprisingly sturdy as an old easy chair. This is no doubt due to the band’s core; it’s got a revolving lineup but is always centered on Eileen “Crazy Horse” McKenna

Direct from Abita Springs, the Abitals deliver a straight-ahead unpretentious rock ’n’ roll album. While they may tip their hat to the lads from Liverpool, this is music clearly informed by south Louisiana. Robert Snow (bass and vocals), Anthony Donado (drums, tambourine and vocals), Andrew Vaughan (guitar, mandolin and vocals) and Ricky Stelma (accordion and vocals) stir up their own version of a musical gumbo with a sense of style and fun on their eponymous release. “See That Girl” kicks things off and it’s obvious that this is going to be a very accessible, down-home and danceable record. Ricky Stelma’s accordion is up front and center—as it is throughout the record—and sets the stage for what is to come. Stelma’s accordion kicks off “Bayou Bugaloo” as Donado falls in behind, pushing the beat forward on drums. “Bayou Bugaloo” exemplifies the fact that, while obviously influenced www.OFFBEAT.com

REVIEWS

Raucous Blues from the Bywater Little Freddie King Absolutely the Best (WadeRight Records) Despite posing on the Absolutely the Best cover— and on stages on the festival circuit—in clothes picked off the racks at Soul Train Fashions, don’t be fooled. Little Freddie certainly has lived the blues for the better part of eight decades. A simple, humble, working hard working man, the music he has created is reflected in the way he has lived his life. The chance of Freddie singing about being a big town playboy/ hoochie man or singing about his woman walking her walk, or talking her talk, are about as rare as snow on Rampart Street falling on the Fourth of July. Freddie’s milieu once included one too many pints of corn liquor on Saturday night, wrecks on Highway 51, little chance to escape his hard work, or perhaps the cops taking him down to the alimony line. The cover boasts our man as “King of the Gut Bucket Blues,” “Show Stoppin,” and even “World Renowned.” Absolutely the Best collects 13 tracks laid down after Katrina. Here again is “Crack Head Joe,” “Messin’ Around The House,” “Louisiana Train Wreck,” “Run Here Baby, Run,” etc. Freddie’s here with his regular, raucous blues again from the Bywater. —Jeff Hannusch

by the Beatles, this is a record that could only be made by a group from south Louisiana. Both musically and lyrically this is music for the home team crowd—“Would you pole with me down the Teche Bayou/ Drifting in the shadows, sipping on a beer/ Thanking the Lord that he put me right here”— yeah, they get it! “Pointe a la Hache” comes out of the gate swinging with Vaughan’s double stops à la Chuck Berry. The band delivers Beatles-like harmonies while channeling local favorites the Creole String Beans. By this point the record’s formula is mostly set. While there are some surprises later on (check out Vaughan on mandolin and Stelma on accordion trading leads on “Darlene”), it is clear that the Abitals enjoy what they do. Stelma delivers a killer Ray www.OFFBEAT.com

Charles–like intro on “She” as the band falls into a nice slinky groove. And speaking of grooves, “Yea Yea Yea” features an in-yourface swagger from both Vaughan and Stelma over a solid funky rhythm courtesy of Donado and Snow. This has the aggression and no-holds-barred feel of any number of classic Doors recordings. At this point, there is only one thing left to say: Ladies and gentlemen... the Abitals! —Christopher Weddle

First Revolution Singers of New Orleans, LA Heaven Is My Goal (504 Records) Many New Orleanians might recognize the First Revolution Singers, who formed in 1972 and re-grouped in 1980, regularly performing in the French Quarter. The First Revolution, A PRI L 2019

REVIEWS

an old-school a cappella gospel ensemble, could usually be found on the corner of St. Louis and Royal streets, where they lifted the spirits of passersby just as they did when singing at local churches as invited guests. The second installment of the group, which included original members Larry Bell and Harold Miller, who are heard on Heaven Is My Goal, also performed in clubs, made radio and television appearances and toured Europe. The 26 cuts here are taken from two recording sessions, in 1986 and 1988, featuring various vocalists, save for Bell and Miller. They were previously released on the 504 label. The Singers’

repertoire includes many familiar gospel classics, such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “Down by the Riverside” and “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep,” as well as tunes that are heard less frequently, like the opener, “Fire.” It sets the stylistic stage for the group, which boasts the essentials of singing a cappella—fine harmonies, strong lead singers and a solid baritone, all set of by the tasteful use of falsetto. A stunning arrangement of “Amazing Grace” and some modern touches on “He” heard on the later session highlight Heaven Is My Goal, an album that reaches its destination through harmony and passion. —Geraldine Wyckoff

All Original David Hansen Garden District Trio Upward (DHMP Records) There’s something very comfortable about this recording, almost as if it sparks memories of familiar grooves stored in our collective DNA. Whatever it may be, things are indeed definitely looking upward for David Hansen, who after 25 years has tapped into his muse to deliver a recording of alloriginal material. The Garden District Trio features Hansen on drums as well as Jordan Baker on piano and Brian Quezergue on bass. Quezergue kicks things off on “Jump” with a rolling bass line that would fit nicely under the Irma Thomas classic “You Can Have My Husband.” Throughout the record, Quezergue’s electric bass really ebbs and flows as the Garden District Trio traverse the realms of blues, jazz, Latin, funk and classic New Orleans beats in search of rhythms and grooves that serve the music. And speaking of classic New Orleans beats, Hansen delivers a drum intro on “It’s So Clear to Me” that brings to mind the stylings of the late “Smokey” Johnson, who of course worked with Wardell Quezergue, Brian’s father. While the spirit of New Orleans permeates the record—check out “Mardi Gras Day” for the most obvious example—a close listen reveals strains of classic Blue Note recordings and in particular the work of Horace Silver. Jordan Baker, who is featured prominently on Upward, plays with a colorful style that emphasizes the melody and really pushes Hansen’s compositions along. And like Van Gelder’s classic recordings, this one was recorded in another iconic location—Studio in the Country. Upward is a very accessible recording that shows the melding of what may appear on paper to be disparate styles, but in the hands of the Garden District Trio just sound natural and well-composed. —Christopher Weddle

APRIL 2019

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These listings are abbreviated. For complete daily listings, go to offbeat.com. These listings were verified at the time of publication, but are of course subject to change. To get your event listed, go to offbeat.com/add-new-listings or send an email to listings@offbeat.com.

AF African AM Americana BL Blues BU Bluegrass BO Bounce BB Brass Band BQ Burlesque KJ Cajun CL Classical CR Classic Rock CO Comedy CW Country CB Cover Band DN Dance DX Dixieland DB Dubstep EL Electro FO Folk FK Funk GS Gospel GY Gypsy HH Hip-Hop HS House IN Indian Classical ID Indie Rock IL Industrial IR Irish JB Jam Band

MJ Jazz Contemporary TJ Jazz Traditional JV Jazz Variety KR Karaoke KZ Klezmer LT Latin MG Mardi Gras Indian ME Metal RB Modern R&B PO Pop PK Punk RE Reggae RC Rockabilly RK Rock RR Roots Rock SS Singer/ Songwriter SK Ska PI Solo Piano SO Soul SW Spoken Word SP Swamp Pop SI Swing VR Variety ZY Zydeco

FRIDAY MARCH 29

Buffa’s: Camile Baudoin with Papa Mali (VR) 6p, Cole Williams (VR) 9p Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Dana Abbott (VR) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p Central City BBQ: Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours (KJ) 5p d.b.a.: Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes (FK) 10p Fillmore: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Aaron Lee Tasjan (VR) 7p House of Blues (the Parish): Reverend Horton Heat and Kinky Friedman (RC) 8p House of Blues: Who’s Bad: the Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience (PO) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): the Moth Ball feat. KK and the MOTH, Simple Sound Retreat, Spogga Hash, Big Werm (VR) 10p Kerry Irish Pub: Hugh Morrison (FO) 5p, Beth Patterson (FO) 9p One Eyed Jacks: DJ Soul Sister presents Soulful Takeover (FK) 10p Palm Court Jazz Café: Kevin Louis and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 7p SideBar NOLA: Billie Davies, Steve Masakowski, Evan Oberla and Oliver Watkinson (VR) 9p Smoothie King Center: Jeff Dunham (CO) 7p Snug Harbor: Ellis Marsalis Quintet (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy J. Forest (JV) 2p, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings (BL) 6p, the Rhythm Stompers (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Big Easy Brawlers (BB) 9:30p Three Muses: Doro Wat Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Rebirth Brass Band (BB) 10p

APRIL 2019

Trinity Episcopal Church: Bach Around the Clock (VR) 7p Tropical Isle Bayou Club: Faubourg Ramblers (KJ) 5p, T’Canaille (KJ) 9p

SATURDAY MARCH 30

Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 11a, Marla Dixon Blues Project (JV) 6p, Mike Doussan (VR) 9p Café Negril: Joy Clark (VR) 4p, Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers (SO) 7p, Dana Abbott Band (VR) 10p d.b.a.: Tuba Skinny (JV) 7p, Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 10p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Biglemoi (RK) 7p House of Blues: Guster (RK) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): the Introduction feat. Tony Skatcherie, Skywalka Harp, SKYY, Techno Tim, the Get Down Girls (VR) 9p Howlin’ Wolf: Lotus in Stereo, the Fixers, Burnhouse, the Absence Project (RK) 8p Jazz Playhouse: Cyril Neville and Swamp Funk Band (JV) 8:30p Kerry Irish Pub: Mike Kerwin and Geoff Coats (FO) 5p, Hurricane Refugees (FO) 8:30p Little Gem Saloon: Dr. Michael White (JV) 7:30p Palm Court Jazz Café: Will Smith and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 7p Snug Harbor: Jason Marsalis and BGQ Exploration (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Jazz Band Ballers (JV) 2p, Panorama Jazz Band (JV) 6p, James Martin Band (JV) 10p Three Muses: Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: A Taste of New Orleans feat. Leo Nocentelli, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Cheeky Blakk (VR) 10p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SUNDAY MARCH 31

Buffa’s: Some Like It Hot! (TJ) 11a, Nattie Sanchez Songwriters Circle (SS) 4p, Steve Pistorius Jazz Quartet (JV) 7p Café Negril: Ecirb Muller’s Twisted Dixie (JV) 6p, Vegas Cola (JV) 10p d.b.a.: Palmetto Bugs Stompers (SI) 6p, Bon Bon Vivant (JV) 10p Funky Pirate: Mark and the Pentones (BL) 4p, Willie Lockett Band (BL) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 10p Jazz Playhouse: Germaine Bazzle (JV) 8p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: DJ Sugar Ray (VR) 4:20p, TBC Brass Band (BB) 6p Little Tropical Isle: Styk (RK) 5p, Frank Fairbanks (VR) 9p Maison: NOLA Jitterbugs, Reid Poole’s Boppin’ 5 (JV) 10a, Nickel-A-Dance feat. Roger Lewis and the Bari Out There Jazz Band (JV) 4p, Tuba Skinny, Opulence Hour Burlesque, Higher Heights (VR) 7p Palm Court Jazz Café: Tennessee Williams Festival feat. the Tin Men (JV) 11:30a, Banu Gibson: the Poets of Tin Pan Alley (JV) 1p, New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra (TJ) 2:30p, Mark Braud and Sunday Night Swingsters (JV) 7:30p Snug Harbor: Oscar Rossignoli Quartet (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Jamey St. Pierre and the

Honeycreepers (JV) 2p, Robin Barnes and the FiyaBirds (JV) 7p, Pat Casey and the New Sound (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal (VR) 9:30p Three Muses: Raphael et Pascal (JV) 5p, the Clementines (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

MONDAY APRIL 1

Buffa’s: Arsene DeLay (VR) 5p, Antoine Diel (VR) 8p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 7p Funky Pirate: Willie Lockett Band (BL) 8p Hi-Ho Lounge: Bluegrass Pickin’ Party (BU) 8p, Americana Music Series feat. Jimbo Mathus (FO) 10p House of Blues (the Parish): Polyphia (ME) 7p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 8:30p Maison: Chicken and Waffles, Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 4p Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Royal Street Winding Boys (JV) 2p, Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen St. All-Stars (JV) 6p, Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 10p Starlight: Lulu and the Broadsides feat. Dayna Kurtz (JV) 6p, Rose Cangelosi (SS) 9p, Keith Burnstein and Amanda Walker (SS) 10p Three Muses: Bart Ramsey (JV) 5p Tropical Isle Bourbon: Rhythm and Rain (RK) 5p, F.A.S.T. (RK) 9p

TUESDAY APRIL 2

Buffa’s: Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras with Vanessa Carr (VR) 7p Café Negril: 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse (VR) 6p, John Lisi and Delta Funk (FK) 10p Columns Hotel: Paul Sanchez (JV) 8p d.b.a.: Dinosaurchestra (JV) 7p, Treme Brass Band (BB) 10p Funky Pirate: Blues Masters (BL) 8:30p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Beast (CO) 8:30p Kerry Irish Pub: Jason Bishop (FO) 8:30p Little Tropical Isle: Mark Pentone (RK) 5p, Frank Fairbanks (RK) 9p Snug Harbor: Ed Petersen and the Test with Kurt Elling (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Band (JV) 2p, the Little Big Horns (JV) 6p, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 10p Three Muses: Sam Cammarata (VR) 5p, Joshua Gouzy (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Bayou Club: Cajun Drifters (KJ) 7p

WEDNESDAY APRIL 3

(BL) 6p House of Blues: SoMo (RB) 7p Jazz Playhouse: Big Sam’s Crescent City Connection (FK) 8:30p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Karaoke with Miss Angie (VR) 6p Kerry Irish Pub: Tom Marron and Kevin Specht (FO) 8:30p Lafayette Square: Wednesday at the Square feat. Irma Thomas and Johnny Sansone (VR) 5p Little Tropical Isle: Mark Parsons (RK) 5p, Reed Lightfoot (RK) 9p Maison: Kaladeva Quartet, Jazz Vipers, B Miller Zone (VR) 4p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman with Palm Court Jazz Band and special guest Tom Sancton (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: John Mahoney Big Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Chris Christy (JV) 2p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Antoine Diel and the New Orleans Power Misfits (JV) 10p Three Muses: Leslie Martin (JV) 5p, Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: Debi and the Deacons (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

THURSDAY APRIL 4

Buffa’s: Gumbo Cabaret (VR) 5p, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand (JV) 8p Bullet’s: Shamar Allen and the Underdawgs (JV) 7p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Claude Bryant and the All-Stars (VR) 6p, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 10p Covington Trailhead: Rockin’ the Rails (VR) 5p d.b.a.: Jon Cleary (PI) 7p, Deltaphonic (VR) 10p Funky Pirate: Mark and the Pentones (BL) 4p, Blues Masters (BL) 8:30p Gasa Gasa: the Revelries (FK) 9p Hotel Peter and Paul: New Orleans Ragtime Festival feat. Orange Kellin’s Deluxe Orchestra (JV) 6p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Bon Bon Vivant (GY) 7p House of Blues: the Jive Aces (SI) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Gumbeaux (CO) 8:30p Jazz Playhouse: Brass-A-Holics (BB) 8:30p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Vincent Marini (FO) 8:30p Le Bon Temps Roule: Soul Rebels (BB) 11p Maison: Good For Nothin’ Band, Sweet Substitute, Dysfunktional Bone (VR) 4p Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Ogden After Hours feat. Sabertooth Swing (JV) 6p Palm Court Jazz Café: Tim Laughlin and Crescent City Joymakers (JV) 8p SideBar NOLA: Quinn Sternberg’s Birthday Band (VR) 7p, Mark Bingham and friends (VR) 9p Snug Harbor: Jeff Gardner Quartet (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Up Up We Go (JV) 2p, Miss Sophie Lee (JV) 6p, Jumbo Shrimp (JV) 10p Starlight: Infinite Trio (JV) 5p, Hanna Mignano Trio (FO) 8p, Ingrid Lucia Trio (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Jonathan Bauer albumrelease show (VR) 9:30p Three Muses: Tom McDermott (JV) 5p, Arsene DeLay (JV) 8p

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LIVE LOCAL LOCAL MUSIC MUSIC LIVE Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: DJ Black Pearl (VR) 9p, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet (FK) 10:30p

FRIDAY APRIL 5

Buffa’s: Davis Rogan (VR) 6p, Greg Schatz (JV) 9p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Dana Abbott (VR) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p d.b.a.: Swinging Gypsies (JV) 6p, Soul Rebels (BB) 10p Fillmore: STS9 (VR) 8p French Market: Johnette Downing (SS) 11a Funky Pirate: Mark and the Pentones (BL) 2p, Blues Masters (BL) 8:30p Gattuso’s: Will Iseman (VR) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Otto Orellana (RB) 11p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Assata Renay (RB) 10p Howlin’ Wolf (the Porch): the Hail Mercy, Vega, Beulahland (RK) 9p Jazz Playhouse: Nayo Jones Experience (JV) 8p, Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom feat. Romy Kaye and the Mercy Buckets (BQ) 11p Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 5p, Beth Patterson (FO) 9p Little Gem Saloon: Deacon John and the Ivories (RB) 7:30p New Orleans Creole Cookery: the Rik-Tones (JV) 6p One Eyed Jacks: DJ Soul Sister presents Soulful Takeover (FK) 10p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lucien Barbarin and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Rock ‘n’ Bowl: New Orleans Ragtime Festival feat. Steve Pistorious and the Southern Syncopators (JV) 5p, the Topcats (VR) 9:30p Snug Harbor: Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Treeaux (JV) 2p, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings (JV) 6p, Doro Wat (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): the Living Room Experience with Brandon Tarell and friends, DJ Groove Kidd (VR) 9:30p Three Muses: Royal Roses (JV) 5:30p, Esther Rose (JV) 9p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SATURDAY APRIL 6

Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 11a, Gimmie Shelter 2019 with Freddie Blue and the Friendship Circle (VR) 6p, Mike Doussan and Cole Williams (VR) 9p Café Negril: Joy Clark (VR) 4p, Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers (SO) 7p, Another Day in Paradise (VR) 10p d.b.a.: Tuba Skinny (JV) 7p, Little Freddie King (BL) 11p Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall: Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters (BL) 6:30p Fillmore: STS9 (VR) 8p Gasa Gasa: Where Y’acht (RK) 10p Gattuso’s: Austin Sicard and the Medics (VR) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Cricket (FO) 7p House of Blues: Lucinda Williams, Buick 6 (CW) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): TryMore Mojo (FK) 11:30p Kerry Irish Pub: Will Dickerson (FO) 5p, Paintbox with Dave James and Tim Robertson (FO) 9p Little Gem Saloon: New Orleans Ragtime Festival feat. Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road (JV) 5:30p, Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p & 9p Maison: Chance Bushman and the Ibervillainaires, Leah Rucker, Smoking Time

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Jazz Club (JV) 4p, Brass-A-Holics, Next Level Nightclub Experience, Funk Griot (VR) 10p New Orleans Jazz Museum (Old U.S. Mint): New Orleans Ragtime Festival Showcase (JV) 11a Palm Court Jazz Café: Will Smith and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Pontchartrain Vineyards: Jazz’n the Vines feat. the Telegraph Salesman (VR) 6:30p Saenger Theatre: Bill Maher (CO) 8p Snug Harbor: Ike Stubblefield Organ Trio (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Antoine Diel and Arsene DeLay (JV) 2p, Panorama Jazz Band (JV) 6p, the Catahoulas (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Big Easy Brawlers (FK) 9:30p, Hustle! with DJ Soul Sister (FK) 11:30p Three Muses: Chris Christy (JV) 5p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Cimafunk’n New Orleans Live and Direct From Cuba feat. Soul Rebels, Jon Cleary Band with Herlin Riley (FK) 10p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SUNDAY APRIL 7

Buffa’s: Some Like It Hot (TJ) 11a, Pfister Sisters (JV) 4p, Steve Pistorius Jazz Quartet (JV) 7p Café Negril: Ecirb Muller’s Twisted Dixie (VR) 6p, Vegas Cola (JV) 10p d.b.a.: Sunday Swampede with Corey Ledet (KJ) 6p, the Iguanas (RK) 10p Funky Pirate: Mark and the Pentones (BL) 4p, Willie Lockett Band (BL) 8p House of Blues (the Parish): Jonathan McReynolds (GS) 6p House of Blues: the Bouncing Souls (PK) 6p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 11p Jazz Playhouse: Germaine Bazzle (JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Traditional Irish Session (IR) 5p, Beth Patterson (FO) 8p Palm Court Jazz Café: Mark Braud and Sunday Night Swingsters (JV) 8p Rock ‘n’ Bowl: Amanda Shaw (KJ) 10:30a, New Orleans Ragtime Festival feat. New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Bon Bon Vivant (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses (JV) 2p, Robin Barnes and the FiyaBirds (JV) 7p, Pat Casey and the New Sound (JV) 10p Three Muses: Raphael et Pascal (JV) 5p, the Clementines (JV) 8p Tipitina’s: Cajun Fais Do Do feat. Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band (KJ) 5:30p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

MONDAY APRIL 8

Buffa’s: Arsene DeLay (VR) 5p, Antoine Diel (VR) 8p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Noggin (VR) 6p, Colin Davis and the Night People (VR) 10p Circle Bar: Dem Roach Boyz (RB) 7p, Phono Pony (ID) 9:30p d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 7p Jazz Playhouse: Gerald French and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band (JV) 8p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Kim Carson (FO) 8:30p Maison: Chicken and Waffles, Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 4p Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Royal Street Winding Boys (JV) 2p, Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen St. All-Stars (JV) 6p, the Rhythm Stompers (JV) 10p Starlight: Lulu and the Broadsides feat. James Singleton and Dayna Kurtz (JV) 6p, Shindig with Gina Leslie and Alex Bosworth (SS) 9p, Amanda Walker and Keith Burnstein (SS) 10p Three Muses: Monty Banks (JV) 5p Tropical Isle Bayou Club: Cajun Drifters (KJ) 7p

TUESDAY APRIL 9

Buffa’s: Susanne Ortner (JV) 7p d.b.a.: Dinosaurchestra (JV) 7p, Treme Brass Band (BB) 10p Fillmore: Willie Nelson and Family (FO) 7p Hi-Ho Lounge: CommonTone Music Series feat. Helen Gillet, Rob Cambre and friends (MJ) 10p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Mike Doussan (SO) 6p House of Blues (the Parish): the Midnight (PO) 7p House of Blues: Citizen Cope (SO) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Beast (CO) 8:30p Howlin’ Wolf (the Porch): Enterprise Earth, Lorna Shore, Boysnatcher, Within Destruction (ME) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Jason Bishop (FO) 8:30p Orpheum Theater: Death Cab for Cutie (ID) 9p Siberia: Ever More Nest (FO) 8p SideBar NOLA: Brian Prunka and Simon Moushabeck (VR) 9p Snug Harbor: Stanton Moore Trio (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Band (JV) 2p, Charlie Halloran and his Calypsonians (JV) 6p, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 10p Starlight: Dayna Kurtz and Robert Mache (RB) 6p, Joseph Berg and Miki P. (SS) 9p, Asher Danziger (SS) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Think Less, Hear More (VR) 8p Three Muses: Sarah Quintana (JV) 5p, Salvatore Geloso (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, F.A.S.T. (RK) 9:15p

WEDNESDAY APRIL 10

Buffa’s: Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez (SS) 7p Bullet’s: Treme Brass Band (BB) 7:30p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Maid of Orleans (VR) 6p, Another Day in Paradise (VR) 10p Cove at UNO: Jazz at the Sandbar feat. Sasha Masakowski (JV) 7p d.b.a.: Tin Men (RK) 7p, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters (BL) 10p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Braun-Wood Duo (SS) 6p Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson (FO) 8:30p Lafayette Square: Wednesday at the Square feat. Eric Lindell, Deltaphonic (VR) 5p Little Tropical Isle: Mark Parsons (RK) 5p, Reed Lightfoot (RK) 9p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman with Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Uptown Jazz Orchestra with Delfeayo Marsalis (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Chris Christy (JV) 2p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Antoine Diel and the New Orleans Power Misfits (JV) 10p Three Muses: Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: Debi and the Deacons (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Williams Research Center: the HNOC presents its annual Bill Russell Lecture: A Tribute to Manuel Manetta (JV) 6p

THURSDAY APRIL 11

Buffa’s: Debbie Davis and Josh Paxton (JV) 5p, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand (JV) 8p Bullet’s: Shamar Allen and the Underdawgs (JV) 7p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Claude Bryant and the All-Stars (VR) 6p, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 10p Covington Trailhead: Rockin’ the Rails (VR) 5p d.b.a.: Jon Cleary (PI) 7p, Marc Stone and his Band (BL) 10p

Fillmore: Godsmack (VR) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Aaron Benjamin Trio (SS) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Gumbeaux (CO) 8:30p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 8p Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Ogden After Hours feat. Seva Venet Bicentennial Celebration of the Banjo in New Orleans (JV) 6p Palm Court Jazz Café: New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Roger Lewis and Baritone Bliss (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Up Up We Go (JV) 2p, Miss Sophie Lee (JV) 6p, Jumbo Shrimp (JV) 10p Starlight: John Zarsky Trio (JV) 5p, Tiffany Pollock and John Fohl (JV) 8p, “Blue Eyes” Rene Tribute to Nina Simone and Billy Holiday (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): the Parlour with Mykia Jovan (VR) 9:30p Three Muses: Tom McDermott (JV) 5p, Arsene DeLay (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Bourbon: Wild Card (RK) 5p, Debi and the Deacons (RK) 9p Vaughan’s Lounge: DJ Black Pearl (VR) 9p, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet (FK) 10:30p

FRIDAY APRIL 12

Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 6p, Asylum Chorus (VR) 9p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Dana Abbott (VR) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p d.b.a.: Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 6p, Deacon John and the Ivories (RB) 10p Dos Jefes: Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots (ZY) 10p Gattuso’s: MJ and the Redeemers (VR) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Pucusana (RK) 7p House of Blues (the Parish): Tobe Nwigwe (HH) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Homeworld (EL) 10p Howlin’ Wolf: Green Gasoline, Vedas, the Fixers, Fighting for Frequency, Dustin Cole and the Dead Men (RK) 8p Jazz Playhouse: Mario Abney (JV) 2p, Ashlin Parker Trio (JV) 5p, Luther Kent (JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Jason Bishop and friends (FO) 4p, Will Dickerson and Van Hudson (FO) 8p New Orleans Creole Cookery: Ed Barrett Trio (JV) 6p Orpheum Theater: David Sedaris (VR) 8p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lucien Barbarin and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Dr. Michael White Original Liberty Jazz Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Treeaux (JV) 2p, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio (JV) 6p, Dr. Brice Miller’s BukuNOLA (JV) 10p Three Muses: Matt Johnson (JV) 5:30p, Doro Wat Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Lost Bayou Ramblers, Sweet Crude (RK) 10p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p UNO Lakefront Arena: Big Easy Blues Festival (BL) 8p

SATURDAY APRIL 13

Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 11a, Hot Stuff with Becky Allen, Harry Mayronne and Chris Wecklein (VR) 3p, Freddie Blue and the Friendship Circle (VR) 6p, Zoukeys with Beth Patterson and Josh Paxton (VR) 9p Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Jamie Lynn Vessels (SO) 7p, Dana Abbott Band (VR) 10p d.b.a.: Tuba Skinny (JV) 7p, King James and the A PRI L 2019

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

Special Men (RB) 11p Euclid Records: Record Store Day with live bands (VR) 11a Fillmore: Tori Kelly (SS) 7p Gattuso’s: the Old Barstools (VR) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Burris (MJ) 7p House of Blues (the Parish): Psychmagik, Dirty Dave (RK) 9p House of Blues: DMX 20 Year Anniversary (HH) 8p Howlin’ Wolf: Eyehategod, the Obsessed, Antiseen, Somethings Burning, Southern Brutality, A Hanging (ME) 8p Jazz Playhouse: NOLA French Connection Brass Band (JV) 2p, James Martin (JV) 5p, Chucky C and Clearly Blue (JV) 8p Joy Theater: San Holo (EL) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Hurricane Refugees (FO) 4p, Mark Hessler and friends (FO) 8p Little Gem Saloon: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7 & 9p Maison: Chance Bushman and the Ibervillainaires, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 1p, Big Easy Brawlers, Fleur de Lindy, Gene’s Music Machine (VR) 10p New Orleans Creole Cookery: Ed Barrett Trio (JV) 6p Palm Court Jazz Café: Will Smith and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p SideBar NOLA: Dayna Kurtz and Robert Mache (VR) 7p, Helen Gillet and Wazozo (VR) 9p Snug Harbor: Jacqui Naylor Quartet (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 2p, Panorama Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): NOJO 7 (JV) 9:30p, DJ Chris Stylez (VR) 11:45p Three Muses: Chris Christy (JV) 5p, Debbie Davis (JV) 6p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Dave Jordan and the NIA (RR) 10p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SUNDAY APRIL 14

Buffa’s: Some Like It Hot (TJ) 11a, Marla Dixon (JV) 4p, Steve Pistorius Jazz Quartet (JV) 7p Bullet’s: Big Frank and Lil Frank (RB) 6p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Ecirb Muller’s Twisted Dixie (VR) 6p, Vegas Cola (JV) 10p Candlelight Lounge: Corey Henry and 6th Ward All-Stars (BB) 6p d.b.a.: Palmetto Bug Stompers (JV) 6p, MainLine (BB) 10p Gasa Gasa: Darcy Malone and the Tangle, Lilli Lewis Project (SO) 9p House of Blues (the Parish): Jazz is PHSH: An AllStar Instrumental Tribute to Phish (FK) 7p House of Blues: Cradle of Filth (ME) 6p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): One Note At A Time Film Screening with Proceeds to Benefit New Orleans Musicians Clinic (VR) 8p, Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 11p Kerry Irish Pub: Roux the Day (FO) 7p Palm Court Jazz Café: Mark Braud and Lucien Barbarin with Sunday Night Swingsters (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road feat. Don Vappie (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Giselle Anguizola and the Swinging Gypsies (JV) 2p, Robin Barnes and the FiyaBirds (JV) 7p, Pat Casey and the New Sound (JV) 10p Starlight: Gypsy Stew (SS) 4p, Gabrielle Cavassa Band (JV) 8p, Gabrielle Cavassa Jazz Jam (JV) 10p Three Muses: Raphael et Pascal (JV) 5p, the Clementines (JV) 8p Trinity Episcopal Church: Bryan Hymel’s Opus Opera presents Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater (CL) 5p

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Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

MONDAY APRIL 15

Buffa’s: Arsene DeLay (VR) 5p, Antoine Diel (VR) 8p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Noggin (VR) 6p, Soul Project (VR) 10p Circle Bar: Dem Roach Boyz (RB) 7p, Gene Black and friends’ Bam Jam (FK) 9:30p d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 7p Jazz Playhouse: Gerald French and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band (JV) 8p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Kim Carson (FO) 8:30p Little Gem Saloon: Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road (JV) 7p Maison: Chicken and Waffles, Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 4p Orpheum Theater: Pink Martini (RK) 8p Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Royal Street Winding Boys (JV) 2p, Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen St. All-Stars (JV) 6p, Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 10p Starlight: Keith Burnstein (SS) 5p, Lulu and the Broadsides feat. Dayna Kurtz and Carlo Nucio (JV) 9p Three Muses: Bart Ramsey (JV) 5p, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue (CW) 8p Tropical Isle Original: Graham Robinson Band (RK) 5:15p, Trop Rock Express (RK) 9:15p

TUESDAY APRIL 16

Buffa’s: Meryl Zimmerman Birthday Bash (JV) 7p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a d.b.a.: Dinosaurchestra (JV) 7p, Treme Brass Band (BB) 10p House of Blues: Motionless in White, Atreyu (ME) 6:30p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Beast (CO) 8:30p Jazz Playhouse: James Rivers Movement (JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Jason Bishop (FO) 8:30p Louisiana Music Factory: Tuba Skinny (JV) 6p Maison: Baby Giants Jazz Band, Gregory Agid Quartet, Gene’s Music Machine (VR) 4p Snug Harbor: Stanton Moore Trio (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Band (JV) 2p, the Little Big Horns (JV) 6p, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Sinking City Selects (VR) 8p Three Muses: Sam Cammarata (JV) 5p, Mia Borders (FK) 8p Tipitina’s: Ryan Bingham and the Americans (VR) 9p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, F.A.S.T. (RK) 9:15p

WEDNESDAY APRIL 17

Buffa’s: Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez (SS) 7p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Maid of Orleans (VR) 6p, Another Day in Paradise (VR) 10p Cove at UNO: Jazz at the Sandbar feat. Kevin Louis (JV) 7p d.b.a.: Tin Men (RK) 7p, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters (BL) 10p Fillmore: Dungeon Family Tour feat. Big Boi, Goodie Mob (VR) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Michael Liuzza (BL) 6p House of Blues: the Music of Cream (CR) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): UNO Rock Ensemble (RK) 9p Jazz Playhouse: Shannon Powell Jazz Quartet

(JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Mossy Moran (IR) 8:30p Lafayette Square: Wednesday at the Square feat. Kermit Ruffins, Space and Harmony (VR) 5p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman with Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Uptown Jazz Orchestra with Delfeayo Marsalis (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Chris Christy (JV) 2p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Antoine Diel and the New Orleans Power Misfits (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): the Shape of Jazz to Come (VR) 9:30p Three Muses: Schatzy (VR) 8p Tropical Isle Bayou Club: the Troubadour (KJ) 7p

THURSDAY APRIL 18

Buffa’s: Rebecca Leigh, Chris Wecklein and Harry Mayronne (JV) 5p, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand (JV) 8p Bullet’s: Shamar Allen and the Underdawgs (JV) 7p Café Negril: Claude Bryant and the All-Stars (VR) 6p, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 10p Covington Trailhead: Rockin’ the Rails (VR) 5p d.b.a.: Jon Cleary (PI) 7p, Charlie Wooton and Zydefunk (ZY) 10p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Jelly Toast (FO) 6p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Gumbeaux (CO) 8:30p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Hugh Morrison (IR) 8:30p Maison: Good For Nothin’ Band, Tuba Skinny, Dysfunktional Bone (VR) 4p Palm Court Jazz Café: Leroy Jones and Katja Toivola with Crescent City Joymakers (JV) 8p Rock ‘n’ Bowl: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas (ZY) 8p Snug Harbor: Jason Marsalis Ensemble (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Up Up We Go (JV) 2p, Miss Sophie Lee (JV) 6p, Jumbo Shrimp (JV) 10p Three Muses: Tom McDermott (JV) 5p, St. Louis Slim (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: DJ Black Pearl (VR) 9p, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet (FK) 10:30p

FRIDAY APRIL 19

Buffa’s: Calvin Johnson and Native Son (JV) 6p, Larry Scala Quartet (JV) 9p Bullet’s: Original Pinettes Brass Band (BB) 9p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Dana Abbott (VR) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p d.b.a.: Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 6p, Cha Wa (MG) 10p Fillmore: Chevelle (RK) 7p Gattuso’s: St. Pepper’s Beatles’ Tribute (VR) 7p House of Blues (the Parish): Parker McCollum (FO) 8p House of Blues: Robert Earl Keen, Esther Rose (FO) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): SoundCLASH NOLA Open Mic and Artist Showcase (VR) 10p Howlin’ Wolf (the Porch): NOLA Caribbean Fest presents Afro Karaoke (AF) 10p Kerry Irish Pub: Beth Patterson (FO) 5p, Lynn Drury (FO) 9p Little Gem Saloon: Quiana Lynell (JV) 7 & 9p Maison: Rhythm Stompers, Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 1p, Gene’s Music Machine, Buena Vista Social Latin Night (VR) 10p Palm Court Jazz Café: Kevin Louis and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Snug Harbor: Ellis Marsalis Quintet (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Treeaux (JV) 2p, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings (JV) 6p, Shake ‘Em

Up Jazz Band (JV) 10p Starlight: Shaye Cohn with Erika Lewis and Norbert Susemihl (JV) 5p, Michael Watson and the Alchemy (JV) 8p, DJ NeNe Full Moon House (EL) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Late Night Snacks with G-Cue (VR) 11:45p Three Muses: Royal Roses (JV) 5:30p, Doro Wat Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Bonerama Plays Zeppelin Albumrelease party (VR) 10p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SATURDAY APRIL 20

Abita Springs Town Hall: Abita Springs Opry feat. Three Rivers Cooperative, David Bivens, the Wasted Lives, Dr. Bird and the Beak Division (VR) 7p Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 11a, the Royal Rounders (VR) 6p, Marina Orchestra (VR) 9p Café Negril: Joy Clark (VR) 4p, Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers (FK) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p d.b.a.: Tuba Skinny (JV) 7p, Big Sam’s Funky Nation (FK) 11p Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall: New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings (TJ) 6:30p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Jake Landry and the Right Lane Bandits (BL) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Astro Motel, Jesse Cotton Stone (RK) 10p Howlin’ Wolf: Mystikal (HH) 10p Kerry Irish Pub: Mike Kerwin and Geoff Coats (FO) 5p, Vincent Marini and Kennedy Kuntz (FO) 9p Live Oak Cafe: Charlie Wooton (VR) 10:30a Maison: Chance Bushman and the Ibervillainaires, Royal Street Winding Boys, Smoking Time Jazz Band (JV) 1p, MainLine, Next Level Nightclub Experience, Big Easy Brawlers (VR) 10p Palm Court Jazz Café: Will Smith and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Pontchartrain Vineyards: Jazz’n the Vines feat. Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys (KJ) 6:30p Spotted Cat: New Bourbon Street Jazz Band (JV) 2p, Panorama Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Jumbo Shrimp (JV) 10p Starlight: Heidijo (RB) 5p, John Lawrence and Ven Pa Ca Flamenco (LT) 8p, St. Roch Syncopators (JV) 10p, Kings of the Small Time feat. Alex McMurray and Glenn Hartman (VR) 11p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): La Noche Caliente with Muevelo and Mambo Orleans (LT) 9p Three Muses: Chris Christy (JV) 5p, Linnzi Zaorski (JV) 6p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SUNDAY APRIL 21

Buffa’s: Some Like It Hot (JV) 11a, Nattie Sanchez Songwriter Circle (VR) 4p, Steve Pistorius Jazz Quartet (JV) 7p Café Negril: Lilli Lewis (VR) 6p, Vegas Cola (JV) 10p Candlelight Lounge: Corey Henry and 6th Ward All-Stars (BB) 6p Circle Bar: Dick Deluxe (FO) 5p, Micah McKee, Blind Texas Marlin (FO) 7p d.b.a.: Palmetto Bug Stompers (SI) 6p, the Catahoulas (JV) 10p House of Blues (the Parish): Plini with Mestis, David Mackay (RK) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 11p Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 8p Palm Court Jazz Café: Mark Braud and Sunday Night Swingsters (JV) 8p Spotted Cat: Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers (JV) 2p, Robin Barnes and the FiyaBirds (JV) 7p, Pat Casey and the New Sound (JV) 10p Starlight: Heidijo (RB) 5p, Gabrielle Cavassa Band

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LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

(JV) 8p, Gabrielle Cavassa Jazz Jam (JV) 10p Three Muses: Raphael et Pascal (JV) 5p, the Clementines (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Bayou Club: Roland Cheramie and friends (KJ) 5p, Faubourg Ramblers (KJ) 9p

MONDAY APRIL 22

Buffa’s: Arsene DeLay (VR) 5p, Antoine Diel (VR) 8p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Noggin (VR) 6p, Soul Project (VR) 10p d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Honest Men, Vacation Manor (ID) 9p Jazz Playhouse: Gerald French and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band (JV) 8p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Beth Patterson (FO) 8:30p Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Royal Street Winding Boys (JV) 2p, Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen St. All-Stars (JV) 6p, New Orleans Swinging Consensus (JV) 10p Starlight: Lulu and the Broadsides feat. Dayna Kurtz and Glenn Hartman (JV) 6p, Shawn Williams (CW) 9p, Keith Burnstein and Amanda Walker (SS) 10p Three Muses: Russell Welch (JV) 5p, Washboard Rodeo (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Bourbon: Rhythm and Rain (RK) 5p, F.A.S.T. (RK) 9p Tropical Isle Original: Graham Robertson (RK) 5:15p, Trop Rock Express (RK) 9:15p

TUESDAY APRIL 23

Buffa’s: Lynn Drury (VR) 7p Café Negril: 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse (VR) 6p, John Lisi and Delta Funk (FK) 10p Circle Bar: Alexander Pian (FO) 7p d.b.a.: Dinosaurchestra (JV) 7p, Treme Brass Band (BB) 10p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Beast (CO) 8:30p Jazz Playhouse: James Rivers Movement (JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Jason Bishop (FO) 8:30p Little Tropical Isle: Mark Pentone (RK) 5p, Frank Fairbanks (RK) 9p SideBar NOLA: Mike Dillon and Phil DeGruy (VR) 9p Snug Harbor: Stanton Moore Trio (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Band (JV) 2p, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (JV) 6p, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 10p Starlight: Dayna Kurtz and Aurora Nealand (JV) 6p, Stephen El Rey and Romy Kaye (JV) 9p Three Muses: Davis Rogan (VR) 5p, Salvatore Geloso (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Bourbon: Wild Card (RK) 5p, Jezebels Chill’n (RK) 9p

WEDNESDAY APRIL 24

Buffa’s: Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez (SS) 7p Bullet’s: Treme Brass Band (BB) 7:30p Café Negril: Maid of Orleans (VR) 6p, Another Day in Paradise (VR) 10p Cove at UNO: Jazz at the Sandbar feat. Dr. Lonnie Smith  (JV) 7p d.b.a.: Tin Men (RK) 7p, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters (BL) 10p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Michael Liuzza (BL) 6p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Mikayla Braun, Chris Ibert (SS) 9p Jazz Playhouse: Nayo Jones Experience (JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Tom Marron and Kevin Specht (FO) 8:30p Lafayette Square: Wednesday at the Square feat. Marc Broussard, the Iceman Special (VR) 5p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman with Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p SideBar NOLA: Aurora Nealand and James Singleton (VR) 10p

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Snug Harbor: Uptown Jazz Orchestra with Delfeayo Marsalis (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Chris Christy (JV) 2p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Antoine Diel and the New Orleans Power Misfits (JV) 10p Three Muses: Matt Bell and Joy Patterson (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: Debi and the Deacons (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

THURSDAY APRIL 25

Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 10a & 5:30p Buffa’s: Paul Sanchez (RR) 5p, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand (JV) 8p Bullet’s: Shamar Allen and the Underdawgs (JV) 7p Café Negril: Claude Bryant and the All-Stars (VR) 6p, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 10p Covington Trailhead: Rockin’ the Rails (VR) 5p d.b.a.: Alexis and the Samurai (ID) 7p, Little Freddie King (BL) 10p; Soul Brass Band (BB) 1a House of Blues (the Parish): Michal Menert, Exmag (EL) 8p House of Blues: Yngwie Malmsteen (ME) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Gumbeaux (CO) 8:30p Jazz Playhouse: Brass-A-Holics (BB) 8:30p Joy Theater: Phil Lesh and the Terrapin Family Band (VR) 7p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Will Dickerson (FO) 8:30p Maison: Reid Poole’s Boppin’ 5, Good For Nothin’ Band (VR) 4p, Stanton Moore Trio feat. Stanton Moore, Robert Walter and Wil Blades (FK) 10p Palm Court Jazz Café: Tim Laughlin and Crescent City Joymakers (JV) 8p SideBar NOLA: Mike Dillon and James Singleton (VR) 8p, Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe (VR) 11p Snug Harbor: Dr. Lonnie Smith with Donald Harrison Trio (JV) 9 & Spotted Cat: Up Up We Go (JV) 2p, Miss Sophie Lee (JV) 6p, Jumbo Shrimp (JV) 10p Starlight: Keith Burnstein (SS) 5p, Josh Paxton (JV) 8p, Bon Bon Vivant (FK) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p Three Muses: Tom McDermott (JV) 5p, Luke Winslow King (JV) 8p Tipitina’s: Anders Osborne Album-release show (RR) 9p, Knower (VR) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: DJ Black Pearl (VR) 9p, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet (FK) 10:30p

FRIDAY APRIL 26

Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 10a & 5:30p Buffa’s: Klezmervation Hall (JV) 6p, Eva Luvollo and the Frishberg Family Band (VR) 9p, Keith Burnstein (SS) 11:59p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Dana Abbott (VR) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p Circle Bar: Natalie Mae (CW) 7p, Jazz Fest After Dark with Woven In (VR) 10p d.b.a.: Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (JV) 6p, Honey Island Swamp Band (RR) 10p, Lightnin’ Malcolm (BL) 2a Fillmore: the Disco Biscuits, Tauk (VR) 10p Gasa Gasa: Valerie Sassyfras (PO) 10p Gattuso’s: the Instigators (VR) 7p House of Blues: Allman Betts Band, JD Simo (RK) 8p Howlin’ Wolf: Dumpstaphunk presents Dumpstafly: A Tribute to Curtis Mayfield and the Isley Brothers, the Motown Getdown feat. George Gekas, Lyle Divinsky, Nikki Glaspie, Raw Deal (FK) 10p Joy Theater: Phil Lesh and the Terrapin Family Band (VR) 7p Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson (FO) 5p, Patrick A PRI L 2019

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC Cooper and Mark Carroll (FO) 9p Little Gem Saloon: Ladies of Soul feat. Naydja Cojoe, Rechell Cook and Sharon Martin (SO) 8 & 10p, Creole String Beans (FO) 11p Mardi Gras World: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (FK) 8p One Eyed Jacks: Maggie Koerner, the Suffers, Julie Odell (VR) 8p, Boyfriend with members of the Revivalists (VR) 1a Orpheum Theater: JJ Grey and Mofro (FK) 9p Palm Court Jazz Café: Kevin Louis and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Rock ‘n’ Bowl: Bonerama, Flow Tribe (FK) 8:30p SideBar NOLA: Reggie Scanlan, Tom Worrell and Lionel Batiste Jr. (VR) 8p, James Singleton Rough Babies (VR) 11p Snug Harbor: Ellis Marsalis Quintet (JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Treeaux (JV) 2p, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio (JV) 6p, Soul Brass Band (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p Three Muses: Matt Johnson (JV) 5:30p, Doro Wat Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Naughty Professor (FK) 9p, the M&Ms feat. John Medeski, Papa Mali, Stanton Moore and Robert Mercurio (FK) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SATURDAY APRIL 27

Blue Nile: Washboard Chaz Blues Trio (JV) 7p, Nigel Hall with Raquel Rodriguez (FK) 10:30p, Megawatt Vol. 3 feat. Adam Deitch, Borahm Lee, Raja Kassis (FK) 2a Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 10a & 5:30p Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 11a, Marla Dixon Blues Project (JV) 6p, Molly Reeves and Nahum Zdybel (VR) 9p, Arsene DeLay (VR) 11:59p Café Negril: Lilli Lewis (VR) 4p, Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers (SO) 7p, Soul Project (SO) 10p Carrollton Station: Andrew Duhon Trio (SS) 9p d.b.a.: Tuba Skinny (JV) 6p, Dirty Dozen Brass Band (BB) 10p, King James and the Special Men (RB) 2a Fillmore: the Disco Biscuits (VR) 10p Funky Pirate: Mark and the Pentones (BL) 2p, Blues Masters (BL) 8:30p Gasa Gasa: Khris Royal (RK) 10p House of Blues: Foundation of Funk with Zigaboo Modeliste, George Porter, Jr., Eric Krasno, John Medeski (FK) 8p, Motet and friends (FK) 11:59p Howlin’ Wolf: Bonerama Gets the Led Out, Rebirth Brass Band, the Neville Was Brothers, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Hot 8 Brass Band (FK) 9p Jazz Playhouse: Cyril Neville and Swamp Funk (JV) 8:30p Kerry Irish Pub: Dave Hickey (FO) 5p, Hurricane Refugees (FO) 9p Maison: Chance Bushman and the Ibervillainaires, Eight Dice Cloth, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 1p, Blue Plate Special feat. Wil Bernard, Stanton Moore, John Medeski, Andy Hess and DJ Logic (FK) 2a Mardi Gras World: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (FK) 8p One Eyed Jacks: Soul Rebels (BB) 8p Orpheum Theater: Gov’t Mule (RK) 9p Palm Court Jazz Café: Will Smith and Palm Court Jazz Band with Tom Sancton and Sammy Rimington (JV) 8p Republic: Tab Benoit and Samanthan Fish with Eric McFadden and Eric Johanson (BL) 9p, Ghost Light (VR) 11:59p Rock ‘n’ Bowl: Louis Prima Jr. (JV) 8:30p Saenger Theatre: Treme Threauxdown feat. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue (JV) 8p SideBar NOLA: Michael Ray and Helen Gillet Duo (VR) 8p, Papa Mali and Bobby Vega Duo (VR) 11p

APRIL 2019

Snug Harbor: Herlin Riley All-Stars (JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: Jazz Band Ballers (JV) 2p, Panorama Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen St. All-Stars (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p, DJ Soul Sister (FK) 11:30p Three Muses: Chris Christy (JV) 5p, Debbie Davis (JV) 6p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Galactic, Roosevelt Collier (FK) 9p, Marco Benevento (FK) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

SUNDAY APRIL 28

Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group (JV) 10a, Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 5:30p Buffa’s: Some Like It Hot (TJ) 11a, Jeanne-Marie Harris (JV) 4p, Steve Pistorius Jazz Quartet (JV) 7p, Marc Stone (BL) 10p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Ecirb Muller’s Twisted Dixie (JV) 6p, Vegas Cola (JV) 10p Candlelight Lounge: Corey Henry and 6th Ward All-Stars (BB) 6p d.b.a.: Jazz Vipers (JV) 6p, Funk and Chant with John “Papa” Gros and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (MJ) 10p, John Medeski’s Mad Skillet feat. Will Bernard, Kirk Joseph, Terence Higgins (FK) 1a House of Blues (the Parish): Sylar (ME) 7p House of Blues: Boomshakalaka: the Motet Does ‘90s Funk (FK) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 11p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7:30p, TBC Brass Band (BB) 8:30p Kerry Irish Pub: Will Dickerson (FO) 8:30p Little Gem Saloon: Topsy Chapman (JV) 7:30p, Worship My Organ feat. Robert Walter, Marco Benevento, Adam Deitch, Skerik, DJ Logic (MJ) 8p, Topsy Chapman (JV) 9:30p Mahalia Jackson Theater: New Orleans Opera Association presents Verdi’s Rigoletto (CL) 2:30p Maison: NOLA Jitterbugs, Sidewalk Swing (JV) 10a, Tuba Skinny, Opulence Hour Burlesque (VR) 7p, Star Kitchen feat. Eric Krasno, Shira Ellis, Aron Magner and Khris Royal (FK) 10p, Lett Us in the Dumpsta feat. members of Lettuce and Dumpstaphunk (FK) 2a One Eyed Jacks: Eric Lindell (BL) 8p, Boom Boom Room presents David Bowie Glitter Glam Bam Spectacular (VR) 1a Palm Court Jazz Café: Mark Braud and Sunday Night Swingsters (JV) 8p Rock ‘n’ Bowl: Sonny Landreth, Tab Benoit, Jonathon Boogie Long (BL) 8p Saenger Theatre: Melissa Etheridge (RR) 8p SideBar NOLA: Klyph and Combsy (VR) 8p, Nolatet Trio feat. Mike Dillo, Brian Haas and James Singleton (VR) 11p Snug Harbor: Jason Marsalis with Alexey Marti (JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: John Lisi and Delta Funk (JV) 2p, Robin Barnes and the FiyaBirds (JV) 7p, Pat Casey and the New Sound (JV) 10p Starlight: Mark Henes and Mikayla Braun (SS) 6p, Gabrielle Cavassa Quartet (JV) 8p, Gabrielle Cavassa Jazz Jam (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p Three Muses: Raphael et Pascal (JV) 5p, the Clementines (JV) 8p Tipitina’s: the Subdudes (VR) 9p, Stanton and Skerik’s 20th Jazz Fest feat. Robert Walter, Scott Metzger, Andy Hess (FK) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

MONDAY APRIL 29

Buffa’s: Arsene DeLay (VR) 5p, Antoine Diel (VR) 8p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat

Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Noggin (VR) 6p, Soul Project (VR) 10p Central City BBQ: New Orleans Crawfish Festival (VR) 3p d.b.a.: Swampede III: Our Swamp Pop Songbook wth Tommy Mclain, CC Adcock, Steve Riley and Dave Ranson, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble feat. Lil’ Buck Sinegal (KJ) 2p, John Boutte (JV) 7p, Johnny Vidacovich Trio feat. John Medeski and Eric Benny Bloom (RR) 10p House of Blues: WWOZ’s Annual Piano Night feat. Ellis Marsalis, Marcia Ball, Jon Cleary, Joe Krown, Tom McDermott and others (PI) 6:30p Howlin’ Wolf: Club d’Elf’s Moroccan Trance Party feat. John Medeski and Skerik (FK) 9p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 12p & 6p Kerry Irish Pub: Beth Patterson (FO) 8:30p Little Gem Saloon: Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road (JV) 7p, Dead Blues feat. the Dickinson Brothers and Grahame Lesh (BL) 11p Maison: Kaladeva Quartet, Chicken and Waffles, Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (JV) 1p One Eyed Jacks: Boom Boom Room presents Frequinox wth Nicholas Payton (FK) 8:30p, Neon-Ghost (FK) 1a Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville Band (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Royal Street Winding Boys (JV) 2p, Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen St. AllStars (JV) 6p, the Rhythm Stompers (JV) 10p Starlight: Lulu and the Broadsides feat. Dayna Kurtz and James Singleton (JV) 6p, Noelle Tannen and Ian Wellmen (SS) 9p, Amanda Walker and Keith Burnstein (SS) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p Three Muses: Monty Banks (JV) 5p, Luke Winslow King (JV) 8p Tropical Isle Original: Graham Robertson (RK) 5:15p, Trop Rock Express (RK) 9:15p

TUESDAY APRIL 30

Blue Nile: Adam Deitch Quartet (FK) 10:30p Buffa’s: Tender Moments with Andre Bohren (VR) 7p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: 4 Sidemen of the Apocalypse (VR) 6p, John Lisi and Delta Funk (FK) 10p Central City BBQ: New Orleans Crawfish Festival (VR) 3p d.b.a.: Dinosaurchestra (JV) 2p, Alex McMurray Band (RK) 8p, Treme Brass Band (BB) 11p Gasa Gasa: Acid Mothers Temple, the Melting Paraiso U.F.O., Yamantaka, Sonic Titan, Weather Warlock (VR) 9p House of Blues: Smino (RB) 7p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Comedy Beast (CO) 8:30p Jazz Playhouse: James Rivers Movement (JV) 8p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 12p & 6p Kerry Irish Pub: Hugh Morrison (IR) 8:30p Maison: Reid Poole’s Boppin’ 5, Eight Dice Cloth, Gregory Agid, Gene’s Music Machine (VR) 1p One Eyed Jacks: Boom Boom Room presents Dragon Smoke (FK) 8:30p Republic: Dance Gavin Dance with Dead Bronco, Hail the Sun, Covet, Thousand Below (VR) 6p Siberia: Little Freddie King (BL) 9p SideBar NOLA: Cyrille Aimee (VR) 7p, RedRawBlak with Brad Walker, Aurora Nealand and Paul Thibodeaux (VR) 9p, Gordon Grdina and Pals (VR) 11p Snug Harbor: Tribute to Roy Hargrove feat. Ashlin Parker and Maurice Brown (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Band (JV) 2p, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (JV) 6p, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p Three Muses: Sarah Quintana (JV) 5p, Andrew Duhon (JV) 8p Tipitina’s: Toubab Krewe, the Nth Power (FK) 9p

Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, F.A.S.T. (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: the Fortifiers (RK) 9p, Jamaican Me Breakfast Club (RE) 10:30p

WEDNESDAY MAY 1

Buffa’s: Open Mic Night with Nattie Sanchez (SS) 7p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Maid of Orleans (VR) 6p, Another Day in Paradise (VR) 10p Central City BBQ: New Orleans Crawfish Festival (VR) 3p Civic Theatre: the Radiators (RK) 10p Cove at UNO: Jazz at the Sandbar feat. Peter Bernstein (JV) 7p d.b.a.: Tin Men (RK) 4p, the Iguanas (RK) 7p, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters (BL) 10p, Bayou Gypsys feat. Roosevelt Collier, Tony Hall (FK) 2a Fillmore: Foundation of Funk feat. Zigaboo Modeliste, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Tony Hall, Ian Hall, Oteil Burbridge (FK) 8p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Michael Liuzza (BL) 6p House of Blues: Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Shorty Fest (JV) 7:30p Howlin’ Wolf: Megalomaniacs Ball 2019 feat. Steel Punk, Mike Dillon’s Punk Rock Percussion Ensemble, NOLAtet Trio (FK) 9p Joy Theater: Shakey Graves, lliterate Light (RK) 8p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 12p & 6p Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 8:30p Lafayette Square: Wednesday at the Square feat. Deacon John, Trumpet Mafia (VR) 5p Little Gem Saloon: James Rivers Movement (JV) 7 & 9p One Eyed Jacks: Daze Between Band feat. Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall, Robert “Sput” Searight, MonoNeon, Ryan Zoidis, Jennifer Hartswick and Weedie Braimah (FK) 10p Palm Court Jazz Café: Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman with Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Prime Example: Nicholas Payton (JV) 9p SideBar NOLA: Johnny Sansone (VR) 3p, Dave Easley (VR) 5p, Eric McFadden, Wally Ingram and Glenn Hartman (VR) 7p, Skerik and Helen Gillet Duo (VR) 9p, Gordon Grdina and Mike Gamble (VR) 11p Snug Harbor: Piano Summit feat. Marcia Ball, Tom McDermott and Joe Krown (JV) 8 & 10p Spotted Cat: Chris Christy (JV) 2p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 6p, Antoine Diel and the New Orleans Power Misfits (JV) 10p Starlight: Davis Rogan (PI) 5p, Tuba Skinny (JV) 8p, Nahum Zdybel’s Hot Jazz Band (JV) 11p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): SONO presents Brandee Younger’s Afro-Harp Ensemble (VR) 9p Three Muses: Leslie Martin (JV) 5p, Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 8p Tipitina’s: Billy Strings with Cedric Burnside (VR) 9p Tropical Isle Original: Debi and the Deacons (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p

THURSDAY MAY 2

Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 10a & 5:30p Buffa’s: Gumbo Cabaret (VR) 5p, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand (JV) 8p, Midnight Snack (VR) 11p Café Negril: Claude Bryant and the All-Stars (VR) 6p, Sierra Green and the Soul Machine (VR) 10p Carrollton Station: Grayson Capps and friends (RR) 9p Civic Theatre: the Claypool Lennon Delirium, Uni (RK) 9p d.b.a.: Jon Cleary (PI) 8p, George Porter Jr. and his Runnin’ Pardners (FK) 11p, Cedric Burnside Project (BL) 2a Davenport Lounge (Ritz-Carlton): Jeremy Davenport (JV) 5:30p

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LIVE LOCAL MUSIC Fillmore: the Revivalists (RK) 8p House of Blues: Deerhunter, TIMKOH (ID) 7p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Nebula Rosa (RK) 8p Howlin’ Wolf: Samantha Fish and Marc Broussard feat. Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer (BL) 9p Joy Theater: Rage!fest feat. Lettuce, Oteil Burbridge, Soul Rebels (FK) 9p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 8p Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson (FO) 8:30p Little Gem Saloon: Marc Stone, Alvin Youngblood Hart, John Mooney, Bruce Sunpie Barnes, Roosevelt Collier (BL) 8p, Gerald French and the Original Tuxedo Band (JV) 8 & 10p Maison: Good For Nothin’ Band, Sweet Substitute, Dysfunktional Bone (VR) 4p, Fiyapowa (VR) 2a Orpheum Theater: the String Cheese Incident (FK) 9p Palm Court Jazz Café: Clive Wilson and N.O. Serenaders (JV) 8p Prime Example: Herlin Riley (JV) 9p SideBar NOLA: Johnny Sketch and A Dirty Note (VR) 8p, Mike Dillon, James Singleton and others (VR) 11p Snug Harbor: Peter Bernstein and friends (JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: Up Up We Go (JV) 2p, Miss Sophie Lee (JV) 6p, Jumbo Shrimp (JV) 10p Starlight: Peter Nu (PI) 5p, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue (CW) 7p, Bon Bon Vivant (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Nicholas Payton and Cyrille Aimee with DJ Abibas (VR) 9p Three Muses: Tom McDermott (JV) 5p Tipitina’s: North Mississippi All-Stars (VR) 9p, California Honeydrops, DJ Doug Funnie (VR) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: DJ Black Pearl (VR) 9p, Corey

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Henry and the Treme Funktet (FK) 10:30p

FRIDAY MAY 3

Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 10a & 5:30p Buffa’s: Davis Rogan (VR) 6p, Asylum Chorus (VR) 9p, Carolyn Broussard’s Revival (VR) 11:59p Café Beignet (Musical Legends Park): Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (TJ) 10a Café Negril: Shawn Williams (VR) 4p, Dana Abbott (VR) 7p, Higher Heights (RE) 10p Carrollton Station: Grayson Capps and friends (RR) 9p Civic Theatre: Oteil and friends (RK) 10p d.b.a.: Rickie Lee Jones (SS) 7p, Soul Rebels (BB) 10p, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress (FK) 2a Fillmore: the Cult (VR) 8p French Market: Johnette Downing (SS) 11a Gasa Gasa: Flow Tribe (FK) 10p House of Blues: the New Mastersounds, Cha Wa (FK) 8p, Grateful Shred: Grateful Dead Tribute (CR) 11:59p House of Blues (Foundation Room): the Quickening (SO) 9p House of Blues (the Parish): RC and the Gritz (RB) 8p Howlin’ Wolf: Bayou Rendezvous with Dr. Klaw feat. members of Lettuce and Dumpstaphunk, Papa John Gros plays a Tribute to Dr. John, Andy Frasco and the UN, Good Enough for Good Times, NOLAtet, Mungion, Eric McFadden Trio (FK) 9p Jazz Playhouse: Shannon Powell Jazz Quartet (JV) 7:30p, Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom feat. Romy Kaye and the Mercy Buckets (BQ) 11p Joy Theater: Mike Gordon (RK) 8p, Les Claypool’s Bastard Jazz (MJ) 2a Kerry Irish Pub: Will Dickerson (FO) 5p, Beth Patterson (FO) 9p

Little Gem Saloon: Ladies of Soul feat. Naydja Cojoe, Rechell Cook and Sharon Martin (SO) 8 & 10p, SpuTazNeon Electric Trio feat. Robert “Sput” Searight, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Mononeon (VR) 11p Mardi Gras World: the String Cheese Incident (FK) 8p One Eyed Jacks: NOLA 50: Celebrating the Music of New Orleans feat. George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Alvin Ford Jr., Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Eric “Benny” Bloom, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff, Skerik (FK) 8p, J.E.D.I.: Jazz Electronic Dance Improvised feat. Aaron Johnston, Marc Brownstein, Borahm Lee, Nate Edgar, DJ Logic with Michael Kang and Jason Hann (EL) 1a Orpheum Theater: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe (FK) 9p Palm Court Jazz Café: Kevin Louis and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Saenger Theatre: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats (RK) 9p SideBar NOLA: Steve, Sasha and Martin Masakowski (VR) 8p Snug Harbor: Ellis Marsalis Quintet (JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: Andy Forest Treeaux (JV) 2p, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings (JV) 6p, Doro Wat (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): La Noche Caliente Six of Saturns Edition feat. Davell Crawford and Pedrito Martinez, Muevelo (LT) 9p Three Muses: Royal Roses (JV) 5:30p, Esther Rose (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: St. Paul and the Broken Bones (VR) 9p, Turquaz (FK) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: Klezmer All-Stars (KZ) 9p, the Iguanas (RK) 10:30p

SATURDAY MAY 4

Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group with Simon Lott (JV) 10a & 5:30p Buffa’s: Warren Battiste (JV) 11a, Dapper Dandies (JV) 6p, Soul O’ Sam with Sam Price (VR) 9p, Charlie Wooton Trio (VR) 11:59p Café Negril: Joy Clark (VR) 4p, Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers (SO) 7p, Another Day in Paradise (VR) 10p Carrollton Station: Grayson Capps and friends (RR) 9p Civic Theatre: Spafford (RK) 10:30p d.b.a.: Tuba Skinny (JV) 6p, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Tommy Mclain and CC Adcock (KJ) 10p, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Michot’s Melody Makers (VR) 1a Gasa Gasa: Community Records 11th Year Anniversary with All People, Hikes (RK) 9p House of Blues: Architects (ME) 6:30p, the New Mastersounds (FK) 11:59p House of Blues (Foundation Room): Juan Tigre (VR) 9p House of Blues (the Parish): Shamarr Allen, Erica Falls (FK) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): the Magic Beans (FK) 11p Howlin’ Wolf: Marcus King Band, Naughty Professor (FK) 10p, Circles Around the Sun (RK) 2a Jazz Playhouse: Lena Prima Band (JV) 8:30p Joy Theater: Anders Osborne and Friends Birthday Bash with Tim Reynolds and TR3 (RR) 8p, Kamasi Washington (JV) 2a Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 5p, Will Dickerson and Van Hudson (FO) 9p Maison: Chance Bushman and the Ibervillainaires, Smoking Time Jazz Club (JV) 1p, Rebirth Brass Band (BB) 10p,

A PRI L 2019

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

Galactiphunk (FK) 2a LIVEtheLOCAL MUSIC Mardi Gras World: String Cheese Incident (FK) 8p Orpheum Theater: Gov’t Mule (RK) 9p Palm Court Jazz Café: Will Smith and Palm Court Jazz Band (JV) 8p Pontchartrain Vineyards: Jazz’n the Vines feat. Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue (CW) 6:30p Saenger Theatre: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats (RK) 9p Siberia: Rotary Downs, Mike Dillon Band (RK) 9p Snug Harbor: Singer Showcase feat. Cyrille Aimee, Germaine Bazzle and Yolanda Robinson (JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: Jazz Band Ballers (JV) 2p, Panorama Jazz Band (JV) 6p, the Catahoulas (JV) 10p Sugar Mill: Sugar Ball feat. Tank and the Bangas, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Sweet Crude (VR) 9p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Six of Saturns (VR) 9p Three Muses: Chris Christy (JV) 5p, Miss Sophie Lee (JV) 6p, Shotgun Jazz Band (JV) 9p Tipitina’s: Galactic, Jupiter Okwess (FK) 9p, Greyboy All-Stars (FK) 2a Tropical Isle Original: the Hangovers (RK) 5:15p, Late As Usual (RK) 9:15p Vaughan’s Lounge: Derek Freeman and Soul Brass (BB) 10p

SUNDAY MAY 5

Blue Nile: Funky But Better feat. Big Sam Williams, Roosevelt Collier, Maurice Brown, Robert “Sput” Searight, MonoNeon (FK) 10:30p Brooks’ Seahorse Saloon: Po Boyz Organ Group

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 9

with Simon Lott (JV) 10a, Po Boyz Organ Group (JV) 5:30p Buffa’s: Some Like It Hot (JV) 11a, Pfister Sisters Reunion Show (JV) 4p, Steve Pistorius Jazz Quartet (JV) 7p d.b.a.: Palmetto Bug Stompers (JV) 6p, Stanton Moore Trio feat. Robert Walter and Will Bernard (FK) 10p, Xoniuqerf feat. Stanton Moore, Donald Harrison Jr., Robert Walter, Rob Mercurio and Will Bernard (FK) 1a House of Blues (the Parish): Bonerama Plays Led Zeppelin feat. AJ Hall, Darcy Malone, Michael Mullins (RK) 8p House of Blues: James Brown Dance Party (FK) 8p Howlin’ Wolf (the Den): Hot 8 Brass Band (BB) 11p Howlin’ Wolf: Zigaboo Modeliste’s Funk Revue 20th Anniversary Celebration (FK) 10p Joy Theater: Jim James, Amo Amo (RK) 9p Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge: Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers (JV) 7:30p, TBC Brass Band (BB) 8:30p Kerry Irish Pub: Patrick Cooper (FO) 8:30p Maison: NOLA Jitterbugs (JV) 10a, Opulence Hour Burlesque (BQ) 7p, Andy Frasco and the U.N. (FK) 10p, Purple Party: A Tribute to Prince feat. members of Prince, TAB, the Motet (FK) 2a One Eyed Jacks: Rising Appalachia (FO) 8p Palm Court Jazz Café: Mark Braud and Sunday Night Swingsters (JV) 8p Portside Lounge: Mike Dillon Band (RK) 9p Siberia: Tall Pines, Loose Cattle, Paul Sanchez (FO) 9p SideBar NOLA: New Orleans Guitar Masters feat. Jimmy Robinson, Cranston Clements and John Rankin (VR) 8p Snug Harbor: Davell Crawford and Company

(JV) 9 & 11p Spotted Cat: Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses (JV) 2p, Robin Barnes and the FiyaBirds (JV) 7p, Pat Casey and the New Sound (JV) 10p Three Keys (Ace Hotel): Deva Mahal and the Nth Power (VR) 9p Three Muses: Raphael et Pascal (JV) 5p, the Clementines (JV) 8p Tipitina’s: Dumpstaphunk: Puttin’ 50 Years of Jazz Fest in the Dumpsta (FK) 9p Tropical Isle Bourbon: Rhythm and Rain (RK) 5p, Debi and the Deacons (RK) 9p

FESTIVALS March 27-31 The annual Tennessee Williams Festival takes place at various venues and features author panels, workshops, performances and parties. TennesseeWilliams.net March 30-31 The Congo Square Rhythms Festival at Armstrong Park includes live music, food and drink vendors and an art market. JazzAndHeritage. org/Congo-Square April 4-7 The New Orleans Ragtime Festival features live music performances at various venues and a showcase at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on April 6th. TheNewOrleansRagtimeFestival.com April 11-14 The French Quarter Festival features live music on multiple stages and food and

drink vendors throughout the Quarter. FrenchQuarterFest.org April 12-14 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival features live music, food vendors, strawberry delights, carnival rides and kids’ activities. LaStrawberryFestival.com April 25-28 & May 2-5 The 50th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place at the Fair Grounds. NOJazzFest.com April 29-30 & May 1 The New Orleans Crawfish Festival at Central City BBQ features three days of live music, beer and crawfish. NolaCrawfishFest.com

SPECIAL EVENTS March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8 The Crescent City Farmers Market holds a weekly produce market with live music every Wednesday at Piety and Chartres streets (foot of Rusty Rainbow bridge) from 3p to 7p FrenchMarket.org March 29-30 The Hogs for the Cause fundraiser at UNO features a barbecue cook-off and live music. HogsForTheCause.org Ongoing The “Drumsville!: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat” exhibit is on display at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. NolaJazzMuseum.org

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BACKTALK

eorge Benson never dreamed he’d record a tribute to Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. A jazz musician and vocalist who became a major pop star in the ’70s, Benson fetes the rock ’n’ roll pioneers in Walking to New Orleans: Remembering Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. Faithful in style and spirit to the original recordings, the selections include Domino’s “Walking to New Orleans” and “Blue Monday” and Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee” and “You Can’t Catch Me.” The Netherlands’ Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group will release the album April 26. During Benson’s years as a teen musician in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, he inevitably heard the hits Domino, Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley and their peers released. “You couldn’t be in the music business and not be aware of those guys,” he said. “That’s what you heard on the radio, and they were jukebox kings, too.” But Benson pursued jazz rather than rock ’n’ roll. After working with organist “Brother” Jack McDuff, the 21-yearold Benson released his album debut, a collaboration with McDuff called The New Boss Guitar of George Benson. Influenced by Wes Montgomery and Charlie Christian, he developed his bell-like tone, distinctive glides and brilliantly fluttering runs. The innovative and, by jazz sales standards, popular albums Benson recorded with producer Creed Taylor led him to major label Warner Bros. Featuring his Top 10 pop hit, “This Masquerade,” Benson’s 1976 debut for Warner Bros., Breezin’, reached number one on the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart. His ensuing hit singles and albums include a Top 10 remake of the Drifters’ “On Broadway” and the Quincy Jones–produced Give Me the Night. The winner of 10 Grammy Awards, the 76-year-old Benson recently contributed guitar to the British band Gorillaz’ aptly breezy single, “Humility.” Featuring comedian Jack Black, the song’s beach-set music video has 59 million YouTube views. Benson spoke to OffBeat from his mountainside home in Paradise Valley, www.OFFBEAT.com

PHOTO: courtesy of the artist

George Benson talks back G

Arizona. Why did you record a tribute to Fats Domino and Chuck Berry? The record company came up with the idea. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to record with a European label. In the United States, they only think of me as “smooth jazz” George. With that mentality, you can’t get into big sales numbers. I like the general audience. I like to make music for everybody. And that translates into recognition all over the planet. By John Wirt

So you were cool with recording an entire album of Domino and Berry songs? It’s a good project because there’s nobody better than these two guys. They had very strong personalities. Their music was simple and easy to digest yet it also had class. And they loved what they did. That was evident from the time you put the needle down on their record. And they played music that you had to respond to. It was never bland. And they were two of the biggest stars of the rock ’n’ roll era and among the A PRI L 2019

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I learned not to turn ideas down. But when they asked me to do ‘On Broadway,’ I said, ‘No. I don’t want to do that. Man, that’s a classic. I don’t want to destroy a classic.’ They said, ‘George, people would love to hear you sing that song.’ And so, I came up with some great ideas— but that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t tried it. music’s originators. That’s right. I used to love anything new by these guys. But I just found out recently how big they were. They were competing with Elvis Presley back there in the ’50s, at least Fats Domino was. You were once asked to join Fats Domino’s band? One of the guys in his band heard me play. He said, ‘Man, our guitar player is leaving. Are you interested in working with Fats Domino?’ My first impression was to say, ‘Yes.’ But I was not really a guitar player yet. So, I was leery and I was afraid of leaving my home. I was only, like, maybe 16 or 17. You met Chuck Berry in the late 1970s? I only had one conversation with him. He had just come home [from federal prison for tax evasion]. He did some time. He was in a music store in L.A., buying guitar strings or picks or both. I was doing a TV interview there, because my record was really breaking out. He didn’t look at me until I said, ‘Mr. Berry.’ He turned around for two seconds and shook my hand real fast and said, ‘How you doing?’ And then he went back to buying his picks. I always loved him, though, because he was so unique. When you were working with Creed Taylor, the founder of the jazz label CTI Records, he threw challenging ideas at you. He asked you to do a jazz version of the Beatles’ Abbey Road, for instance, just weeks after that album was released. Creed Taylor asked me to get something from the B-side of Abbey Road. He said, ‘Take this home and listen to it and tell me what you think.’ I came back to his office the next day. I said, ‘Everything on here is good.’ I’m thinking he’s going to say let’s do one or two songs from the album. But after I told him, ‘Man, everything on this album is good,’ he said, ‘Good. We’ll do the album.’ I said, ‘What?’ Because that was a no-no for jazz people. They hated the Beatles. But we ended up doing The Other Side of Abbey Road and I’m so glad I did it. But when that album came out [in 1970],

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nobody wanted to hear it. But later, when Breezin’ came out, people went back to see where I came from. They found some decent albums. The Other Side of Abbey Road was one of them. White Rabbit, another challenge that Creed Taylor dreamed up, was another. Because I thought a white rabbit was a white rabbit. I didn’t know nothing about drugs. You opened yourself up to a lot of music and ideas beyond jazz. I learned not to turn ideas down. But when they asked me to do ‘On Broadway,’ I said, ‘No. I don’t want to do that. Man, that’s a classic. I don’t want to destroy a classic.’ They said, ‘George, people would love to hear you sing that song.’ And so, I came up with some great ideas—but that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t tried it. They gave me ideas and I had to turn them into something. I’ve learned not to be afraid, because records like ‘On Broadway’ and ‘This Masquerade’ turned out to be the records that charted my destiny. And Quincy Jones, fresh from working on Michael Jackson’s solo breakthrough, Off the Wall, produced your 1980 album, Give Me the Night. Quincy Jones was very hot at the time, but we knew we would work together from the first time I met him. When we got an opportunity to make a record, I knew it was not going to be a normal record. It proved to be difficult for me at first—until Quincy convinced me to put myself in his hands. He said, ‘George, I know you better than you know yourself. Trust me.’ After I got over the shock of him saying that, I said, ‘He’s got a great track record. He’s Quincy Jones, a great musician. Let’s try it his way.’ We had few little run-ins, but after we got past those, we made a classic. And it’s still selling today. The British pop-rock singer-guitarist Peter Frampton, a huge star in the 1970s, also influenced you? I was just making records [in the early ’70s]. Even a hit jazz album sold small numbers. The records kept me working,

but I never had a big hit. And then Peter Frampton changed everything. I saw his picture on magazine. I said, ‘Who in the world is Peter Frampton?’ So, I picked up the magazine and, lo and behold, my name is in the article. Peter Frampton says, ‘I listen to George Benson records all the time.’ I said, ‘You mean to tell me, this guy, who had the biggest record in history, who sold eight million double albums, is interested in my music? Why is he a superstar and I’m just barely hanging in there?’ So, I checked his record out and saw what he was doing. I said, ‘Wow, he’s keeping it simple. He’s got a wah-wah pedal and percussion.’ So, I put a wah-wah pedal on my guitar. That’s what made Warner Bros. Records interested in me. I give Peter Frampton a lot of credit for inspiring me and pointing me in the right direction. When you broke through to mainstream success, did you get blowback from the jazz audience and critics? Of course, but I remembered this: They called Count Basie a sellout when he released ‘Baby Elephant Walk.’ Wes Montgomery, they said he was not a great guitar player because he was cutting those commercial tunes. And they gave Wes Montgomery a one-star review for one of the most beautiful records I had ever heard. I said, ‘No. Uh-uh. I’m not going to allow critics to destroy my life like that. If I ever am fortunate enough to get a hit record, I’m going to play that hit record.” And I finally a got a hit record. So, when they started that criticism with me, which I expected, I had already put up a shield. But more than anything else, I did records with some great people. And one of them was the incredible [Frank] Sinatra. In the studio in front of everybody, he said, ‘Everybody knows about your guitar playing. I love your voice.’ When he said that to me, that neutralized all the bad things that had been thrown at me. Those things never entered my mind again. And everybody goes through that. It’s one of the prices you pay for being famous. O www.OFFBEAT.com