Its Festival Time Again Yall

Too much fun

Well, its been another year. It hardly seems that its been one year since I left the 2012 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, still riding the high of the Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings soul show. One of the best Jazz Fest shows ever, and a total surprise. I literally was just walking past after leaving an incredibly uninspired Neville Brothers show, and heard music that was a revelation.

That means its time to stand out in the sun for another four days, inhaling passive smoke, becoming dehydrated, and nurturing my melanoma risk. And listening to four days' worth of really great music. Jazz Fest is here.

Actually, the Festival began last weekend. The first weekend featured the likes of Billy Joel, Dr. John, Gipsy Kings, Allen Toussaint, Earth, Wind & Fire, and BB King.

This weekend features some fairly strong headliners. Fleetwood Mac, no doubt thinking of the millions the Eagles are raking in from touring, have hit the road and are making the Jazz Festival their New Orleans stop. Everyone hide your cocaine, Stevie Nicks has arrived. Other headliners include Hall & Oates, Widespread Panic, Willie Nelson (fresh off his 80th birthday celebration), Widespread Panic, Patti Smith, Marcia Ball, the Mavericks, Los Lobos, the Black Keys, and Trombone Shorty.

Of course, one of Jazz Fest's main attractions is the chance to hear artists you've never heard before. These days the Festival is my only opportunity to listen to a lot of "unknown" music. And the opportunity to enjoy some musical styles not widely heard on the radio. Jazz Fest has an entire stage devoted to gospel music. "Economy Hall" features traditional jazz, i.e. circa 1900-1920 jazz. There's also a blues tent (where I've seen the likes of Ike Turner, Percy Sledge, Gregg Allman, and Mose Allison). And a Jazz Tent, featuring the cream of the New Orleans jazz establishment.

Then, the Festival showcases a wide variety of non-musical attractions. The food, from local vendors, is generally excellent (if incredibly unhealthy in most cases; my first "gluten free" Jazz Fest presents a real challenge). Various exhibitions demonstrate Louisiana heritage, ranging from blacksmithing demonstrations, to Cajun woodworking, to Mardi Gras Indians, to Native American dance. The Festival also features several second line parades throughout each day, infusing the crowd with an opportunity to experience this unique New Orleans tradition.

I've already gotten a head start, having attended YLC Wednesday at the Square, sponsored by the New Orleans Saints. This concert series takes place in historic Lafayette Square, adjacent to Gallier Hall and the US Fifth Circuit Courthouse. The Meters Experience played tonight, busting out a tight set of old Meters funk.  Its a fun way to ease into the concert experience, with downtown workers mingling with Fest-goers. And...SaintSations. Oh yeah...

Each night after the Festival, except the last night (Sunday), I'll post about that day's music. Each post will be too long, according to you, so feel free just to, you know, skim. Or skip ahead. Catch the highlights. No need to dwell on any Top Gun or Dirty Dancing stories that I'll enjoy writing and you'll enjoy avoiding.

And, keep in mind, I'm speaking only for myself when I talk about the bands I've seen. I'm no music expert, and though I've seen and heard a lot of music, I don't hold myself out as some music critic. Just telling you what I liked and didn't like. Your mileage may vary. You got that, idiot Amanda Shaw fans? Guess I could have just written "Amanda Shaw fans."

So...on with the show, this is it! Happy Festival!