Tuning up for the Fest

This weekend French Quarter Festival, the largest free attendance festival in New Olreans, will take place from Friday to Sunday all throughout the Quarter, from the U.S. Mint on Esplanade to the park near the Aquarium, and nearly everyone in between.

It's a great festival, especially if the weather cooperates, and the music from the locals is tuning up for the big show in two weeks: Jazz Fest. But don't be fooled, there is a lot of great music to digest throughout the weekend this weekend. Check out http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest/ for complete information.

This year I have the honor of playing tour guide and musical translator for my mom, who is very capable of cutting her own rug on the dancefloor, especially if the music is Cajun. I may need to get her to Woldenburg Park for the André & Mary Tocé presents Coco Robicheaux show on Friday if we get there early. However, the U.S. Mint location boasts the Zatarain's Cajun/Zydeco Stage, with lots of her music readily available. But if she's tipsy I may have to be bad and bring her to listen to the Soul Rebels, which will be an experience quite unlike any she's had. We shall see.

By the way, and Jazz Fest goers who are attending FQF this weekend, keep the U.S. Mint location in mind. WWOZ will dispense Brass Pass and Overpass passes to WWOZ members who have already purchased such. If the Mint location has died down a bit crowd-wise, it may benefit you to pick up your pass and avoid that first 2 day Will-Call line. Get in the gates 20 minutes earlier to start the day right.

Top Picks from Me:
Friday:      Bonerama 7:30
                 Joe Krown 3:45
                 Waylon Thibodeaux and the Bourbon Street  Cajuns

Saturday: Charmaine Neville in Jackson Square at 1
                 New Orleans Nightcrawlers at 2:45
                 Big Sam's Funky Nation at 6:45

Sunday:     Paul Sanchez and The Rolling Road Show featuring John Boutte 2:15
                  Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers 5:30
                  Pat O'Briens presents The Bucktown All Stars 12:15     

Just a few of my pics. Find the stages yourself at the site! Good for planning the whole day. http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest/fqfi_schedule.php

Get your walking shoes or sandals broke in for the big weekends to come. This is the best time in the year to live in NOLA. Crawfish, shrimp, crabs are all at their best. From Mardi Gras we ran through St. Patrick's Day, then on to French Quarter Fest, then two weeks of Jazz Fest, and May concludes with the Greek Festival. Just an all-around great time to be in the city. 

             ok- rizzo

 

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Comments

  • 4/8/2008 6:06 AM Hot 8 wrote:
    We would like to invite you to try out the Hot 8 Brass Band on the Brass Band stage on April 11th. Or if you have your list set come by Tipitina's later that night.
    Reply to this
  • 4/8/2008 3:43 PM Mr N wrote:
    What great time of year!

    My picks:
    Saturday 7:30 Groovesect
    Sunday 5:30 Sunpie and the Sunspots
    Reply to this
  • 4/8/2008 7:39 PM Mom wrote:
    Better have your dancing shoes on because I'll need a partner. Hope you can keep up the pace. It's going to be great fun.
    Reply to this
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