Weekend one of Jazz Fest came and went, and as Jazz Fest just can’t seem to catch a break, so did the rains. Gearing up for a BIG closing weekend, here are some picks of who to catch for each remaining day of the fest.
Thursday, April 30
Not to start off skimpy on the opening day, but Friday-Sunday blow Thursday out of the cube-water. So walk around, eat some crawfish monica, drink one of those lemonades, and then go straight to the gospel stage to hear Tasha Cobbs. For real. Then go find Alison Krauss. After watching her videos, I’m really hoping Amy Schumer plays her in an upcoming skit.
Friday, May 1
Friday starts heating things up with Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue. The Panorama Jazz Band are the second local pick of the day (check them play the Levee Acoustics project), to be followed by national acts Estelle (still gotta love her) and what is sure to bring tears to a sea of 90s-reppin rockers, NO DOUBT. We’re all hoping they play Tragic Kingdom top to bottom, but I’ll be happy as long as I can lose my voice to “Sunday Morning.”
Saturday, May 2
We’re repping many great local acts on this heavy-lifting Saturday lineup. Obviously we must pay respek to Ms. Marcia Ball taking the ol’ Acura stage midday (who else crosses her legs like that while playing keys?!) But cutie-pie Dee-1 is also stepping out around the same time on the Congo Square jumpoff, so two time that as best you can. Singer Songwriter swashbuckler Andrew Duhon will woo you with his soft strum n’ hum, Helen Gillet uses her bow and pedal (to the metal), and Germaine Bazzle will skat like noone’s watching…but of course everyone will be watching. Gotta give love to the Young Tuxedo Brass Band
And who knows, I may be the only one who’s bummed to decide between the Elton John and TI, but EJ takes the cake, no question.
Sunday, May 3
Getting choosey again for the finale: big love to locals kicking it off, like Topsy Chapman (who killed it in 12 Years a Slave) and Don Vappie. Then thank the big guy that Jazzfest remembered it needed some DISCO in its life! Catch the O’Jays and get down. Then it’s back to local town to battle for the closing crowds: Trombone Shorty, Dr. John and Maze all compete for the final slot. Pick your poison, and put dem chairs away until next year.
PLAYLIST:
1. Tasha Cobb – “Break Every Chain”
2. Alison Krauss-Gillian Welch – ‘I’ll Fly Away’
3. Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue – ‘To Make Amends’
4. Panorama Jazz Band – “Dansez La Mazouk”
5. Estelle – “Break My Heart ft. Rick Ross”
6. No Doubt – “Sunday Morning”
7. Angela Strehli & Marcia Ball – “A Fool In Love”
8. Dee-1 – Freestyles on “Sway in the Morning”
9. Andrew Duhon – “Put Your Heart Away”
10. Helen Gillet – “Tubin'”
11. Germaine Bazzle – “Day By Day”
12. Elton John – “Daniel”
13. T.I. – “Why You Wanna”
14. Young Tuxedo Brass Band – John Casimir’s “Whoopin’ Blues”
15. Topsy Chapman – “Roll Jordan Roll”
16. Don Vappie – “Careless Love”
17. O’Jays – “Back Stabbers ”
18. Trombone Shorty: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
19. Dr. John & The Band – “Such A Night”
20. Maze & Frankie Beverly – “Feel That You’re Feelin”
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