It just gets better and better! Yesterday morning, the fine folks at the French Quarter Festival presented the artists that are scheduled to perform at the 33rd iteration of the annual event.
This year, more than two dozen acts are performing for the first time including critical favorite slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, South Louisiana legend Buckwheat Zydeco and perennial rock ‘n’ rollers Cowboy Mouth. The festival will take place in the historic district April 7-10, 2016.
Other familiar names making their festival debuts include the Batture Boys featuring Tommy Malone and Ray Ganucheau, Mason Ruffner, Cha Wa, Andre Bohren, Andy J Forest Trio, Caesar Brothers Funk Box, Charlie Halloran and the Quality 6, Charlie Wooten Project, Little Maker, Sarah Quintana & the Miss River Band, T’Canaille, and Thais Clark.
In other French Quarter Festival news, the official after party on Friday, April 8 will include a Tribute to Allen Toussaint at the House of Blues. This special event will be a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting Toussaint’s foundation—New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness.
The French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala will return to Antoine’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 7 and will be a benefit for the Roots of Music after school music education program. Honorary co-chairs and special guests include Governor John Bel Edwards, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and Mike Illanne, Vice President of Chevron North America, Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. Chervon is the presenting sponsor of the annual event.
Finally, on a personal note, Isabelle Jacopin, the cover artist for my book, Up Front and Center: New Orleans Music at the End of the 20th Century is the serious talent behind the official poster shown at top.
