From five stages on Thursday to eleven on Friday, the French Quarter Fest won’t even be in full swing until the weekend. But with Dr. John, the event’s marquee performer playing today, this could be the most crowded weekday in the history of the festival. He hits on the Abita Stage at 4 PM.
Feel like lounging on the lawn all day? You really can’t go wrong with Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers and the Roots of Music band bookending the good doctor and the Rebirth Brass Band closing out the day. Here’s a musical wish—will Kermit stick around to sit in with his old bandmates in the Rebirth?
The brass band stage has been moved to the Old U.S. Mint to make way for the new Big River stage on the Woldenberg lawn. They have a stellar lineup all day. My picks are Leroy Jones’ Original Hurricane Brass Band and the Stooges—two separate generations of brass band musicians with different styles.
The Hurricane formed back in the 1970s when Jones was inspired by the late, great Danny Barker to start his own group. The Stooges are of much more recent vintage.
I would be remiss not to mention Nigel Hall. Since he moved to town last year, the keyboardist and vocalist has been tearing it up with various combinations of local musicians. I’m not sure whom he has scheduled in his band, but it will be over the top.
Finally, Davell Crawford will follow Walter “Wolfman” Washington and his trio in Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Crawford plays until midnight, so you can turn the daytime into night with the piano prince.
