The festival that music freaks have been waiting for all year kicks off at the New Orleans Fairgrounds at 11 AM tomorrow morning. It’s the 45th iteration of event. Here are some tips for getting the most out of opening day.
This year the Jazz Fest celebrates Brazil. The connections between New Orleans and the South American country are numerous. The first Brazilian group to hit the stage is BaianaSystem of Bahia on Congo Square stage at 12:25 PM. Bahia is the state in Brazil which has the most similarities to New Orleans. This group is not a traditional ensemble, though. They delve into hip-hop and reggae while staying true to their African roots.
Grab a bite to eat or something to drink after their set and head over to the intimate Jazz and Heritage stage. There you will find a parading group from Brazil bearing many similarities to our own Carnival traditions. Afoxé Omô Nilê Ogunjá hails from Pernambuco—a state in northeastern Brazil.
Kirk Joseph has been back playing his sousaphone with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band so his appearances with his own ensemble, the Backyard Groove have become quite rare. The band features great players including drummer Kevin O’Day and sax player Calvin Johnson.
The final slot of the first day presents the first of multiple conflicts. Two Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers—Santana and Public Enemy—vie for your attention. The Avett Brothers bring old timey sound to a new generation. Gregory Porter is the current critical darling of jazz vocalists. I saw him last year in Chicago and he’s the real deal.
Our own Aurora Nealand (pictured above) fronts the Royal Roses with style and grace mining songs from the era of Sidney Bechet. Brice Miller leads his Mahogany Brass Band through an emotional repertoire. If you read this space every year, you’ll know where I’ll be.
BOTTOM PHOTO: LIFESLICEZ MEDIA/STEVE MORAN
