When the Jazz Fest began programming on the second Thursday, they didn’t take any chances by booking expensive touring acts. It was locals’ day with mostly local acts. Those days are long gone—the year Wilco, Cindy Lauper, Maceo Parker (pictured), Stefon Harris and Ruthie Foster will all be competing for your attention—and that’s just in the last time slot.
It’s been three days since you saw any Mardi Gras Indians so head to the Jazz and Heritage stage first thing in the AM for the Fi Yi Yi. Led by Big Chief Victor Harris, this is one tribe that truly stands out in their African-inspired suits.
Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes are one of TVD’s favorite local acts. They hit on the Acura stage at 12:20 PM and are guaranteed to bring it strong. Get there early and give ‘em a shout out when they hit the stage.
Of course, for those festers long in the tooth, you may want to check out The Help, which is playing at about the same time. The band name may not be familiar but the lead singer is one Barbara Menendez. She used to front The Cold back in the day—but then again you knew that or you wouldn’t be long in the tooth. For younger readers, they were a punk/pop band in the late 1970s and are well worth checking out.
I also highly recommend checking out Locos por Juana on the Lagniappe stage at 4:25 PM. These guys play a Latin hybrid sound that is all the rage in Miami and elsewhere. They will have the place going crazy.
If you decide you can’t stand the crowds anymore, head back to the Jazz and Heritage stage at the end of the day for the Stooges Brass Band. They won the Big Easy Award for best brass band and will tear it up for sure.
