Longtime festers used to call the Thursday that kicks off the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell “Slacker’s Day.” With the lineup this year, we can put that moniker to rest. The day is as impressive as any of the seven. Here are our picks. The full schedule is here.
Guitarist Spencer Bohren is a beloved folk and blues troubadour known across the globe for his encyclopedic knowledge of roots music. He appears at 12 noon with a band, the Whippersnappers, which features his son Andre on drums as well as some other relative youngsters—bassist Dave Pomerleau, keyboardist Casey McAllister, guitarist Alex McMurray, and saxophonist Aurora Nealand.
At 1:50 PM, one of the hardest working musicians in New Orleans, singer/songwriter Dave Jordan is making his first fest appearance since his much-beloved funk band Juice appeared in 2000 and 2001. Jordan and his current outfit, the Neighborhood Improvement Association, just released a new album of scintillating compositions. They will also be appearing at Rosy’s Jazz Hall on a triple bill of three of New Orleans’ best local, original roots rock bands on Saturday, April 30. Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes and the Honey Island Swamp Band are also on the bill. Go see local music during Jazz Fest!
Talk about bringing out the ringers—the youthful Cajun band, the Lost Bayou Ramblers are going to feature soulful singer Rickie Lee Jones (pictured at top) and Spider Tracy from the Pogues on the Gentilly stage. Head over right after Jordan’s set concludes and you’ll be able to catch the special guests.
If you want to hear a hush fall over a part of the Fairgrounds, head to the intimate Lagniappe stage for Helen Gillet. The cellist, vocalist, and loop artist consistently manages to cast a spell over the crowd with her musical stylings.
For the opposite of hush, head to the Jazz and Heritage stage at 5 pM for the Spirit of the Fi Yi Yi and Mandingo Warriors. This downtown Mardi Gras Indian tribe creates one-of-a-kind, African-inspired suits and raises a mighty racket on stage. They are also celebrating the release of a new album, When That Morning Comes.
The Fais Do Do stage used to be just Louisiana bands, mostly zydeco and Cajun bands from the country, but that has changed in recent years which helps to explain the appearance of the indigenous Canadian activist, folkie and 1960s legend Buffy Sainte-Marie. Not sure what to expect from this set, but it should be one for the archives.
Last year, I witnessed two unprecedented phenomena in the Jazz Tent. Curious about the band Snarky Puppy, I showed up to check them out only to find the tent swarming with dancers who were overwhelming security. Then, fifteen or so minutes into their set, the threat of a massive thunderstorm system passing directly over the Fairgrounds forced the entire fest to shut down. I thought the Snarky Puppy fans were going to riot. Check them out as they get another chance to play a full set in the Jazz Tent.
