PHOTO: BRADEN PIPER | The Vinyl District is once again happy to be a media sponsor of the French Quarter Festival, which has come to be known as the biggest free festival in the south. Opening day has a limited schedule with only six of the over twenty stages that will be open on Saturday and Sunday presenting music. But what a schedule it is. Here are our picks. The full schedule is here.
Galactic is one of the best-known local touring bands and their renown has only increased with the band’s recent purchase of Tipitina’s. Incredibly, they have never played FQF. That drought of funk ends at 3:45 PM when they precede the mighty Rebirth Brass Band on the main Abita Beer stage.
Early in the day, Funk Monkey, a side project of two of the members of Bonerama, kicks off the music on the same stage at 11 AM. Kermit Ruffins (pictured) and the BBQ Swingers follow at 12:35 PM.
While those bands are certainly well known among local music lovers, don’t miss out on a chance to check out Lil’ Glenn and Backatown. Glenn Hall is a trumpeter who grew up in the Tremé musical tradition and recently graduated from UNO. He leads a great band of young musicians who soaked up the lessons of their elders, particularly when they played in the Baby Boyz Brass Band. They make their FQF debut at 12:30 PM on the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade stage.
Another group of young musicians from the Tremé tradition are in the New Breed Brass band. They will be lighting up the Jack Daniel’s stage at 3:30 PM. Led by snare drummer Jenard Andrews, of the family that produced Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, James Andrews and dozens of other musicians, the New Breed are proud to bring their own unique touch to the traditions of New Orleans.
Tomorrow, our picks for Friday!
