Super Bowl week has commenced in New Orleans, and there is so much going on that I decided to give you a head start on planning your musical activities. With Jazz Fest impresario Quint Davis handling the booking, this free festival in Woldenberg Park has something for everyone.
The shows will be on four stages. They begin Thursday evening, and extend through game day. Many of the bands are scheduled to play twice a day on different stages. For the full schedule click here.
Thursday, the Stooges Brass Band plays at 5:40 PM on the NFC stage, and again on the North End Zone stage at 8:40 PM. They bring serous energy, and will wow any and all out-of-town visitors with their unique take on the brass band tradition of New Orleans.
For something a little different, the Hot Club of New Orleans plays at 6 PM on the North End Zone Stage, and again at 8:40 PM on the South End Zone Stage. I see these guys every other Friday at D.B.A. They never cease to amaze with their musicality and repertoire of string tune favorites.
Friday kicks off early—at 10:15 AM with Tuba Skinny. They are one of the best young trad outfits in town, and have recently traded up from playing on the streets to playing on stages. Check ‘em out at 11:40 AM too on the North End Zone stage.
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue headlines Friday with a set at 9:15 PM on the NFC Stage. Troy has been dubbed New Orleans’ latest breakout star, but locals know he’s been a star since he was a child.
Speaking of breakout stars, the Grammy-award winning Rebirth Brass Band headlines Saturday’s events with a set at 8:30 PM on the NFC Stage. Anthony Bourdain’s Travel Channel show gave them some major props on Monday night, and had some great shots from their regular Tuesday night gig at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Sunday has a shortened schedule since the big game starts at 5:30 PM, though dedicated fans know that the hype will be going on all day. Check out Papa Grows Funk on the AFC Stage at 12:30 PM. The long-running funk band recently announced they are going on hiatus by the summer, so this may be one of your last chances to see them outdoors in the festival setting.
See you there!
