We sure have it easy in New Orleans during festival season. Two festivals, both of which are growing, are happening on Saturday within walking distance of each other. The Freret Street Festival, which runs from Jefferson Avenue to Napoleon Avenue on its namesake street has expanded to five stages. Craw Fest, on Tulane University’s campus, is now charging $10 admission. More on that later.
The best thing about Freret Fest is a chance to hear bands that you may have heard about but haven’t seen live yet. Tank and the Bangas are a neo-soul outfit turning heads all over town. They were the house band for the buzz-generating Nina Simone tribute at Chickie Wah Wah a few months back.
The front man for Baby Bee, Joe Stark almost stole the show at the recent Stones Fest at Tipitina’s. He more than held in own in the company of some veterans including Alex McMurray and Dave Malone.
Baby Bee’s song in the video below was featured on the television show, “The Walking Dead.”
Speaking of the Malones, Tommy Malone (pictured at top) has a new album coming out and he closes out the Freret Street Festival with his band.
Another hot, wave-making band is making their Freret Fest debut. The Parishioners play a style they have dubbed, “Gothic Americana.” Of course, there are a lot of familiar names on stage too, but I suggest checking out one or more of these up and coming acts.
Over on Tulane’s campus, I was initially dismayed to hear they are charging to get on the quad. But then I looked at the lineup. If Freret Fest is a chance to hear new music, Craw Fest is a chance to hear some great touring acts and some locals as well.
Ballyhoo!, a well-regarded band from the East Coast, that plays a compelling mix of rock and reggae, hits at 1:30 PM. This is their second visit to our fair city in the last month or so.
At 5:30 PM, keyboardist Marco Benevento performs with his trio. He is hardly a stranger to New Orleans having collaborated with many of our city’s finest. He is playing later at the Blue Nile and will be back for an extended visit during Jazz Fest. Stay tuned!
