Where do we begin as Carnival gets into full swing with a full weekend of parades and other activities? Perhaps the best place is in the historic district of the French Quarter.
Friday afternoon at 3 PM when the Krewe of Cork kicks off their annual parade. This wine-focused marching club hires some of the best brass band musicians and like most Carnival activities it’s free.
The group is led by drummer Frank Oxley and usually includes such stalwarts as Leroy Jones on trumpet, Lucien Barbarin on trombone and Dr. Michael White on clarinet. The parade winds around the French Quarter and features krewe members in wine-related costumes. Feel free to tag along even if you’re not a member- that’s what I do!
Friday night, the legendary guitarist Leo Nocentelli of the Meters returns to his hometown for a performance with his new band, which is called the Get Together. The group features two locals- CR Gruver on keys and Jamal Batiste on drums. Fellow member of the iconic funk band, Art Neville, is expected to sit in. Meters trivia lovers know that the name of Nocentelli’s group comes from a song in the original group’s repertoire.
Saturday night head over the Chickie Wah Wah on Canal Street for a performance by Shannon McNally and Hot Sauce. She is a singer and guitarist whose latest album was recorded right here in New Orleans at Piety Street Studios.
Check out this intimate performance by Shannon:
