It’s been a long slow summer for everyone in New Orleans, particularly the musicians and the businesses catering to them. All that changes at the LMF on Saturday when they present a full afternoon of live music.
The day starts at 2 PM with Michael Cerveris & Loose Cattle. The leader is best known around town for his collaboration on the musical Nine Lives, which is being prepped for a possible national run including a stint on Broadway. It turns out the actor/singer also fronts a band playing country music and a few fascinating rock covers (see below).
At 3 PM, Ken Swartz, a long time New Orleans resident who traffics in the earliest blues and originals appears. Jimmy Carpenter follows him.
The saxophonist plays regularly with Walter “Wolfman” Washington but he can play it all, although he has been a sideman most of his career. He steps out with his own handpicked band of monster players.
5 PM is the main act. DVS (pictured at top) is Mike Dillon, Johnny Vidacovich, and James Singleton. I heard them play together at the Maple Leaf Bar some weeks back and was blown away. Everyone around town knows the rhythm section and Dillon is carving out a nice niche for himself. Together, these three just killed. You can download four of their songs free here, but seriously, buy the album.
