Yesterday’s post hipped you to the festival that’s taking place this weekend. But did you know there’s a parade too? There’s also more music than any one person could possibly hear. My recommendations follow.
The Yemaya Parade winds around the downtown area Saturday afternoon and evening. It’s an all-women parading organization that includes high school marching bands, social aid, pleasure clubs, Mardi Gras Indians, and so much more. It’s starts at Buffa’s on Esplanade Avenue at 4:30 PM and ends at the Michalopoulos Studio at 527 Elysian Fields Avenue.
I went to the inaugural parade last year and loved it. Several women’s marching clubs, including the Pussy Footers and the Bearded Oysters, will be out in full costume.
Friday night, traditional jazz chanteuse Linnzi Zaorski is back in town and is playing the early set at D.B.A. while Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers hold down their regular gig down the block at the Blue Nile. I just saw Kermit’s act at the Mirliton Fest for the first time in a while, and the band killed it. I especially enjoyed his guest vocalist Nayo Jones’s rendition of “At Last.”
Later in the evening, Star and Micey, a Memphis band that has been getting a lot of press, are playing at the Circle Bar. I haven’t heard them yet, but the buzz is building. Next time in town, they will play in a larger room or I will eat my hat.
Saturday night there’s a tremendous amount of music going on. The New Orleans Suspects are at the Maple Leaf Bar and The Honey Island Swamp Band are at Blue Nile just to name a few.
But for pure entertainment value, head over the Tipitina’s for the third annual Black & Gold Superfan Party featuring the Soul Rebels. Many of the crazies that dress up for Saints games will be in attendance. Who wants to place bets on which Superfan stays up all night and still makes it to the game at noon on Sunday?
See you there!
