There are three noteworthy shows this weekend that are free—unfortunately two are at the same time.
Tonight, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes play at Tipitina’s as part of the Foundation Free Fridays series. I went last Friday to hear the Honey Island Swamp Band and I truly enjoyed the mixed crowd. There were people of all ages. There were fans of the band and there were some folks who just wanted to go to Tipitina’s on a Friday night. By the end of the show, I think the HISBEEs generated some new fans as well. I expect the same this evening.
Tomorrow afternoon is where the conflict emerges. The Yat Pack, I am assuming they are a cover band, plays at the Louisiana Music Factory at 2 PM. Eric Lindell follows them at 3 PM. Lindell is a well-known commodity around town for his powerful vocals and catchy tunes. However, he rarely plays for free.
At the same time Lindell will be showing off his chops on Decatur Street, Brian Seeger will be performing down the block at the National Jazz Historical Park. The guitarist is one of my favorite players and is regular on the stage at the NJHP. Saturday afternoon, his band features the saxophonist Scott Bourgeois, who honed his talents in New Orleans before moving on to greener pastures in New York. This should be a wonderful set of soul jazz.
Saturday night, I plan on checking out Irvin Mayfield’s new I Club in the JW Marriott hotel for the first time. Walter “Wolfman” Washington opens for Los Hombres Calientes. But you knew that from reading yesterday’s post!
Also. Saturday night, prodigal son Clark Vreeland returns to New Orleans to play at Snug Harbor. Fans of the Radiators may want to check this show out since Ed Volker and Vreeland were roommates back in the day and Vreeland was a member of the Rhapsodizers along with future Radiators Volker, Camile Baudoin and Frank Bua.
