It’s Easter so that means there’s a parade or two. It’s New Orleans so that means there’s a festival or two. There’s also plenty of music in the clubs. Here’s where you’ll be.
The Freret Street Festival has truly grown up to mirror the development on the street ever since the city provided the zoning overlay in 2006. So much so that the festival, which takes place on Saturday, now has four stages and a Jazz Fest style conflict or two.
This is particularly evident in the last time slot when Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes are up against the Honey Island Swamp Band, John Mooney and the Wild Magnolias. All four acts draw from the same demographic, so you’re just going to have to choose. Click the link for the full schedule.
Conflicts abound all day because two celebrated acts are also playing on Saturday afternoon at the Louisiana Music Factory. Guitarist/banjoist Carl LeBlanc (pictured) plays at 2 PM followed by the Bridge Trio. The trio is composed of three of the best up and coming talents to hail from the city. They were mentored by the saxophonist Donald Harrison, Jr. and are sure to knock your socks off with their telepathic interplay.
Last week, I went to see the Shannon Powell Trio at the Windsor Court Hotel. The tony setting may scare off some people, but the vibe was as down home as can be when Shannon was caressing the skins. They also have a cheap drink special each day that makes the happy hour rather affordable. Saturday night, he celebrates his 50th birthday upstairs in the Polo Lounge at 9 PM.
The show Friday night at the Maple Leaf Bar sounds intriguing—the Sugar in the Groove All-Star Revue featuring Lynn Drury, Tommy Malone, Carlo Nuccio, Eric Traub and Cass Faulkner. I don’t know what to expect, but with those players it can’t be anything but good.
If you’re not celebrating Shannon’s birthday on Saturday night, I have two suggestions. Herlin Riley, who could give Shannon a musical run for the money on the drums, holds court at Snug Harbor. Uptown at Tipitina’s, there’s a benefit for the Central City community. Dubbed “Meet Me at the Dew Drop Inn” it’s a tribute to Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas and Deacon John and features a host of players.
Finally, Easter Sunday is the Pigeon Town Steppers annual parade. It starts at 1 PM at the Big Man Lounge on Louisiana Avenue and winds all the way uptown and even stops at the Maple Leaf Bar. See you there!
