Here a fest, there a fest, everywhere a fest-fest! Plus a cold front is coming through so it may be the last cool (relatively) weekend until October. So get outside and here’s some live local music! There’s plenty happening in the clubs as well. Here’s where you’ll be.
The third annual New Orleans Oyster Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday. They have moved the site onto the riverfront in Woldenberg Park, so you’ll be off the hot pavement and onto some cool grass with a river breeze blowing.
Saturday’s headliner is Wet Willie (pictured). Folks with long memories will recall their one big hit,“Keep On Smilin’.” The band had southern groove down pat. It will be interesting to see if they still do.
Sunday’s headliner is the one and only Irma Thomas. For some reason, this woman’s voice just gets better and better. I heard her tackle Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It” at the Big Easy Entertainment Awards and even though she was having a hard time walking, she nailed it. Click here for the full schedule.
Over in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, the Bay Bridge Festival is bringing New Orleans talent to the Redneck Riviera. The setting is gorgeous and the lineup is impressive.
Saturday’s headliner is J.J. Gray and Mofro (pictured). Though he is not from New Orleans, this singer and guitar slinger sounds like he could be. Local up-and-comers Flow Tribe are set to close out the secondary stage.
Raw Oyster Cult closes out Sunday. This group features three of the former members of the Radiators along with John Gros on keys and Dave Pomerleau on bass. If you want to get your fishhead fix, this is the place to be. Click here for the full schedule.
Speaking of Flow Tribe, they will be tearing the roof off of the Maple Leaf Bar on Friday night. While downtown, the Soul Rebels will be performing the same feat at D.B.A. Sasha Masakowski plays a duo gig at the House of Blues Voodoo Garden. It’s an early evening show beginning at 5 PM.
Saturday night, George Porter, Jr. brings his high-octane funk back to D.B.A. The band has been on fire lately. Then again, since when has George ever not been on fire?
Dave Alvin (pictured), one of California’s great singer / songwriters makes a rare local appearance at Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl. I’ve had the chance to see him a few times going back to his days with his original band, the Blasters, and he puts on a great show. See you there!
