There’s a lot going on this weekend, which is why I previewed the Po-Boy Festival yesterday. Here’s a look at my picks for the clubs and two very cool daytime activities tomorrow.
The Fringe Festival has been going on for the last few days at venues all over the Marigny and the Bywater. Tomorrow is the Goodchildren parade, which begins at 2 PM on the Poland Avenue neutral ground and winds around the Bywater neighborhood before ending at the St. Roch Tavern. This parade is a hoot with lots of wild multi-wheeled contraptions marching along with costumed revelers. Here’s the parade route.
Also tomorrow afternoon (I know, if only we could be in two places at once), the Louisiana Music Factory continues its Saturday afternoon concert series in the record shop on Decatur Street. The Peter Novelli Band plays at 2 PM and Ted Hefko and the Thousandaires play at 3 PM.
Hefko, a saxophonist, guitarist, singer/songwriter, made his mark on the city before decamping to New York several years back. He returns frequently and in addition to his performance Saturday afternoon, he will be appearing at Three Muses Saturday evening at 6:00 PM.
But I get ahead of myself. Tonight is the kick off of the two-night/two-club Mermaid Lounge Reunion. It takes place at the Hi Ho Lounge and Siberia, which are both on St. Claude Avenue. Though many of the bands that are booked never actually played at the sorely-missed Warehouse District hipster hangout (which closed in 1994) or only played there a couple of times, I believe that the organizers’ spirit is firmly planted in the eclectic tradition of the club.
I have fond memories of trying to tell friends how to find the original Mermaid, which was located on John Churchill Chase (the street name alone provoked instant curiosity)– a one-way street under the bridge overpass. Once they got there, they were always amazed at the amazing vibe in the place. The Rusty Nail occupies the space now, but it’s a whole different beast since gentrification in the area changed its complexion dramatically.
Heads up guitar freaks! Sunday night is the eagerly awaited return of the 8-string guitar phenomenon Charlie Hunter. He will be performing two sets at Snug Harbor at 8 and 10 PM. Hunter rarely plays in these parts and the shows will be a chance to see him show off his chops in a duo setting with the drummer Scott Amendola.
See you on the streets!
