Jazz Fest may be over, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities to get outside and hear some live, local music. Armstrong Park is the place to be this afternoon as the Jazz in the Park series continues.
This week, the TBC Brass Band headlines. The band has endured some struggles in their young career including the tragic murder of one of the members in a domestic case. They have also been at the forefront of the effort to keep the streets of New Orleans alive with music.
Lately, the band has been on fire. They are developing into one of the most sought after bands for the Sunday afternoon second line parades, and put on a great stage act as well. They well deserve this headlining slot.
Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (at top) are the opening act. Lake sings in a variety of configurations including her acclaim duo show with pianist Tom McDermott. But working with the Little Big Horns, a great trad band anchored by Jason Jurzak, one of the better sousaphonists in town, is the best setting to hear the songstress at work.
The People United For Armstrong Park, the organization that sponsors the Thursday evening concert series is offering a membership option this spring. For five dollars, patrons can become an important driver of the PUfAP mission to keep Jazz in the Park free, and get their Congo Card, which entitles them to one dollar off most beverages at the park, as well as a dollar off food from Armstrong Eats, with a menu that includes P&J oysters, shrimp, catfish, and sweet potato fries.
“People are happy to contribute five dollars to help keep Jazz in the Park free,” says Membership Coordinator, Lisa Mastro. “They like having the lanyard to wear, because it makes them an official part of the event.”
Additional benefits of the Congo Card include bypassing food and beverage lines during Jazz in the Park events, and 10% off all Jazz in the Park official merchandise. Several New Orleans businesses also offer 10% off entire purchases with the Congo Card: Dirty Coast, Fleurty Girl, and David Art Center. Elysian Fields Inn offers 15% off accommodations. An incentive program gives existing members a drink on the house for every new member they refer.
Three hundred Congo Cards have been sold so far this season, and once the five hundred mark is reached, the price will climb from five to ten dollars. Charter members will retain the option to renew at the five-dollar price for the life of the membership drive.
