It’s a sure sign that the holiday season (which separates the two festival seasons in New Orleans) is upon us when the two premier outdoor showcases for local talent shut down until Spring. It’s your last chance to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather during the week.
Both Harvest the Music, which takes place today at 5 PM in Lafayette Square, and Jazz in the Park, which closes out its series tomorrow in Armstrong Park, are going out with a bang.
Today, expect to hear Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes (pictured above) opening for Raw Oyster Cult. There is a considerable amount of cross-pollination between the two groups. The Dirty Notes’ bassist Dave Pomerleau also plays bass in Raw Oyster Cult and Camile Baudoin, one of the two guitarists in Raw Oyster Cult, sits in often enough with the Dirty Notes that he has his own “Johnny” nickname. Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s hear it for Johnny Pirogue.
Over at Armstrong Park tomorrow evening, three incredible musical ensembles will grace the stage. Bonerama opens for Kermit Ruffins and the Rebirth Brass Band. You’d have to be living on Mars to not know that Kermit was one of the founders of the Rebirth.
Here’s a little cross-pollination trivia—trombonist Corey Henry got his start with Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers. But before he joined Galactic, playing Halloween night at the Civic Theater, he also did a stint in the Rebirth and was a member of an early incarnation of Bonerama.
Since Jazz in the Park ends its series on Halloween, expect a massive party in the park beginning at 2 PM. Kids of all ages are encouraged to costume.
The Tremé Nights after party happens at Kermit Ruffins’ Tremé Speakeasy from the close of the show to 11PM, and Da Truth Brass Band will lead a second line to Kermit’s place.
