Twenty-one stages! All over the French Quarter! French Quarter Fest is in full swing on the weekend. It’s impossible to do it all, don’t even try. Here are our picks to get the most out of your musical weekend.
Brazilian music has much in common with the music of New Orleans. Chegadão combines the best of both worlds with high energy, danceable sounds. They are a little something different and may just expand your musical horizons, as you get ready for the Brazilian invasion during Jazz Fest. They hit at 12:30 PM on Saturday by the Old U.S. Mint.
If they strike your fancy and you want to hear more Brazilian music, you can’t go wrong with a stroll over to Royal Street for a set by Riccardo Crespo and Sol Brasil. Crespo is from the south of that giant country, but he has been living in New Orleans for years. He sings, plays guitar and harmonica, and usually has an accordion player on board.
Guitar players fill up the afternoon and early evening on the Abita stage. Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters close the day preceded by Renard Poche and Tommy Malone. These three soulful fellows will have you grooving.
I discovered last year that Preservation Hall is actually open with live music all day on Saturday and Sunday of FQF. There’s usually a long line and a cover charge to get into the venerable trad jazz mainstay, but they open the doors for free for festers. Pass by and peak in—if you like what you hear, stick and stay.
The French Quarter Festival isn’t just about live music—they also boast the world’s largest Jazz Brunch with vendors all over the neighborhood. Sunday morning will be a perfect time to fortify yourself before the last day of music.
The main stages will be packed all day, so spend some of the day off the beaten track and hearing some interesting music. Cellist Helen Gillet formed her Wazozo Zorchestra (pictured below) to stay fluent in French and explore the traditional chansons of the country. The band is stocked with extremely versatile musicians and will further expand your musical horizons. They hit at noon by the Royal Street location of Rouse’s market.
If the French music moves you, stick around for Harmonouche. This band features a French guitarist who is a fluid player in the manner of Django Reinhart.
Speaking of great guitarists, Carl LeBlanc has been playing around New Orleans for decades. He also plays banjo with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. I don’t know what he has planned for his set at 3:45 PM in the 600 block of Bourbon Street, but it will be tasty and tasteful.
It’s tough to make a call for the last act of the day, but the last few years have found me away from the massive crowds in Woldenberg Park listening to Astral Project by the Old U.S. Mint. These guys are modern jazz veterans that always manage to keep it fresh. Last year, bassist James Singleton even whipped out a cornet and took a blistering solo.
See you there!
