It’s a long weekend and there are all kinds of things going on in New Orleans. The biggie is the Essence Music Festival, which is taking place over the next three nights in the Louisiana Superdome. Besides the big stars that will be gracing the main stage are some local stars of our own in the Superlounges. My recommendations include the TBC Brass Band, playing for the first time at Essence, and Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Irma Thomas as well as the Rebirth and Soul Rebels Brass Bands.
For something completely different than the music being offered at Essence, head over to Tipitina’s tonight for the latest installment of their Foundation Free Fridays series. Hard rock is on the bill with Rock City Morgue opening for Supagroup.
Early Saturday night at D.B.A. will be something special. Ever since moving back to town, the trumpeter Wendell Brunious has been gradually re-inserting himself into the jazz scene. He sits in regularly at Dos Jefes and is a member of John Boutte’s band.
Boutte is not playing his usual Saturday gig, so Brunious is filling in with his quartet. He is a great trumpeter and if you haven’t heard him since he moved home, Saturday night is the night.
The biggest show of the weekend has to be Tipitina’s “Soul, Soul, Soul.” This multi-bill act features 101 Runners Mardi Gras Indian band featuring Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and horn players from the Rebirth and Dirty Dozen Brass Bands. The opening act is War Chief Juan and the Wild Commanches. Juan Pardo is one of the standout performers of the latest generation of Mardi Gras Indians. He also fronts the 101 Runners.
Since most everyone has Monday off of work, Sunday is the third night of this holiday weekend and I can think of no better place to spend it than in the funky confines of the Maple Leaf Bar. The trio, featuring Joe Krown on organ, Russell Batiste on drums and the legendary Walter “Wolfman” Washington on guitar and vocals, will be throwing down their soul and funk as usual.
FYI– The daily paper has the Honey Island Swamp Band opening this show. But they are on tour and will be playing at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon on Sunday.
